a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
 
 

Coal

The enormous coal resources found in Alberta total 79 billion tonnes, of which 32 billion are potentially recoverable. With nearly 60 per cent of Canada's coal reserves. Alberta is the largest producer and second largest exporter of coal in Canada.

Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in the world, and is also by far the international fuel of choice for generating electricity. Population growth in developing countries will probably increase the need for this resource around the world.

Alberta has an advantage over many other coal-producing nations, like England and Germany, whose reserves are in more mature stages of development. Alberta's coal resources are widely distributed, cheap to produce, are diverse and operate in a number of national and international markets.

Alberta is the largest producer of coal in Canada, and the home of 70% of Canada's coal reserves. The province covers many coal deposits, making Alberta's potential for coal development enormous. The province's total coal resources are estimated at 2600 billion tonnes, and contain nearly twice the energy of all other non-renewable energy resources in Alberta, including oil, natural gas and oilsands There are 12 major active coal mining operations in the province. Seven of these are located in the parkland and grassland natural regions, and five are located in the foothills and mountains of west central Alberta.

Alberta Coal is used to generate electricity in the production of primary iron and steel, and is an important source of energy for industrial processes such as cement manufacturing. Alberta coal is sold to Ontario, British Columbia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and Western Europe.