Coal Mining in the US

Emissions Heats up Industry

It is believed that coal accounts for 30% of US greenhouse gas emissions; the majority of this is made up of coal-burning for power generation. Environmental concerns in an already relatively volatile industry will further impact on its capital intensity. Attempts by electricity generators to control these emissions in response to rising public concern would almost certainly take the form of switching to lower carbon sources of fuel, adversely affecting the demand for coal. However, in the meantime, technology surges are fueling production output with only the high regulations offsetting it.

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following: mining bituminous coal, anthracite, and lignite by underground mining, auger mining, strip mining, culm bank mining, and other surface mining; developing coal mine sites; and beneficiating (i.e, preparing) coal (e.g., cleaning, washing, screening, and sizing coal). This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.