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The largest coal mining company in the U.S. is Peabody Energy, with a revenue of $4.89 billion.
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As of 2026, the U.S. coal mining industry has a market size of $30.9 billion.
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Despite declines in recent years, 535.4 million short tons of coal continues to be mined annually in the U.S.
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The U.S. coal mining market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2% through 2025.
Coal mining in the United States boasts a rich history dating back to the 1300s, when Native Americans from the Hopi tribe utilized coal. Commercial coal use began around 1701. The 1880s marked a pivotal shift as coal surpassed wood as the primary energy source, maintaining dominance until the rise of petroleum in the 1950s.
Throughout the 20th century, coal remained a vital energy source in the U.S. However, the industry has faced challenges in recent years due to a shift towards alternative energy sources, impacting mining levels.
10 Largest Coal Mining Companies in the United States
While the coal mining industry faces significant challenges—evident in the fact that nearly half of U.S. coal companies have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy—there remains a continued demand for coal. Below are the largest companies operating within this sector:
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St. Louis, Missouri
2022 Annual Revenue: $4.89 billionAs the largest producer of coal in the United States and the world’s largest private-sector coal company, Peabody Energy operates in over 25 countries. Though the company faced challenges, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, it emerged in 2017 and is working to rehabilitate its brand and reputation.
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Contura Energy/Alpha Metallurgical Resources.
Bristol, Tennessee
2022 Annual Revenue: $3.90 billionRenamed from Contura Energy to Alpha Metallurgical Resources in 2021, the company focuses on both underground and surface coal mining in the Appalachian region. Since its inception in 2016, Alpha has become a leading supplier of metallurgical coal and has strategically exited the thermal coal business to adapt to a shifting energy landscape.
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St. Louis, Missouri
2022 Annual Revenue: $3.70 billionAs the second-largest supplier of coal in the U.S., Arch Resources is rebranding to emphasize how its coal supports electric power, steel production, and industrial facilities. The company operates 32 active mines and controls substantial coal reserves, though it has faced financial turmoil in the past.
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Alliance Resource Partners, LP
Tulsa, Oklahoma
2022 Annual Revenue: $2.40 billionAlliance Resource Partners is recognized as the fifth-largest coal producer in the U.S. and the largest in the Illinois Basin. The company has successfully avoided bankruptcy and remains diversified with income from coal production and oil and gas mineral interests.
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Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
2022 Annual Revenue: $2.10 billionAfter restructuring in 2017, CONSOL Energy focuses on coal mining as part of its operations, having split from its natural gas segment. Once a leading producer, it has faced challenges yet managed to avoid bankruptcy.
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Murray Energy/American Consolidated Natural Resources, Inc.
Saint Clairsville, Ohio
2022 Annual Revenue: $1.00 billionRenamed American Consolidated Natural Resources, Inc., this company emerged from bankruptcy in 2019 but remains the largest privately-owned coal mining company in the U.S. Despite facing numerous operational challenges, it continues to operate in a competitive market.
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Gillette, Wyoming
2022 Annual Revenue: $832.4 millionCloud Peak Energy filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019 and was acquired by Navajo Transitional Energy Company (NTEC). NTEC is now the third-largest coal producer in the nation, focusing on efficient mining and marketing practices.
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St. Louis, Missouri
2022 Annual Revenue: $778.8 millionForesight Energy faced bankruptcy in March 2020, controlling significant coal reserves. Current prospects indicate potential ownership transfer to creditors as the company navigates its financial challenges.
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Milton, West Virginia
2022 Annual Revenue: $320.6 millionAfter filing for bankruptcy in 2019, Revelation Energy remains in a precarious position, with operations halted and uncertainty about its future. Unlike other firms that continued production during reorganization, Revelation Energy laid off employees, complicating its recovery.
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Cleveland, Ohio
2022 Annual Revenue: $241.7 millionOnce known as North American Coal Corporation, NACCO Industries has diversified its operations beyond coal mining. It has successfully avoided bankruptcy, which may be attributed to its broad market base.
Coal Mining Industry FAQ
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What is the biggest coal industry region in the U.S.?
The three largest coal-producing regions in the United States are the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana, the Appalachian Basin, and the Illinois Basin. As of recent data, 25 states produce coal, with Wyoming, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, and Pennsylvania accounting for three-quarters of national production.
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What are the main factors driving the decline in the coal industry?
Three primary factors contribute to the decline of the coal industry:
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Railroad Deregulation. In the 1970s, deregulation led to lower shipping costs for coal from the West, shifting job opportunities to Montana and Wyoming and reducing employment in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
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Globalization. Increased globalization has resulted in a decline of energy and manufacturing jobs in the U.S., as these sectors are often more cost-effective overseas.
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Pollution and Climate Concerns. Rising awareness of pollution and climate change has fueled a demand for clean energy alternatives, further decreasing the viability of coal.
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Author
Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.
