Interesting facts about coal Is a great opportunity to learn more about minerals. Today this type of fuel is one of the most common in the world. It is used for both domestic and industrial purposes.
So, here are the most interesting facts about coal.
- Fossil coal is the remains of ancient plants that have lain deep underground for a long time, under tremendous pressure and without oxygen.
- In Russia, coal mining began in the 15th century.
- Scientists say coal was the first fossil fuel used by humans.
- An interesting fact is that China is the world leader in coal consumption.
- If the coal is chemically enriched with hydrogen, then as a result it will be possible to obtain a liquid fuel similar in its characteristics to oil.
- In the middle of the last century, coal provided about half of the world's energy production.
- Did you know that coal is still used for painting today?
- The oldest coal mine on the planet is located in the Netherlands (see interesting facts about the Netherlands). It began operating in 1113 and continues to work successfully today.
- A fire blazed at the Liuhuanggou deposit (China) for 130 years, which was completely extinguished only in 2004. Each year, the flames destroyed over 2 million tons of coal.
- Anthracite, one of the types of coal, has the highest calorific value, but is poorly flammable. It is formed from coal when pressure and temperature rise at depths of up to 6 km.
- Coal contains harmful heavy metals such as cadmium and mercury.
- The largest exporters of coal today are Australia, Indonesia and Russia.
