China and India Drive Global Coal Output Growth
Global Expansion of Coal Mining Projects Raises Environmental Concerns A significant number of coal mining projects are currently in the planning stages across the world, with a substantial portion concentrated in a few key countries. According to recent data from the Global Energy Monitor (GEM), over 850 new mines, expansions, and recommissioning projects are set to be developed in 30 countries. These initiatives include 35 mine extension projects that are still under consideration. China remains the global leader in coal production capacity, with an estimated 1,350 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of proposed capacity. This capacity is primarily located in the northern and northwestern regions of the country. India follows closely behind, with 329 Mtpa of proposed coal production, nearly half of which is being developed by the state-owned company Coal India. The scale of these developments is alarming, as GEM estimates that a total of 2,270 Mtpa of coal mine capacity is currently u...