The development and utilization of coal resources have played a crucial role in global energy supply, industrialization, and economic growth. However, they also pose significant environmental and sustainability challenges. Below is an overview of key aspects related to coal resource development and utilization:
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1. Coal Resource Development
# (1) Exploration & Mining
– Exploration: Geological surveys and drilling are conducted to assess coal reserves, quality (rank: anthracite, bituminous, sub-bituminous, lignite), and extraction feasibility.
– Mining Methods:
– Surface Mining (Open-pit): Used for shallow deposits (e.g., lignite); cost-effective but causes land degradation.
– Underground Mining: Includes longwall and room-and-pillar methods for deeper seams; higher safety risks (e.g., methane explosions).
– Challenges: Environmental damage, water contamination, and worker safety (black lung disease).
# (2) Transportation & Storage
– Coal is transported via rail, ship (for export), or slurry pipelines.
– Storage requires measures to prevent spontaneous combustion and dust pollution.
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2. Utilization of Coal Resources
# (1) Primary Uses
– Power Generation (~40% globally): Burned in thermal power plants to produce electricity (low efficiency, high CO₂ emissions).
– Industrial Use:
– Steel production (coking coal in blast furnaces).
– Cement manufacturing (as a fuel and raw material).
– Chemical feedstocks (e.g., coal-to-liquids for synthetic fuels).jpg)
Residential Heating: Common in developing regions but causes air pollution.
# (2) Advanced Technologies
– Clean Coal Technologies (CCTs):
– Supercritical/Ultra-supercritical Plants: Higher efficiency (45% vs. ~33% in traditional plants).
– Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS): Captures CO₂ emissions for underground storage (limited scalability).
– Coal Gasification: Converts coal to syngas (CO + H₂) for power or chemicals with lower emissions.
– Coal-to-Liquids (CTL): Produces diesel/kerosene but is energy-intensive.
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3. Environmental & Sustainability Challenges
– Climate Impact: Coal combustion is the largest source of anthropogenic CO₂ (~14 Gt/year globally).
– Air Pollution: Releases SO₂ (acid rain), NOₓ, particulate matter