Coal - a Level Geography
Coal – Energy
Where are coal reserves?
Surface mining and deep underground mining are the two basic methods of mining. Many coals extracted from both surface and underground mines require washing in a coal preparation plant.
Coal Exploration - Coal reserves are discovered through exploration activities. The process usually involves creating a geological map of the area, then carrying out geochemical and geophysical surveys, followed by exploration drilling. This allows an accurate picture of the area to be developed. The area will only ever become a mine if it is large enough and of sufficient quality that the coal can be economically recovered. Once this has been confirmed, mining operations begin.
There are many ways to extract coal:
Modern surface mining
Area mining
Contour mining
Mountaintop removal mining
Underground mining
Which countries have most coal?
According to the BP Statistical review of world energy 2011, North America had the largest coal reserves with 120 billion tonnes of oil equivalent. The Middle East have very little amounts of coal.
It has been estimated that there are over 861 billion tonnes of proven coal reserves worldwide.
Coal reserves are available in almost every country worldwide, with recoverable reserves in around 70 countries. The biggest reserves are in the USA, Russia, China and India. After centuries of mineral exploration, the location, size and characteristics of most countries' coal resources are quite well known.
How long will coal reserves last?
It has been estimated that there are over 861 billion tonnes of proven (Reserves that are not only considered to be recoverable but can also be recovered economically. This means they take into account what current mining technology can achieve and the economics of recovery. Proved reserves will therefore change according to the price of coal; if the price of coal is low proved reserves will decrease) coal reserves worldwide. This means that there is
Where are coal reserves?
Surface mining and deep underground mining are the two basic methods of mining. Many coals extracted from both surface and underground mines require washing in a coal preparation plant.
Coal Exploration - Coal reserves are discovered through exploration activities. The process usually involves creating a geological map of the area, then carrying out geochemical and geophysical surveys, followed by exploration drilling. This allows an accurate picture of the area to be developed. The area will only ever become a mine if it is large enough and of sufficient quality that the coal can be economically recovered. Once this has been confirmed, mining operations begin.
There are many ways to extract coal:
Modern surface mining
Area mining
Contour mining
Mountaintop removal mining
Underground mining
Which countries have most coal?
According to the BP Statistical review of world energy 2011, North America had the largest coal reserves with 120 billion tonnes of oil equivalent. The Middle East have very little amounts of coal.
It has been estimated that there are over 861 billion tonnes of proven coal reserves worldwide.
Coal reserves are available in almost every country worldwide, with recoverable reserves in around 70 countries. The biggest reserves are in the USA, Russia, China and India. After centuries of mineral exploration, the location, size and characteristics of most countries' coal resources are quite well known.
How long will coal reserves last?
It has been estimated that there are over 861 billion tonnes of proven (Reserves that are not only considered to be recoverable but can also be recovered economically. This means they take into account what current mining technology can achieve and the economics of recovery. Proved reserves will therefore change according to the price of coal; if the price of coal is low proved reserves will decrease) coal reserves worldwide. This means that there is