Trend of Coal Industry in the World

Coal is one of the world’s most important resources of energy, generating almost 40% of electricity worldwide. The World consumption of coal can have a significant impact on the environment. Minimizing the negative impacts of human activities-including coal utilization- is a key global priority. Essentials to continue the clean use of coal that is economically efficient and stable supply. It is also important to evaluate non-conventional type resources such as low rank coal and Coal Bed Methane/Coal Mine Methane, to raise an increase of the amount of the resources and the resources recovery rate. The trade volume is less than one billion tonnes though production is about seven billion tonnes a year. This report gives an overview and trends of world’s major coal companies and other leading companies. The structure, consolidation and investment trends of the coal industry including companies from emerging countries were summarized. It was observed that major companies of coal owned mining rights mainly in export markets in Australia and so on. Coal companies from emerging countries eagerly expand their business into these regions, even if the huge infrastructure investment is required. Venture companies also seek to obtain mining rights in speculative areas. Thus, enterprises in emerging countries may increase their share in coal exporting market.