Coal mining is a crucial process that involves extracting coal from the earth, typically using large machinery. In the United States, significant coal deposits are found both near the surface and deep underground. Modern mining techniques have greatly enhanced efficiency, allowing miners to produce considerably more coal per hour compared to previous decades. This article will summarize the methods of transporting coal, highlighting their significance in the overall coal industry.
Primary Coal Mining Methods Overview
Two main methods are employed for coal extraction: surface mining and underground mining. Surface mining is generally preferred for coal seams located less than 200 feet beneath the surface. This method involves removing topsoil and overburden to expose the coal. A specific type of surface mining, mountaintop removal, targets coal seams by removing mountain tops. Surface mining accounts for approximately two-thirds of the coal production in the U.S. due to its cost-effectiveness.
Underground mining, or deep mining, is necessary for coal seams deeper than 200 feet. These mines can be thousands of feet deep, featuring extensive tunnel networks. Miners use elevators and trains to access and extract coal using large machinery in these underground environments.
Source: Adapted from National Energy Education Development Project (public domain)
Coal Processing Before Transportation
Post-extraction, coal often undergoes processing at nearby preparation plants. This process involves cleaning and treating the coal to eliminate impurities such as rocks, dirt, ash, sulfur, and other unwanted materials. The primary goal of coal processing is to enhance its heating value, making it more efficient for energy production.
Source: Adapted from National Energy Education Development Project (public domain)
Methods of Transporting Coal: A Summary
Transporting coal from mines and processing plants to end consumers involves various methods, each suited to different distances and geographical conditions. Efficient coal transportation is vital to ensure a steady supply to power plants and other industries. Here’s a summary of the key transportation methods:
- Conveyors, Trams, and Trucks: These are typically used for short-distance coal transport. They facilitate movement within mine sites, from mines to nearby consumers, or to locations where coal is transferred to other long-distance transportation modes.
- Trains: Rail transport is the dominant method for coal delivery over longer distances in the United States. Nearly 70% of coal in the U.S. is transported by trains for at least part of its journey from mines to consumers, highlighting the extensive rail network’s importance in coal logistics.
- Barges: River and lake barges are effective for transporting large volumes of coal via waterways. This method is particularly useful for reaching power plants and industrial facilities located along major rivers and lakes.
- Ships: For consumers situated along the Great Lakes and coastal areas, ships are used for coal transport, including both domestic and international deliveries. Ocean-going vessels play a role in supplying coal to other countries.
- Slurry Pipelines: Although not currently utilized in the United States, slurry pipelines represent a method to transport coal mixed with water. This system, while efficient in some contexts, faces certain practical and economic challenges in the U.S.
A train transporting coal
Source: Stock photography (copyrighted)
The Economic Significance of Coal Transportation
The cost of transporting coal can be substantial, often exceeding the cost of mining itself. This economic factor significantly influences the location of coal consumers, particularly coal-fired electric power plants. Many power plants are strategically located near coal mines to minimize transportation expenses and ensure cost-effective energy generation. Therefore, optimizing coal transportation is not just a logistical challenge but also a critical economic consideration within the energy sector.
Last reviewed: February 16, 2023
