The route from the coal mine to the places where it is used can take many paths. Most coal is transported by train and barge. The steam turns turbines which generate electricity. A variety of industries use coal's heat and by-products. The concrete and paper industries also burn large amounts of coal.
Industrial consumers use over six percent of the coal mined in the United States.
It is the very high temperatures created from the use of coke that gives steel the strength and versatility for products such as bridges, buildings, and automobiles. The United States is the world's leading coal exporter. Approximately 80 million tons are exported every year to about 40 different countries worldwide. Most trade is with Western Europe, Canada and Japan. For more information on how coal and other sources of energy are used please click here .