Ohio

The value of coal and industrial minerals sold in Ohio during 2002 was about $1.2 billion, according to preliminary data compiled by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological Survey. This was a 14% decrease from 2001 (Fig.1). Coal was produced from an estimated 106 mines. Nonfuel minerals were produced from about 495 operations. Thirty-eight mines produced multiple mineral commodities (for example, coal and clay). More than 7,500 people were employed by the mining industry in Ohio during 2002.

Coal

Coal was produced by 39 companies at 106 mines in 20 Ohio counties in 2002. Production decreased 20% from 2001, totaling 18.9 Mt (20.9 million st). An estimated 11.6 Mt (12.8 million st) were produced from nine underground mines. About 7.3 Mt (8.1 million st) were produced from 97 surface mines. Belmont County led the state in coal production in 2002 (8.3 Mt or 9.1 million st). The companies with the largest coal production in 2002 are listed in Table 1.

All coals mined in Ohio during 2002 were Pennsylvanian age. The Pittsburgh (No. 8) coal was the most heavily mined seam. It was followed by the Meigs Creek (No. 9), Middle Kittanning (No. 6) and Lower Freeport (No. 6A) coals.

The average price paid for Ohio coal in 2002 was $25.67/t ($23.39/st). The value was $442 million. About 2,500 people were employed in Ohio coal mines and associated facilities during 2002.

Several developments in 2002 could stimulate future production in the Ohio coal industry. The Medical College of Ohio (MCO) has installed a multiemissions removal system at its power plant in Toledo. The emissions system allows MCO to burn Ohio coal while complying with federal clean air requirements.

Ohio University has proposed a coal-gasification, combined heat and power plant. The project will increase the university's use of Ohio coal by 300%, while providing heat and power to the Athens County campus.

Nordic Energy of Ashtabula has proposed a $1.3-billion power plant on former industrial land in Ashtabula County. The plant would use an integrated-gasification, combined cycle technology owned by Global Energy of Cincinnati. The 800-MW plant would be one of the cleanest coal fired power plants in the world

Limestone and dolomite

Limestone...