Wyoming leads the nation in coal production. The state’s low-ash and
low-sulfur coal is used in 39 states across the country. In 2010, coal
mines in the state produced approximately 442.5 million short tons of
coal, an increase of approximately 2.6 percent (11.4 million short tons)
from the previous year.
Coal generates about 50 percent of the nation’s electricity, and Wyoming
coal accounts for 30 percent of this total. Four of the state’s 10 major
coal fields currently produce coal. In the Powder River Basin coal field
– the most prolific in the world – coal is mined from two major coal
seams, the Anderson and Canyon. This coal occurs in the Paleocene-age
Tongue River Member of the Fort Union Formation. Each seam measures
between 30 and 50 feet thick, has moisture contents between 20 and 30
percent, and contains less than 6 percent ash and 0.5 percent sulfur.
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Coal Facility and Mine Locations
The coal industry in Wyoming
In 2008 the coal industry in Wyoming occured in 9 of the state's 23
counties and consisted of 18 active coal mines operated by ten
different companies, seven different coal fired power plants, and four
coal processing facilities. Total coal production for Wyoming during
this year was 467 million tons, the highest in the state's history.
Coal Industry of Wyoming - 2008
(Click image to download PDF)
MS-93, Coal Map of Wyoming
The Coal Group
The Wyoming State Geological Survey is the major source of information about
Wyoming’s coal geology, coal resources, coal mines, and mining. We can provide
information about the origin, distribution, thickness, and quality of Wyoming’s
many commercial coal seams. The WSGS maintains extensive files of production,
drilling, and coal quality data. We also retain numerous USGS open-file reports
on the potentially minable coal throughout the state, and welcome all inquires
about Wyoming coal.
Coal publications are available from the
Online Store.
Current Projects:
- Data collection and interpretation for the National Coal Resource Data
System; cooperative project with the U.S. Geological Survey
- Wyoming Geologic Database development
- Tracking and reporting the production, national distribution, and use of Wyoming
coal
- High-resolution color photo documentation and description of coal-bearing
intervals throughout Wyoming
- Paleogeographic and geologic study of the origin and depositional environments
of coal deposits in Wyoming
Additional WSGS Coal Information:
Coal Companies in Wyoming
Related Links:
Wyoming Mining Association
United States Geological Survey