Most of the coal in Kentucky is in what group?

• A. Bituminous
• B. Anthracite
• C. Subbituminous
• D. Lignite

Answer: (A)

Coal rank and regional geology shape which type dominates in a state. In Kentucky, the coal belts sit in a region where bituminous coal is the predominant rank, formed under burial conditions that produced higher-energy coal suitable for both electricity generation and metallurgical uses. Because of these geological factors, most mining and production in the state come from bituminous seams. You’ll find smaller amounts of subbituminous and lignite in western Kentucky, and there are no significant anthracite deposits in the state. So, bituminous coal is the common type you’d expect to encounter in Kentucky.