The #1 mineral (or commodity) mined in the United States is coal. This fossil fuel holds the top spot for its sheer volume of extraction across the nation.
Coal's Dominance in U.S. Mining
Coal remains a cornerstone of the U.S. mining industry due to its significant role in energy production, particularly for electricity generation. Its widespread availability across many states contributes to its leading position among mined commodities.
In 2022, the U.S. coal mining industry produced a substantial 594.2 million tons of coal. This immense volume of material was extracted from 548 mines operating across 22 states, highlighting the broad geographical footprint of coal mining in the country.
Key Coal-Producing States
While coal mining occurs in numerous states, a handful of regions consistently lead in production, contributing the majority of the nation's output. The top five coal-producing states in 2022 were:
| Rank | State |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming |
| 2 | West Virginia |
| 3 | Pennsylvania |
| 4 | Illinois |
| 5 | Kentucky |
These states, particularly Wyoming with its vast surface mines, play a critical role in meeting the nation's energy demands through coal extraction.
Why Coal is Mined
Primarily, coal is mined for its energy content. When burned, it releases heat that is used to boil water, producing steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. Although the energy landscape is diversifying with increasing renewable sources, coal continues to be a significant component of the U.S. energy portfolio.
For more detailed statistics on U.S. coal production and consumption, you can refer to reports from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
