For more information about lignite, visit the Lignite Energy Council website. Note the overburden. This is a medium soft coal that contains much less moisture than lignite and is not nearly as crumbly. Like lignite, its primary use is in the generation of electricity. It is produced primarily along the east side of the Rocky Mountains from eastern Montana to the four corners area where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah join.
Bituminous coal contains even less moisture than the sub-bituminous type.
In addition to being used for electrical generation, it is also used in making coke or coking coal, an essential ingredient in making steel. Most production of bituminous coal is from the east coast to the midwest states and in Alaska. It is not uncommon to find anthracite that produces well in excess of 15,000 Btu's per pound. Anthracite makes excellent home heating fuel because it burns cleanly, does not produce volatile gases and does not deteriorate. It can be stored on the ground for long periods of time without creating environmental problems.