Outside the UK, the matter is far from settled. On Monday, September 30, the British government was about to close its last remaining coal-fired power station, but no other G7 country could say the same. Still, around the world, despite its damage to the climate, the use of the most harmful of fossil fuels (ahead of oil and gas) is still in full swing. Particularly in so-called "developing" countries.
Coal consumption is running at record levels, with 2024 similar to the previous year: around 8.7 billion tonnes, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) forecast for the year as a whole. This represents a "total increase of 10%" on 2014 figures, which were below 8 billion tonnes, said IEA analyst Carlos Fernandez Alvarez.
Most of this energy is fueling power plants. Thermal coal remains the main source of primary energy for electricity generation. However, its relative share is declining (35% in 2024, compared with 41% in 2014), as renewable energies such as solar and wind power begin to gain ground. In absolute terms, it "will remain at similar levels for another two or three years, before declining," estimated Jenny Yang, analyst for the British thank-tank S&P Global Commodity Insights – not without optimism.
To a lesser extent, there is also a demand for "metallurgical" coal. This meets the needs of certain industrial processes, particularly in the steel industry, for steel production.
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Groups Challenge Montana Coal Mine Expansion
A number of conservation groups are challenging Montana regulators' approval of a mining expansion at Signal Peak Energy's Bull Mountains coal mine in Montana.
Earthjustice filed a complaint for declaratory relief with the Montana 13th Judicial District Court on 27 September, claiming the state Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) environmental analysis of Signal Peak's permit application was insufficient.
The complaint accuses the Montana DEQ of violating the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) by inadequately analyzing the mine expansion's potential effects on water supplies and cultural resources.
Earthjustice is representing Bull Mountains Land Alliance, Northern Plains Resource Council and the Montana Environmental Information Center in the lawsuit.
The environmental assessment and permit amendment approved by the state DEQ in August allows operators of the Bull Mountains mine to access an additional 12.7mn short tons (11.5mn metric tonnes) of recoverable coal.
Environmental groups claim the Montana DEQ failed to assess the expansion's "cumulative and secondary impacts […] to water quantity, wildlife, unique resources and cultural and historical sites, greenhouse gas pollution, agriculture, worker safety and the community's inevitable transition from coal mining to other, more sustainable sources of revenue", the environmental groups argue in the lawsuit filed on 27 September.
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Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary Hosting Their First-Ever Bingo Night
The Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary is hosting their first-ever Bingo Night at the Beckley, WV Moose Lodge 1606 on October 19th.
There will also be a silent auction and a 50/50 as well as a ton of cool prizes. You could win Adirondack chairs, designer purses, a gaming monitor, and much more!
Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary Chairperson, Regina Fairchild told 59News that this bingo night is a fundraiser for all their programs, including their Giving Hearts Program that is coming up in December.
“We all know, everyone is struggling. It is a tough economy right now. So, to try and help as many as we possibly can, we urge you to help us because this money [goes] toward that program,” said Fairchild.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and games officially begin at 6 p.m.
You can order tickets beforehand for $25, or for $30 at the door. You must be 18 or older to play.
To find out how you can play, message them on their Facebook page.
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While Showcasing Groundbreaking Equipment and Solutions for Mining, MINExpo International® 2024 Breaks All Records
From September 24-26, in Las Vegas, Nev., the National Mining Association (NMA) hosted 45,000 attendees and more than 2,000 exhibitors from 148 countries who came to see more than 850,000 square feet of exhibits at the world’s largest mining show, breaking all prior show records. The wide offering of innovative products and services showcased a leading-edge industry rising to the challenge of meeting soaring global materials and energy demand in a safer, smarter, more environmentally responsible and more efficient manner than ever before.
“The response this year was beyond what we could have expected with unparalleled networking and dealmaking like we’ve never seen before,” said Rich Nolan, NMA president and CEO. “From the exhibitors to the new space in the convention center and our new streaming platform NMA TV, everyone stepped up their game and the results were extraordinary.”
Rich Nolan
The show included a speaker series featuring: Mike Rowe, writer, narrator, producer, recording artist, Emmy-Award winning TV host, New York Times Best Selling author, and the CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation; Kevin O’Leary, respected investor, author, venture capitalist, and judge on ABC’s Shark Tank and CNBC’s Money Court Reality Show; Danica Patrick, former professional racecar driver; Jon Dorenbos, magician, motivational and keynote speaker, former NFL player; and Dr. Kelly Monahan, managing director of the Future of Work Research Institute, Upwork, former Director of Future of Work, Meta, and Organizational Behaviorist.
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Dig Into MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2024!
Hello from MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2024 in Las Vegas! MINExpo® is the world’s largest mining show, bringing together the full spectrum of industry – from coal and minerals producers to equipment manufacturers and service providers.
This week, Count on Coal is on the scene at the Las Vegas Convention Center along with 45,000 of our closest friends from 148 countries. The exhibit space, boasting more than 2,000 exhibitors, is more than 850,000 square feet, roughly 14 football fields of amazing equipment, technology and people from all over the world.
It’s an amazing event showcasing a dynamic, innovative industry rising to the challenge of meeting soaring global materials and energy demand.
If you aren’t able to make it to Vegas, tune into NMA TV, broadcasting live from the show floor from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Tuesday – Thursday of this week, and can be viewed at nma.org and minexpo.com during show hours.
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