As of 2026, China, India, the United States, Indonesia, and Australia are the top five coal producers globally, supplying about 70% of world output.
Which countries are the top 5 producers of coal?
As of 2026, the top five coal-producing countries are China, India, the United States, Indonesia, and Australia.
These five nations account for roughly 70% of global coal output. China alone produces nearly half of it. India and the U.S. trail behind as second and third, while Indonesia and Australia round out the top five—mostly by exporting to Asia. Production numbers fluctuate yearly based on energy demand and policy shifts, but these rankings have held steady since 2020.
Which country is the producer of coal?
China is the world’s top coal producer, with annual output exceeding 3.8 billion metric tons in 2025.
| Rank | Country | 2025 Production (million metric tons) |
|---|
| 1 | China | 3,812 |
| 2 | India | 812 |
| 3 | United States | 560 |
| 4 | Indonesia | 535 |
| 5 | Australia | 473 |
Data source: International Energy Agency (IEA), U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Which country is the largest product of coal in the world?
China remains the largest producer of coal in the world, with over 3.8 billion tonnes in 2025.
Its massive production reflects sky-high domestic demand for electricity and industry. Even with global pushes toward renewables, coal still powers about 60% of China’s electricity. Output stabilized after 2023, when mine safety and environmental reforms temporarily slowed production.
What country is the leading producer of coal in Africa?
South Africa is the leading coal producer in Africa, accounting for over 80% of the continent’s output.
It churned out roughly 235 million tonnes in 2025, mostly for domestic electricity. Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned utility, still relies on coal for over 85% of its power. The country’s got plenty of coal, but aging infrastructure and water shortages make future growth tricky.
Who is the biggest exporter of coal in the world?
Indonesia is the world’s largest coal exporter, shipping over 480 million tonnes in 2025.
It sends most of that thermal coal to China, India, and other Asian buyers. Being close to major importers gives Indonesia a clear logistics and price advantage. Exports have climbed steadily since 2020, thanks to rising demand across Southeast Asia.
Who is the world’s biggest coal producer?
China is the world’s biggest coal producer, with production exceeding 3.8 billion tonnes annually.
It’s also the world’s top consumer, using nearly the same amount. The coal sector employs over 2 million people and fuels key industries like steel and cement. Even with decarbonization goals, coal remains vital for energy security.
Who has the most coal in the world?
The United States holds the largest coal reserves globally, with an estimated 249 billion tonnes as of 2025.
| Rank | Country | Coal Reserves (billion tonnes) |
|---|
| 1 | United States | 249 |
| 2 | Russia | 162 |
| 3 | Australia | 150 |
| 4 | China | 142 |
| 5 | India | 111 |
Source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy
Which state is largest producer of coal?
Chhattisgarh is India’s largest coal-producing state, with production of 170 million tonnes in FY 2025–26.
It edged past Jharkhand and Odisha thanks to new mine expansions in the Hasdeo Arand region. Chhattisgarh supplies about 18% of India’s total coal. Most of it feeds domestic power plants and steel mills.
Does the UK still produce coal?
The UK still produces small amounts of coal, but output has dropped below 1 million tonnes annually since 2021.
By 2025, only a handful of deep mines remain open, mostly in Yorkshire and the East Midlands. The UK shut down coal power in October 2024, switching to gas and renewables. Any remaining coal output is mainly for industrial use or old stockpiles.
Where is coal mostly found?
Coal is most commonly found in three major geological regions: the Appalachian Basin (U.S.), the Powder River Basin (U.S.), and the Bowen Basin (Australia).
In the U.S., the Powder River Basin in Wyoming is the biggest coal producer, supplying nearly 40% of domestic coal. Globally, the largest reserves sit in the Permian Basin (China), the Kuznetsk Basin (Russia), and the Galilee Basin (Australia).
Which country is rich in coal in Africa?
South Africa holds the richest coal deposits in Africa, with reserves of about 15 billion tonnes.
Other African countries with notable coal resources include Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe—but only South Africa and Mozambique have active mining operations. Mozambique exported 17 million tonnes in 2025, mostly to India.
Which is the best quality of coal?
Anthracite is the highest-quality coal, containing 86–97% carbon and delivering up to 35 MJ/kg of energy.
It burns with a clean blue flame, gives off little smoke, and is used for home heating and specialty industrial work. Metallurgical coal (bituminous) comes next—it’s crucial for steelmaking. Sub-bituminous and lignite are lower-grade coals mainly used in power plants.
Where is the biggest coal port in the world?
The Port of Newcastle, Australia, is the world’s largest coal export port, handling over 170 million tonnes in 2025.
It serves the Hunter Valley coalfields, Australia’s largest. The port runs 24/7, exporting mostly metallurgical and thermal coal to China, Japan, and India. New projects aim to push capacity to 200 million tonnes by 2028.
Which state is rich in coal?
Odisha is the richest state in coal reserves in India, holding over 37 billion tonnes as of 2025.
It leads India’s reserves, followed by Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Odisha’s coalfields, like Talcher and IB Valley, supply power plants and industries across the country.
Which is the largest coal producing state in 2020 *?
In FY 2020–21, Chhattisgarh was the largest coal-producing state in India, with output of 158.4 million tonnes.
It kept the top spot through 2025, producing 170 million tonnes yearly. Odisha and Madhya Pradesh followed closely, with Jharkhand rounding out the top four. Coal India Limited, a state-owned giant, produced about 83% of India’s coal during this stretch.
