Coal

Provenance

Coal is abundant in countries like China, the United States, India, and Australia. China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal, with extensive mining operations in regions like Shanxi and Inner Mongolia. Australia and the U.S. also have large coal deposits, particularly in the Bowen Basin and the Appalachian region, respectively.

Impact

Coal has been the backbone of industrialization in many countries, powering factories and fueling electricity generation. However, its environmental impact has led to a global shift towards cleaner energy sources, although coal remains a critical commodity in many developing nations.