The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates there are nearly one trillion tons of recoverable coal on earth. Though estimates vary, coal could provide for the world’s energy needs for the next 200 years. The United States possesses over a quarter of the world’s coal reserves, though China is currently the largest coal producer. According to the EIA, the nations with the most coal deposits are the U.S., Russia, China, India, Australia, and South Africa.
Richest Coal Nations
| Nation |
Coal reserves (Billion short tons)
|
Share of Total Reserves
|
| USA |
268
|
26.8%
|
| Russia |
173
|
17.3
|
| China |
126
|
12.6
|
| India |
102
|
10.2
|
| Australia |
87
|
8.7
|
| South Africa |
54
|
5.4
|
| Source: EIA |
In the United States, most coal reserves appear to be located along the Appalachian and Rocky Mountain ranges. Coal is found in 38 states and nearly 1/8 of the country lies over a coal bed. Montana has the most coal reserves, though Wyoming is currently the top coal producer.
Richest Coal States
| State |
Coal reserves(Billion short tons)
|
| Montana |
119
|
| Illinois |
104
|
| Wyoming |
63
|
| West Virginia |
32
|
| Kentucky |
29
|
| Pennsylvania |
27
|
| Ohio |
23
|
| Colorado |
16
|
| Texas |
12
|
| Other states |
62
|
| Total |
982
|
| Source: EIA |
Texas has the ninth largest coal reserves, based on available data. The state produces mostly lignite coal, but it does have a large pocket of bituminous coal as well. However, it is currently the nation’s largest coal consumer, using approximately 100 million tons per year.
Coal Reserves distributed in the United States by class
Related Links:
- World Coal Reserves—EIA
- US Coal Reserves—EIA
- US Coal Production—EIA
- US Coal Consumption—EIA
- Historic Coal Prices—EIA
- State Electric Profiles—EIA
