Coal: how much do we really have. How long will it last

Journal Article · Sun May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1977 · Earth Miner. Sci.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7221319

Stefanko, R

The U.S. Bureau of Mines estimates a demonstrated USA coal reserve base of 434 billion tons. Of this, 137 billion tons can be mined by surface mining (recovery 85 percent) and 297 billion tons by underground mining (recovery 50 percent). This translates to a recoverable net reserve of 265 billion tons. But this result could be changed (increased) by the development of new technology or new discoveries. On the other hand, the above reserves, which would last about 380 years at the present rate of usage, would last a much shorter time if the usage rate increased. (LTN)

• Research Organization: Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park
• OSTI ID: 7221319
• Journal Information: Earth Miner. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 46:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
COAL RESERVES
USA
COAL
PRODUCTION
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
NORTH AMERICA
RESERVES
RESOURCES
011000* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration