5 Largest Coal Producing Countries in the World

4. United States 

Average Annual Coal Production: 516.3 million metric tons 

In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in coal production in the United States, recording a 3% rise from the previous year, resulting in a production volume of approximately 539.4 million metric tons. This increase highlights the vibrant and diverse nature of the American coal industry, characterized by its widespread distribution across numerous states and regions, each contributing uniquely to overall production. Of particular interest is the Western region, which accounted for more than half of the total U.S. coal output in the second quarter of 2023, emphasizing its significant role in the industry.

In contrast, the demand for coal within the US showed a declining trend, with consumption decreasing by 5.5% to 515.5 million short tons in 2022 compared to 2021, according to the EIA. This decline reflects evolving energy consumption patterns and a shift in the country’s energy landscape. Notably, the electric power sector remains the predominant consumer of coal in the United States, absorbing approximately 91.7% of its total coal consumption in 2022.