Distribution of Coal across the World – Global Coal Reserves – Top Producers and Consumers of Coal in the World – Distribution of Coal in USA – Distribution of Coal in China.

Distribution of Coal across the World

• Most of the Russia’s coal in Siberian Region is untapped.
• Carboniferous coal of Great Lakes and Appalachians region helped USA become a leading industrialized nation.
• Coal reserves in Ruhr and Rhineland region coupled with rich iron deposits have made Germany a leading industrial super power of Europe.
• England too benefited immensely from its coal reserves of South Whales, Yorkshire, Manchester, Liverpool etc. Industrial revolution began here mainly due to rich coal reserves.
• Brazil is a leading coal producer in South America. Most of the coal goes into power generation. Excess production is exported to China.
• Australia is a leading producer of coal. Most of its coal is exported to China, Japan etc. Australia has rick coking coal deposits. India imports coking coal mainly from Australia.
• China’s coal is of poor quality. It imports metallurgical grade coal from Australia.
• South Africa is the only region in Africa with significant amount of coal reserves.

Top Producers and Consumers of Coal in the World

Distribution of Coal in USA

• World’s second biggest coal producing country.
• World’s second biggest coal consumer [China first].
• 37% of the country’s electricity generation come from coal.
• Coal mining occurs in 25 states of which Wyoming, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Texas are the biggest coal producers.
• The North Antelope ROCHELLE COAL MINE located in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming is the world’s biggest coal mine
• Allegheny Mountains and Appalachian Mountains have enormous coal deposits.
• Most coal now produced in the United States is mined in western surface mines, especially in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin.

Distribution of Coal in China

• World’s third biggest coal reserves.
• Largest producer and consumer of coal in the world.
• Largest user of coal-derived electricity [68.7%].
• Industry hugely dependent on Coal.
• Photochemical smog == Intensifying environmental concerns all over China due to coal burning.