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Metallurgical coal—Deposits, production, resources, market dynamics, and supply chain risks

April 23, 2026

Plain Language Summary

Metallurgical coal (met coal; consumed to produce coke for steelmaking) must meet specific chemical and physical specifications. In 2023, the conterminous United States produced 66 million short tons (mst) of met coal, consumed 15.85 mst domestically, exported 51.1 mst, and imported 0.7 mst. Most met coal was produced in the Appalachian Basin, but there are also resources that meet the specifications for met coal in the Western United States.

Publication Year 2026
Title Metallurgical coal—Deposits, production, resources, market dynamics, and supply chain risks
DOI 10.3133/fs20263061
Authors Brian N. Shaffer, Elisa Alonso, Michelle N. Johnston, Scott A. Kinney
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Fact Sheet
Series Number 2026-3061
Index ID fs20263061
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Central Energy Resources Science Center
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