In this piece, we will take a look at five countries that produce the most coal. For more countries, head on over to 20 Countries That Produce the Most Coal.
5. Commonwealth of Australia
Coal Production As Of 2021 in Million Tons: 478.6
The Commonwealth of Australia, simply known as Australia gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1901. It is one of the largest economies in the world, with a GDP worth $1.6 trillion alongside a high GDP per capita of $62,192. Australia is a global mining powerhouse, as it exports materials such as coal, gold, silver, and copper. The country produced 478.6 million tons of coal in 2021, and it generates electricity through a mixture of both coal and hydroelectric power stations. There are no nuclear power plants in Australia.
4. United States of America
Coal Production As Of 2021 in Million Tons: 524.4
The United States of America is the world’s only superpower and the largest economy in nominal terms. America is also one of the most technologically advanced nations on Earth, one which leads in crucial areas such as semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and aerospace and astronautics. It is also one of the largest commodity exporters out there, and by the end of 2021, the United States of America had churned out 524.4 million tons of coal. The bulk of American power generation comes from fossil fuel plants.
3. Republic of Indonesia
Coal Production As Of 2021 in Million Tons: 614
The Republic of Indonesia is an Asian and Oceanian country that lies in the ocean spanning between the two continents. It is made up of a whopping 17,000 islands and has one of the largest economies in the world which is currently worth $4 trillion. However, Indonesia ranks relatively low in the per capita index, with its $14,638 GDP per capita placing it at number 97 in the world. Indonesia relies primarily on coal to generate electricity, and it produced 614 million tons of coal last year.
2. Republic of India
Coal Production As Of 2021 in Million Tons: 811.3
The Republic of India, or simply India, is a large Asian country that gained independence from the British in 1947. India is also the world’s third largest economy, simply due to its massive population which makes it the second most populous region in the world. India is also among the world’s largest users of coal, which then also makes it one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases after China and the United States. Most of the Indian coal production is suitable only for power generation, and it produced 811.3 million tons of the mineral last year.
1. People’s Republic of China
Coal Production As Of 2021 in Million Tons: 4,126
The People’s Republic of China is a rising superpower and the world’s largest economy in nominal terms. China has experienced meteoric growth over the past couple of decades, particularly due to its low manufacturing and labor costs that have made it a manufacturing base for Western companies. However, the country is now indigenizing its economy and is one of the few in the world that makes its own aircraft, semiconductors, and other high tech products. Chinese coal production is higher than all other countries on this part of our list combined, as it stood at a stunning 4,126 million tons in 2021.
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