What is coal?

Coal is a black rock that can be found throughout the layers of the earth’s crust. It can be taken out of the ground through open-pit, underground or strip mining.

The formation of coal began 350-270 million years ago when much of the earth was covered by swamps which were filled with large plants. As the plants died they sank to the bottom of the water and started to decompose. This decomposing matter is known as peat.

Over time, layers of sand and mud from the water covered the peat and the pressure from this sediment squeezed most of the water out. With heat and time the peat slowly changed to lignite and then into coal.

Why is coal KING?

Coal mining has played a very important role in British Columbia’s history. The discovery of coal in different areas of the province was responsible for many of the new communities that sprouted inland and  brought many immigrants from around the world to British Columbia as they looked for work in the mines. Today coal mines in the province directly provide jobs for 3600 British Columbians.

Coal mines in British Columbia and around the world make up a very important part of our lives. They provide us with coal. Coal is a raw material needed to make many products that are used in countries all over the world.

If we take a closer look at the way that we live our lives we can see how each and every one of us is responsible for the millions of tonnes of coal that are mined every year.

Who needs coal? We all need coal!