A provincial state of emergency remains in effect due to numerous wildfires.
For wildfire related information, call the 24-hour info line at 310-4455 (available in 200+ languages) or visit alberta.ca/emergency.
A provincial state of emergency remains in effect due to numerous wildfires.
For wildfire related information, call the 24-hour info line at 310-4455 (available in 200+ languages) or visit alberta.ca/emergency.
Coal is the world’s most plentiful fossil fuel, it is organic and is formed from decayed plant materials.
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 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.
Lignite and subbituminous coal (brown coal) are low-ranked coals
Bituminous coal and anthracite (hard coals) are high-ranked coals
Illustration of coal ranking
|
Coals |
Typical use |
---|---|
Low-ranked - Lignite and subbituminous coal (brown coal) |
electricity generation |
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.
|
Anthracite, the highest-ranked coal (smokeless) |
metallurgical purposes or sometimes for household cooking and heating fuel |
Coal is classified according to:
Mining in Alberta is regulated by the Alberta Energy Regulator. Mining activities and reclamation are subject to review and approval through Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. Jobs, Economy and Northern Development 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.
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: [email protected]
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.
Address:
Alberta Energy
300, 801 6 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3W2
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