The coal mining industry has been around since Roman Britain, however there have been several changes since then. In fact, the entire process once relied on the labour of children as young as 5 years old despite being one of the most dangerous employment options of the early 20^th century.

As the best suppliers of coal around, the team here at Pearson Fuels have decided to look into the biggest coal mines in the world and find out a little bit of information about them…

North Antelope Rochelle, USA

Located in Wyoming, this North Antelope Rochelle coal mine is the largest coal mine in the world by reserve. It is owned by a company named Peabody Energy and is made up of two separate mines which opened in 1983 and 1985 respectively and in 1999, they were combined. Experts estimate that the mine contains 2.3 billion tonnes of minable coal and it is also thought to produce the cleanest coal.

Hei Dai Gou, China

As an open pit coal mine that is located in the Zhungeer coal field of China, the Hei Dai Gou coal mine is the third largest coal mine in the world by reverse and is estimated to contain around 1.5 billion tonnes of recoverable coal. It is owned by the Shenhau Group and has been operating since 1999. Interestingly, this coal mine was the first to use AC Powered Walking Dragline technology.

Peak Downs, Australia

This Australian coal mine comes in sixth places in the order of largest coal mines by reserve and is estimated to contain around 1 billion tonnes of salvageable coal. In fact, it is one of seven mines that are owned by the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance and is an open-cut mine that started production back in 1972.

The coal mining industry is one the most successful and profitable industries around. In fact, the government predicts that at the current rate of mining, our supply of coal could last for just under 150 years. After all, it is important to remember that the fossil fuel is a non-renewable source that will eventually run out. As the best coal merchants around, the team here at Pearson Fuels are always on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have! Get in contact today to find out more information!