Coal
Coal is organic. It is a mineral formed from the remains of land-based plants buried hundreds of millions of years ago and subjected to tremendous heat and pressure.
Coalification
Coalification has an important bearing on coal's physical and chemical properties and is referred to as the “rank” of the coal. In general, the longer the organic material is subjected to heat and pressure, the higher its rank and the more carbon content will be contained per unit of weight. Ranking is determined by the degree of transformation of the original plant material to carbon. The ranks of coals, from those with the least carbon to those with the most carbon, are lignite, subbituminous, bituminous, and anthracite.
Coal types
Lignite and subbituminous coal (brown coal) are low-ranked coals
Bituminous coal and anthracite (hard coals) are high-ranked coals
Figure 1: How does one type of coal differ from another?
Illustration of coal ranking
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Coals |
Typical use |
|---|---|
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Low-ranked - Lignite and subbituminous coal (brown coal) |
electricity generation |
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High-ranked – Bituminous coal and anthracite (hard coals) |
thermal purposes |
|
Premium-grade bituminous |
Coal is used to create coke, which is a key ingredient in iron and steelmaking.
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Anthracite, the highest-ranked coal (smokeless) |
metallurgical purposes or sometimes for household cooking and heating fuel |
Coal is classified according to:
- energy value – how much energy is released when coal is burned
- degree of transformation into carbon
- moisture content – coals high in carbon and low in moisture are ranked the highest
- composition – coal is predominantly carbon but may also contain varying amounts of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur
Coal mining in Alberta
It was the primary source of energy until the late 1960s when it was overtaken by oil. Coal-fired power generation currently provides more than 37% of the world's total electricity.
Source: Natural Resources Canada
Alberta’s coal mining started in the late 1800’s, Alberta averages 25 to 30 million tonnes of coal production each year from its nine mines. Coal-bearing formations underlie about 300,000 square kilometres, almost half of Alberta.
In 2014, nine mine sites produced approximately 30.8 million tonnes (Mt) of marketable coal. Subbituminous coal accounted for 78% of the total, metallurgical bituminous coal the remaining 22%. Six surface mines produce subbituminous coal.
Mining in Alberta is regulated by the Alberta Energy Regulator. Mining activities and reclamation are subject to review and approval through Alberta Environment and Parks. Labour is responsible for mine safety.
Environmental management is an important part of developing, running and closing down a mine. Mining companies develop and carry out plans to minimize impacts on air, land, water and wildlife. Companies use a variety of techniques to reclaim and restore mined lands.
Contact
Connect with the Coal and Mineral Development Unit:
Hours: 8:15 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-7707
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: cmd.energy@gov.ab.ca
Edmonton
Address:
Alberta Energy
Coal and Mineral Development Unit
North Petroleum Plaza
9945 108 Street *
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G6
* Couriers, please report to the 2nd floor.
Calgary (drop-off location only)
Address:
Alberta Energy
300, 801 6 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3W2