Underground-mine coal
Underground-mine coal — commonly referred to as coal extracted from deep seams below the earth’s surface — remains a cornerstone of global industry, energy systems and regional economies. This article…
Open-pit coal
This article examines open-pit coal — one of the most visible and economically significant forms of fossil-fuel extraction. It covers where this coal is found, how it is mined, the…
Aged lignite
This article examines aged lignite — commonly known as lignite or brown coal — from geological, technical, economic and environmental perspectives. It explains what distinguishes aged lignite from fresh coal,…
Young lignite
Younger forms of coal commonly known as lignite or brown coal occupy a unique place in the global energy landscape. Formed in relatively recent geological times, these deposits are typically…
Soft brown coal
Soft brown coal, commonly known as lignite, is a low-rank type of coal that plays a distinct role in the global energy mix and regional economies. Characterized by high moisture…
Hard brown coal
Hard brown coal — commonly referred to in many technical contexts as a form of lignite or transitional coal between lignite and sub‑bituminous ranks — is an important, widely distributed…
Dull coal
This article examines the topic of dull coal — a descriptive classification of coal distinguished by its matte appearance, particular physical and chemical characteristics, and specific industrial uses. Dull coal…
Bright coal
Bright coal — often used in industry and geology to describe high-luster, high-rank coals such as anthracite and high-grade bituminous coals — occupies a distinctive place in the global energy…
Vitrain coal
Vitrain coal occupies a special place in coal petrology and the coal industry. Recognized by its bright, glassy appearance and distinctive banding within coal seams, vitrain is a lithotype that…
Durain coal
This article examines Durain coal, a regional coal type with distinct geological, economic and industrial attributes. It explores where Durain coal is found and mined, its chemical and physical characteristics,…
