Summary: An Abundant and Vital Resource

An Abundant Resource...

Of all the fossil fuels - oil, gas and coal - coal is by far the most abundant. It is estimated that there are around one thousand billion  tonnes of total coal reserves economically accessible using current mining technology, approximately half of it being hard coal. Not only are coal reserves extensive, they are also geographically diverse, being spread over 100 countries and all continents.

These abundant reserves of coal mean a long-lasting and stable supply. In contrast to oil and gas, deposits of which are heavily concentrated in a few often politically unstable areas like the Middle East, current reserves to production ratios of coal are sufficient to last well over 200 years. This is approximately four times the level of known reserves of oil (some 45 years) and gas (about 65 years).

These figures do not take into account any additional coal resources that:

• may be proved by on-going exploration;
• will become accessible as further improvements are made in mining technology; or,
• will become commercial through the increased use of presently uneconomic lower grade coals.

In addition, significant advances continue to be made in the efficiency with which coal can be utilised. This means that more and more useful energy is recovered from every tonne of coal, thus further extending the life of the world’s coal reserves.

A Vital Resource...

• Safe - coal is stable and hence the safest fossil fuel to transport, store and use.
• Secure - abundant reserves mean that coal supplies for both domestic and industrial users are guaranteed at competitive prices.
• Clean - using current technologies, coal can now be used far more cleanly and with less environmental impact than ever before.
• Cost-effective - globally, coal is the most competitive fuel for the generation of electricity without which modern life would be virtually impossible.