Abstract

Coal geology is a vital sub-discipline of geology that examines the formation, classification, and extraction of coal, a key fossil fuel in global energy production. This overview explores the genesis of coal, beginning with peat accumulation in swampy environments, and traces its transformation through diagenesis and coalification into various ranks, including lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous, and anthracite. It highlights the geological settings conducive to coal formation, emphasizing the importance of sedimentary basins, tectonic activity, and paleoenvironmental conditions. Additionally, the article discusses the global distribution of coal reserves, focusing on major producers such as the United States, China, and India, and underscores the economic significance of coal in energy generation and industrial applications. However, coal's environmental impact, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions and air quality, raises pressing concerns amid the global energy transition. The future of coal is examined in the context of emerging technologies, policy shifts, and the growing emphasis on renewable energy sources, underscoring the need for sustainable management of this critical resource.