In today's world, despite the spread of alternative energy, coal remains a key fuel. It accounts for about 40% of global electricity production. Almost 90% of coal is mined in ten countries of the world. We offer to get acquainted with the leaders of coal mining.

China

The leading position among the coal-mining countries is occupied by China. In this country, the coal production has been a key activity almost thirty years. In 2013, the level of coal production reached about 3.7 billion tons, which is 47% of the global volume of coal mining. In China, more than 50% of the world consumption level is used.

The USA

The second place among the coal-mining countries of the world is taken by the United States. For 2012-2013, the level of its production amounted to 922 million tons, equal to 13% of the world's coal production. The United States is the second largest consumer of this type of fuel in the world. Almost 37% of the country's electricity is generated in coal-fired power plants. The reserves of coal in the USA reach 237 billion tons.

India

India holds the third place in this rating. The level of coal mining reaches 605 million tons here. The country also ranks third in terms of coal consumption in the world. India is one of the world's leading importers of this type of fuel. Only China and Japan overtook it.

Australia

The fourth place in the list of coal-mining countries was given to Australia. The production of this type of fuel is estimated at 413 million tons here. Australia exports about 90% of its coal occupying one of the first places in the world. In 2012, the export of this fuel amounted to 384 million tons. The coal reserves in the Green Continent are estimated at 76.4 billion tons.

Indonesia

The fifth place in this list went to Indonesia with a coal output of 386 million tons. Indonesia and Australia have long been considered competitors in the extraction of this type of fuel. Seven years ago, Indonesia was ahead of its rival. In Indonesia, coal production accounts for 44% of electricity. The coal reserves in the country are estimated at 5.5 billion tons.

Russia

Russia occupies the sixth position among the coal-mining countries. In 2012, the level of production in the country reached 354.8 million tons, 80% of which accounted for energy coal, and the rest - for coking one. Russia also holds the fifth place in terms of coal consumption. In 2012, the country exported 134 million tons of this type of fuel.

South Africa

The seventh place in this rating was awarded to the South African Republic. It produces about 260 million tons of this fuel. The country ranks sixth among the largest exporters of coal in the world. In 2012, its exports amounted to 74 million tons. South Africa delivers coal to the countries of Europe, China and India.

Kazakhstan

The eighth place among the leaders in coal mining is taken by Kazakhstan. In December 2012, the volume of coal mining amounted to 116.6 million tons here. In terms of consumption of this type of fuel, Kazakhstan ranks twelfth in the world, while coal accounts for 85% of all power plants capacity. The reserves of this type of fuel in the country reach 33.6 billion tons.

Colombia

The ninth place among the coal-mining countries goes to Colombia. In 2013, the level of production of this fuel reached 85.5 million tons here. The export of coal in Colombia is estimated at 94.3%. According to the National Agency of Mining Industry, the country recorded an increase in mineral extraction by 18%.

Ukraine

The last position in the rating is taken by Ukraine. In 2013, the level of production of this type of fuel was estimated at 64.976 million tons. At present, it has decreased at times due to the armed conflict on the territory of the country. Last year, Ukraine produced 34.916 million tonnes of coal, which is 14.5% less than in 2016. According to statistical data, the backlog of the plan for 2017 was 1.1%.