It's also used as a basic energy source in many industries, including, steel, cement and paper. Many U.S. coal beds are very near the ground's surface. Modern mining methods allow us to easily reach most of our coal reserves. 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.