What is the most important mineral in Appalachia, and what is its use?
Social Studies · Middle School · Wed Jan 13 2021
Answered on
The most important mineral in Appalachia has traditionally been coal. Coal is a fossil fuel which has been a critical part of the energy mix for a long time, primarily due to its use in electricity generation and steel production. In Appalachia, coal mining has been a significant industry since the 19th century, contributing to the economic development of the region.
Coal is composed mostly of carbon along with varying amounts of other elements, chiefly hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. It is extracted from the ground by coal mining, either below the surface at deep mines or at surface mines.
The primary use of coal is as an energy source. It is burned to produce heat in thermal power plants to generate electricity. In addition, coal is an essential material in metallurgical processes. For example, it is converted into coke for use in steelmaking, where it acts as a reducing agent for iron ore and provides the carbon needed for alloying with iron to make steel.