Coal has been a major energy source for centuries. In 2021, coal provided around 28% of the total global primary energy requirements and 47% of the electricity demand. Coal also fuels around 80% of the world’s total iron and steel production. In spite of current global efforts to decarbonize the global environment by eliminating coal (the most polluting fossil fuel) all projections indicate that it will remain prominent in the global energy scene in the foreseeable future, filling about 21% of the primary energy demand and providing around 35% of electricity in 2040. Coal is also a precursor to many valuable gaseous and liquid fuels, premium chemicals and high-technology carbon materials. This book serves as an introduction to the extensive science and technology of coal, in particular, the properties which largely determine the utilization potentials of one of the world’s most valuable primary energy resources.

An understanding of basic coal properties is important for achieving reductions in trace element emissions and improving the efficiency of combustion and combined-cycle gasification. The production of methane from coal beds is related to the properties of the in situ coal. Similarly, coal bed sequestration of carbon dioxide produced from combustion is dependent on the reservoir properties. Environmental problems accompany coal on its way from the mine to the point of utilization and beyond. Health aspects related with coal mining and coal utilization are also included because, in planning for coal use, it is impossible to separate environmental and health issues from the discussion of coal utilization. The book is aimed at a wide audience, ranging from researchers, lecturers and students to professionals in industry and discusses issues (such as the environmental, and health) that are of concern to the general public as a whole.-

This SME classic is both a reference book for the working engineer and a textbook for the mining student. This hardcover edition gives a brief history of surface mining and a general overview of the state of surface mining today--topics range from production and productivity to technological developments and trends in equipment. This extremely useful text takes the approach that exploration and mining geologists must be expert in a number of fields, including basic finance and economics, logistics, and pragmatic prospecting. Readers will find material on all these topics and more. The book's nine chapters include: Introduction, Exploration and Geology Techniques, Ore Reserve Estimation, Feasibility Studies and Project Financing, Planning and Design of Surface Mines, Mine Operations, Mine Capital and Operating Costs, Management and Organization, and Case Studies. The book is fully indexed.

Provides users with everything they need to know about testing and analysis of coal Includes new coverage on environmental issues and regulations as related to coal Provides the reader with the necessary information about testing and analyzing coal and relays the advantages and limitations in understanding the quality and performance of coal Explains the meaning of test results and how these results can predict coal behavior and its corresponding environmental impact during use Includes a comprehensive Glossary which defines items in straightforward language that enable readers to better understand the terminology related to coal Treats issues related to sampling, and accuracy and precision of analysis

A global exploration of coal geology, from production and use to chemical properties and coal petrology Coal Geology, 3rd Edition, offers a revised and updated edition of this popular book which provides a comprehensive overview of the field of coal geology including coal geophysics, hydrogeology and mining. Also covered in this volume are fully revised coverage of resource and reserve definitions, equipment and recording techniques together with the use of coal as an alternative energy source as well as environmental implications. This third edition provides a textbook ideally suited to anyone studying, researching or working in the field of coal geology, geotechnical engineering and environmental science. Fills the gap between academic aspects of coal geology and the practical role of geology in the coal industry Examines sedimentological and stratigraphical geology, together with mining, geophysics, hydrogeology, environmental issues and coal marketing Defines global coal resource classifications and methods of calculation Addresses the alternative uses of coal as a source of energy Covers a global approach to coal producers and consumers