What is Coal?

Coal is one of the world’s major source of nonrenewable energy as it takes millions of years to create.. It is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock composed mostly of carbon and hydrocarbons.


Uses and Classification of Coal

Coal has many important uses worldwide. The most significant uses are in electricity generation, steel production, cement manufacturing and as a liquid fuel.Different types of coal have different uses. 

1.Anthracite-domestic/industrial smokeless fuel
2.Bituminous-It is classified into Thermal and Metallurgical
Thermal(steam coal)- power generation,industrial uses,cement manufactureMetallurgical(Coaking coal) - Manufacture of Iron and Steel
3.Sub-bituminous-power generation,industrial uses,cement manufacture

4.Lignite-largely power generation

Coal has other uses.Coal can be processed many different ways to create a wide variety of products, from carbon filters to pharmaceuticals

In India,it is found in Jharkhand, West Bengal,Orissa,Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The five largest coal users - China, USA, India, Russia and Japan .

Coal Mining

Coal miners use giant machines to remove coal from the ground. 

They use two methods: 

surface or underground mining 

Coal mining raises a number of environmental challenges, including soil erosion, dust, noise and water pollution, and impacts on local biodiversity. Steps are taken in modern coal mining operations to minimise these impacts.

Major Coal Industries in India


1)Coal India Limited (CIL)- Government of India undertaking
2) Neyveli Lignite Corporation is a PSU  involved in lignite mining company in India.
3) Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is a PSU  jointly owned by Andhra Pradesh and the Federal Governm .