Find producers of lignite and bituminous coal

Lignite and bituminous coal are mined around the Appalachian mountains of the U.S. These types of high BTU coal are used for generating electricity, and as a raw material in the iron and steel industries.

I recommend: Consol Energy is the largest bituminous coal manufacturer in the country, operating 17 mining complexes in six states. Check if they have a mining operation near your company to reduce transportation costs. Arch Coal is one of the largest coal distributors in the U.S. You can select a specific mining operation to see what method of transportation they use.

Identify subbituminous coal suppliers

Subbituminous coal manufacturers are mainly located in the mountain states of North Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. This type of coal contains more carbon than lignite but less than bituminous. It can also burn cleaner and produce less sulfur.

I recommend: Union Pacific has a directory of high BTU mines operating in Southern Wyoming which produce subbituminous coal. Westmoreland Coal Company has several mining operations in Wyoming and Montana. They have sales offices in Colorado and Minnesota to serve customers across the country.

Locate anthracite coal producers

Anthracite coal has the highest carbon content of any type. Mined primarily in the Northeast and Midwest, anthracite is mainly used for domestic fuel and industrial applications. The anthracite coal price can be high, but it is also very energy efficient.

I recommend: Reading Anthracite has numerous dealers across the Northeast and Midwest. They sell coal to clients with many needs, like heating, metallurgical refining, power plant fuel and water purification. Penn Keystone Coal is one of the biggest coal producers in the east, selling up to 23 tons of hard or soft coal to anyone from New England to North Carolina.

Keep track of the price of coal

If your business purchases and trades coal or coal stocks, the price of coal is very important. It fluctuates as often as the price of oil or any other commodity. You need someone with expert advice on what the coal market will do.

I recommend: The Energy Information Administration provides the current import and export prices of coal, including steam coal and coking coal. Global Insight offers multiple services to track coal prices, including monthly and quarterly analyses.