WSGS Coal

Nick Jones –PG Geologist: Coal Coal Geology and Mining (307) 766-2286 Ext. 243 njones@uwyo.edu

Wyoming Coal

Wyoming leads the nation in coal production. Our low-ash and low-sulfur coal is used in 39 states across the country. In 2008, coal mines in the state produced a record 467.64 million tons of coal, approximately 39 percent of total U.S coal production. In the U.S., coal generates about 50 percent of the nation’s electricity: Wyoming coal accounts for 30 percent of this total. Four of the state’s ten major coal fields currently produce coal. In the Powder River Basin (PRB) coal field, the most prolific in the world, coal is mined from two beds – the Anderson and Canyon. Each bed measures between 30 and 50 feet thick, has a moisture content between 20 and 30 percent, and contains less than 6 percent ash and less than 0.5 percent sulfur.

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 WSGS Publications.

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

• Underground coal gasification potential in the Powder River Basin coal beds

Additional WSGS Coal Information:

• Domestic non-renewable and renewable energy study
• Wyoming coal mine location map
• Coal companies in Wyoming
• Historical mine information
• Interactive geologic and hydrologic database of N. Powder River Basin
• Coal bed natural gas information
• Wyoming coal (an educational website featuring the origin, mining, and use of coal)

Related Links:

Wyoming Mining Association

United States Geological Survey