COAL: AN IN-DEPTH OVERVIEW
A comprehensive look at coal, its types, uses, environmental impacts, and relevance in Thailand.
Presented by: Ma. Johanna B. Testa
INTRODUCTION TO COAL
Definition: A combustible sedimentary rock formed from ancient plant matter.
Primary Composition: Carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen.
Significance: Major source for electricity and industrial processes.
TYPES OF COAL
1. Peat – precursor to coal.
2. Lignite – low carbon, high moisture.
3. Sub-bituminous – moderate energy.
4. Bituminous – higher energy, industrial uses.
5. Anthracite – highest energy, hard and glossy.
FORMATION OF COAL
Coal forms from plant materials in swamp environments. Over time, heat and pressure convert these materials through peat to various coal ranks (coalification).
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF COAL
Major Elements:
- Carbon (60–95%)
- Hydrogen (3–5%)
- Oxygen (1–30%)
- Nitrogen (0.5–3%)
- Sulfur (0.5–8%)
Trace Elements: Mercury, arsenic, selenium.
Minerals: Quartz, kaolinite, pyrite, calcite.
USES OF COAL
Electricity Generation
Steel Production
Cement Manufacturing
Chemical Production
Domestic Heating
ADVANTAGES OF COAL
• Abundant Supply
• Energy-Dense
• Stable Supply
• Economic Driver
DISADVANTAGES OF COAL
• Environmental Pollution
• Health Hazards
• Mining Impacts
• Finite Resource
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
• Air Pollution: SO₂, NOₓ, particulates, mercury
• Greenhouse Gases: CO₂
• Water Pollution: Acid mine drainage
• Land Degradation: Deforestation, erosion
COAL IN THAILAND
• Abundant Type: Lignite
• Major Province: Lampang (Mae Moh Mine)
• Organizations: EGAT, Banpu Public Company Limited
REFERENCES
• McGraw-Hill Education
• Encyclopedia Britannica
• Khan Academy
• Wikipedia
• National Geographic Education
• EGAT
• Banpu Public Company Limited