U.S. Geological Survey


CONCLUSIONS

For Virginia, an overall long-term decline in production is indicated by the depletion of the major producing beds, a significant decline in reserves at active mines, and the current 5-year decline in production. Economic pressures brought on by low-cost western coal for steam coal markets have resulted in a recent trend toward larger, more economical mines. At present, coal reserves are limited, although hypothetical, and cannot support long-term growth of coal production in southwestern Virginia. Instead, steadily decreasing reserves indicate that the current production decline will persist into the next century. Changing economic conditions, as well as improved thin-seam mining technology, however, could reduce the decline rate and stabilize production at 20 to 30 million tons annually toward the middle of the next century.



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For more information, please contact Robert C. Milici
Last revised 9-16-97 (Kathie Watson)