1.3.1: Where Are All of These Mines? Continued

1.3.1: Where Are All of These Mines? Continued

Next, let’s look at the fuel minerals, and specifically coal. After looking at Figure 1.3.7, examine the USGS map of U.S. coalfields in Figure 1.3.8. Do you see the correspondence between the coalfields and the location of coal mines? There is a lot of detail to be gleaned from this figure, and I suggest you zoom in and take a closer look. Take note of the rank of the coal found in the different coalfields, and also note the relatively few locations in which metallurgical-grade coal is found.

Figure 1.3.7: Active Coal Mining Operations

Accessible version via USGS: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

For accessible version, contact CDC.

Figure 1.3.8.: Coal Fields of the Conterminous United States

Accessible version via USGS: US Geological Survey. Download PDF for higher quality image.

These figures that we’ve just examined are helpful as we endeavor to learn major characteristics of the U.S. mining industry. There are many ways to “slice and dice” the available data, depending on your specific interests.