Subbituminous coal, a type of coal with a higher moisture and volatile matter content than bituminous coal, is primarily extracted from several key states within the United States. These states are namely Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico. Wyoming stands as the leading producer of subbituminous coal, followed by Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Where is Subbituminous Mined?
Subbituminous coal is a type of coal that is found in many parts of the world. It is a relatively low-grade coal, but it is still an important source of energy for many countries.
States in the United States
In the United States, subbituminous coal is mined in the following states:
- Colorado
- Montana
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Utah
- Wyoming
Other Countries
Subbituminous coal is also mined in many other countries around the world, including:
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Russia
- South Africa
Table of Subbituminous Coal Production
The following table shows the top 10 countries that produce subbituminous coal:
| Rank | Country | Production (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 2,300 million tonnes |
| 2 | India | 750 million tonnes |
| 3 | United States | 500 million tonnes |
| 4 | Indonesia | 490 million tonnes |
| 5 | Australia | 460 million tonnes |
| 6 | Russia | 430 million tonnes |
| 7 | Kazakhstan | 300 million tonnes |
| 8 | South Africa | 250 million tonnes |
| 9 | Canada | 180 million tonnes |
| 10 | Mongolia | 150 million tonnes |
Question 1: Where are subbituminous coal resources located?
Answer: Subbituminous coal is primarily mined in several states within the United States, particularly in the western region:
- Wyoming: The Powder River Basin in Wyoming holds significant subbituminous coal reserves.
- Montana: Eastern Montana, including the Fort Union coal region, is a major source of subbituminous coal.
- Colorado: The North Park Basin in Colorado contains substantial subbituminous coal deposits.
- Utah: Central and eastern Utah, including the Book Cliffs coalfield, yield subbituminous coal resources.
- New Mexico: The San Juan Basin and Raton Basin in New Mexico are notable locations for subbituminous coal mining.
Question 2: What are the geological characteristics of subbituminous coal?
Answer: Subbituminous coal is characterized by geological properties that distinguish it from other coal types:
- Energy Value: It has a moderate energy content compared to other coal ranks, typically ranging from 9,500 to 11,500 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per pound.
- Moisture Content: Subbituminous coal contains a higher moisture content than lignite but lower than bituminous coal, typically in the range of 15% to 30%.
- Volatility: It exhibits moderate volatility, meaning it releases volatile matter upon heating, which contributes to its combustion characteristics.
- Ash Content: Subbituminous coal typically contains less ash than lignite but more than bituminous coal, influencing its ash production during combustion.
Question 3: How does subbituminous coal compare to other coal types?
Answer: Subbituminous coal differs from other coal types in the following ways:
- Bituminous Coal: Subbituminous coal has a lower energy value and moisture content than bituminous coal but higher than lignite.
- Lignite: Subbituminous coal has a higher energy value and lower moisture content than lignite but lower than bituminous coal.
- Anthracite: Subbituminous coal has a significantly lower energy value and higher moisture content than anthracite, which is the highest coal rank.
Well there you have it, folks! Hope this lil’ article helped shed some light on where this subbituminous coal is coming from. If you’re ever curious about anything else coal-related, feel free to come on back and give us a visit. We’re always happy to chat about this fascinating black gold. Thanks for stopping by, and see ya soon!