Coal in Indiana
The Indiana Coal Industry
Bituminous coal has become one of Indiana’s most
valuable natural resources since its discovery along
the banks of the Wabash River in 1736. Organized
development of Indiana’s coal resources began in the
1830s and by 1918, production exceeded 30 million
short tons. Coal production declined following World
War I, but underground (deep) mining remained the
primary mining method in Indiana until the 1940s.
Following World War II, the advent of large-scale
excavation equipment made surface mining
more cost efficient and by 1965, surface mining
accounted for more than 80 percent of the state’s annual
production. Surface mining continues to be the primary
method of coal removal in Indiana, with nearly 70 percent of
the current production coming from surface mines.
Indiana Coal Reserves
Indiana has approximately 57 billion tons of unmined
coal, of which nearly 17 billion tons is recoverable
using current technology. Of the mineable reserves,
about 88 percent is recoverable by underground
mining and only 12 percent is recoverable using
surface mining methods. Based on current production rates, Indiana's 17 billion tons of available coal could last more than 500 years.
Maps and Databases
- Mine Information
- Maps
- Coal Databases
Coal Research
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Indiana coal production averages nearly 35 million short tons per year (1 short ton = 2,000 pounds). In recent years there has been a resurgence of underground mining as the easily strippable reserves are depleted.
The "Old Glory" dragline removes overburden at the Farmersburg Mine in Vigo County. Large surface mines are now being replaced by underground operations such as the Gibson County Mine near Princeton (below).
Mining History, Issues, and Statistics
- Mining History
- Mining Issues
- Statistics
Additional Information
- From the IGS
- From External Sources
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