Coal has been an important part of West Virginia’s economy for more than a century, and the state is currently the second-largest coal producer in the nation, after Wyoming. The existence of coal in West Virginia was first reported in the early 1700s, but large-scale mining did not begin until the mid-1800s. Today, coal is mined in 21 of 55 counties.
The state is also the largest producer of bituminous coal. Coal deposits underlie all but two counties, both of which are located in the state's eastern panhandle. Although coal occurs in 53 of the state's 55 counties, only 43 counties have economically recoverable reserves. All West Virginia coal is bituminous, but sulfur content varies across the state. The Central Appalachian region, which includes the southern part of West Virginia, is the nation's primary source for bituminous coal that is relatively low in sulfur. Coal from the Northern Appalachian region, which includes northern West Virginia, has relatively high sulfur content. West Virginia is among the top three states in the nation in recoverable coal reserves at producing mines. Most of West Virginia's coal production and reserves are found in underground mines.
About three-fifths of coal produced is sent to nearly 20 states, including West Virginia, while the rest is sent to other countries. In fact, West Virginia produces the largest share of the nation’s exported coal, accounting for roughly 38% of exports. West Virginia does receive some coal from other states, primarily Pennsylvania. Coal shipments typically move in and out of the state by rail, barge, and truck, but some coal is also transported by tramway, conveyor, or slurry pipeline. More than nine-tenths of the coal consumed in the state goes to the electric power sector, and almost all of the rest is delivered to coal plants and other industrial facilities. Less than 1% of West Virginia households are heated with coal.
Source: EIA (January 2024)
