Forex and Stock Investment

With oil prices touching $100 a barrel again and the ongoing drive to develop affordable alternative fuels, coal has reemerged as a major opportunity area in the energy sector. Coal futures, for instance, have soared 83% in the past six months.

Worldwide, coal is the largest source of electricity generation, accounting for over 40% of power supply.  Although coal is one of the dirtiest energy sources — emitting carbon dioxide, ash and sulfur — many companies and entrepreneurs are working on ways to make coal cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

The United States holds the world’s largest coal reserves.  Coal generates more than half of the energy produced here and is expected to remain a major energy source for several years to come.  The US uses more than 95% of its coal for energy generation, while the remaining amount is used in industrial production or exported. 

Thirty-eight states engage in mining practices with Wyoming, West Virginia, and Kentucky mining the most coal. One third of US coal is derived from the Central Appalachian region.

Coal Facts

• The US industry exports coal to more than forty countries.
• Coal accounts for over 95% of the United States’ fossil energy reserves.
• Worldwide, the coal industry employs an estimated seven million people.
• Coal is used to make coke, which is used in the steel making  process.

Top Producers

• China
• USA
• Australia
• India

Top Consumers

• China
• USA
• India
• Japan

About two-thirds of all coal is transported via railroads.