China’s coal: The other black gold

When the term “black gold” is used, it usually pertains to oil. Coal, one of the oldest sources of energy used by man, has long been a poor cousin. However, in an era of higher oil prices and apprehension over future supply, coal no longer looks so bad.

This is certainly the case in China, where the industry is beginning the process of a major overhaul. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Chinese economy has expanded at an average of 9.5% over the past two decades and “seems likely to continue at

that pace for some time”. To maintain that pace of growth, China must tap all of its energy resources, including coal.

Asia Times