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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.

Global Coal Reserves

Coal Distribution across the world | Geography for UPSC CSE

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
The document Coal Distribution across the world | Geography for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course Geography for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on Coal Distribution across the world - Geography for UPSC CSE

1. What are global coal reserves?
Ans. Global coal reserves refer to the total amount of coal that is estimated to exist in various parts of the world. These reserves are an indication of the potential supply of coal available for extraction and use.
2. How is coal distributed across the world?
Ans. Coal distribution across the world is influenced by various factors such as geological conditions, historical mining activities, and economic considerations. Different countries have varying levels of coal reserves, with major coal-producing nations including China, the United States, India, Australia, and Russia.
3. Which countries have the largest coal reserves?
Ans. As of current estimates, the countries with the largest coal reserves are: 1. United States 2. Russia 3. Australia 4. China 5. India
4. What is the significance of coal distribution?
Ans. The distribution of coal reserves plays a crucial role in global energy production and consumption. Countries with abundant coal reserves have a competitive advantage in terms of energy security, domestic electricity generation, and industrial development. Additionally, coal distribution impacts global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change due to the carbon-intensive nature of coal combustion.
5. How is coal used across the world?
Ans. Coal is primarily used for electricity generation, with coal-fired power plants being a major source of electricity in many countries. It is also used in industrial processes, such as steel and cement production, and as a fuel for heating and cooking in some regions. However, the use of coal is gradually decreasing in many parts of the world due to environmental concerns and efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.
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