What type of coal is best

Thermal coal, as the name implies, is used in energy generation for heating, but it is also used for cement manufacturing and other industrial purposes. Metallurgical coal is primarily mixed with iron ore to produce iron and steel. Anthracite is the most mature form of coal deposit and thus has the highest carbon content of any coal type. Ironically, despite being the fuel that powered the industrial revolution, industrialized countries around the world are moving away from burning coal as an energy source due to its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

Moving away from coal to generate electricity is one of the ways countries like Canada and the UK are addressing climate change. Combating its contribution to air pollution is only one of the challenges facing the coal industry.

As one of the oldest commodities attributed to the mining sector, coal mines and the mining methods used at them have long been controversial. Getting to know the differences is key for energy investors evaluating companies and projects.

For a closer look at the different coal types and their uses, check out our other articles on the subject:. And if you want to start investing in coal, read our Introduction to Coal Investing. Year Published: Assessing U. Shaffer, Brian N. View Citation. Shaffer, B. Geological Survey Fact Sheet —, 6 p. Year Published: Coal--a complex natural resource : an overview of factors affecting coal quality and use in the United States Schweinfurth, Stanley P.

Coal--a complex natural resource : an overview of factors affecting coal quality and use in the United States; ; CIR; ; Schweinfurth, Stanley P. Filter Total Items: 1. Date published: October 23, Filter Total Items: List Grid. December 31, It played a significant role in Pennsylvania coal during the Industrial Revolution in the United Read more about our coal research here Attribution: Energy and Minerals. Read more about our Attribution: Water Resources. Coal Burning Power Plant A coal burning power plant.

Coal train being filled in Wyoming Coal train being filled in Wyoming. For a closer look at the different types of coal and their uses, check out some of our other articles on the subject:. This is an updated version of an article published by the Investing News Network on October 11, The Energy Central Power Industry Network is based on one core idea - power industry professionals helping each other and advancing the industry by sharing and learning from each other.

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