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Mostly carbon sedimentary rock that is combustible (burns easily).
Mostly carbon sedimentary rock that is combustible (burns easily).
Where does it come from?
Where does it come from?
300 million years ago
300 million years ago
Very large plants died in a swamp ecosystem.
100 million years ago
100 million years ago
The dead plants broke down into peat (moss-like material) and were covered by water and sediment.
50 million years ago-Current
50 million years ago-Current
Heat and pressure from the layers of rocks compress and convert the peat into coal.
How do we get it?
How do we get it?
Surface Mining
Surface Mining
People use machines to skim coal from the ground near the surface.
Underground Mining
Underground Mining
People and machines travel deep under ground in mines to extract coal.
Coal is ready to be used the moment it comes from the ground!
Coal is ready to be used the moment it comes from the ground!
What do we use coal for around here?
What do we use coal for around here?
Energy
Energy
Coal is used to generate electricity
Steel
Steel
Local steel plants use coal in their steel making process
Transportation
Transportation
Fuels to power local airplanes and cargo boat traveling through our area run on coal-derived fuels
How does it impact our local environment?
How does it impact our local environment?
Burning releases harmful chemicals in the air-Mercury, Sulfur Dioxide, & more-causing acid rain & breathing issues
The ash left from coal use pollutes soil
CO₂ and methane released by burning contributes to climate change
The ash left from coal use pollutes the water
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