Top 10 Largest Coal Mines in the World

Contents

1 Introduction
2 Top 10 Largest Coal Mines in the World

Introduction

Global coal resources are abundantly reserved, yet their distribution is highly uneven across regions, with the vast majority of proven reserves concentrated in areas such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. So, which are the world’s super-large coal mines? Where is the largest coal mine located? Below, we have compiled a list of the world’s top 10 largest coal mines, including the Rochester Coal Mine, Haerwusu Open-Pit Mine, Heidaigou Open-Pit Mine, Moatize Coal Mine, Hei Lei Open-Pit Mine, and others. Let’s explore them together!

Rochester Coal Mine – United States – 2.3 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves
Haerwusu Open-Pit Mine – China – 1.73 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves
Heidaigou Open-Pit Mine – China – 1.498 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves
Moatize Coal Mine – Mozambique – 1.49 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves
Black Thunder Mine – United States – 1.47 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves
Peak Downs Mine – Australia – 1.06 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves
Mount Arthur Coal Mine – Australia – 1.049 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves
Coballo Coal Mine – United States – 852 million tons of recoverable coal reserves
Raspadskaya Coal Mine – Russia – 782 million tons of recoverable coal reserves
Cerrejón Coal Mine – Colombia – 754 million tons of recoverable coal reserves

Top 10 Largest Coal Mines in the World – An Overview

1. North Antelope Rochelle Mine – USA – 2.3 Billion Tons Recoverable Reserves

The North Antelope Rochelle Mine, located in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, is the world’s largest coal mine by recoverable reserves, exceeding 2.3 billion tons. This surface mine, owned by Peabody Energy, reportedly supplies 40% of U.S. coal. Its coal is considered among the cleanest in America, with an average heat content of 8,800 BTU per pound and sulfur content below 0.2%.

2. Haerwusu Open-Pit Mine – China – 1.73 Billion Tons Recoverable Reserves

Located in Inner Mongolia’s Ordos City, Haerwusu Open-Pit Mine ranks as the world’s second-largest coal mine with 1.73 billion tons of recoverable reserves. With an average coal seam thickness of 21.01 meters and a stripping ratio of 6.626 m³/ton, this mine has a designed service life of 79 years. It produces high-quality thermal coal characterized by medium ash, low sulfur, very low phosphorus, and high calorific value.

3. Heidaigou Open-Pit Mine – China – 1.498 Billion Tons Recoverable Reserves

Heidaigou Open-Pit Mine in Inner Mongolia’s Jungar Coalfield is China’s self-designed super-large surface mine, covering 42.36 km² with 1.498 billion tons of recoverable reserves. Commissioned in 1999 after eight years of construction, it has an annual design capacity of 20 million tons and a 75-year service life, ranking among the world’s top ten coal mines.

4. Moatize Coal Mine – Mozambique – 1.49 Billion Tons Recoverable Reserves

Mozambique’s Moatize Mine in Tete Province holds the world’s fourth-largest coal reserves at 1.49 billion tons. Brazilian mining company Vale acquired exploration rights in 2007 through a tender valid until March 2032, covering 242.04 km². Full extraction is estimated to take 20-30 years.

5. Black Thunder Mine – USA – 1.47 Billion Tons Recoverable Reserves

Wyoming’s Black Thunder Mine in the Powder River Basin spans 144.5 km² with 1.47 billion tons of recoverable reserves. Operated by Arch Resources (America’s second-largest coal company), it began production in 1977 and accounts for 7.6% of U.S. coal output, second only to North Antelope Rochelle.

6. Peak Downs Mine – Australia – 1.06 Billion Tons Recoverable Reserves

Located in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, Peak Downs is Australia’s largest coal mine by recoverable reserves (1.06 billion tons). Operated by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), this super-large surface mine produces over 10 million tons of metallurgical coal annually and is one of seven BMA mines in the basin.

7. Mount Arthur Mine – Australia – 1.049 Billion Tons Recoverable Reserves

Mount Arthur Mine in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, operational since 1968, contains 1.049 billion tons of recoverable reserves. Owned by BHP, its northern and southern open-cut pits (commissioned in 2002) have a combined capacity exceeding 27 million tons annually, though 2022 output was 13.7 million tons.

8. Coballo Mine – USA – 852 Million Tons Recoverable Reserves

Wyoming’s Coballo Mine in the Powder River Basin has produced coal since 1978, with 852 million tons of recoverable reserves. This Peabody Energy-owned surface mine features two coal seams and an annual capacity exceeding 10 million tons, ranking among America’s top three coal mines.

9. Raspadskaya Mine – Russia – 782 Million Tons Recoverable Reserves

Russia’s largest coal mine in Kemerovo Oblast contains 782 million tons of recoverable coking coal reserves. Operated by Raspadskaya Company since 1970, it comprises two underground mines and one open-pit mine, serving as a crucial coal production base for Russia.

10. Cerrejón Mine – Colombia – 754 Million Tons Recoverable Reserves

Colombia’s Cerrejón Mine on the Guajira Peninsula holds 754 million tons of recoverable reserves. Jointly owned by Anglo American, BHP, and Glencore (33.3% each), it employs nearly 120,000 workers and produces 32 million tons annually—about 37% of Colombia’s total coal output since its 1985 commissioning.

World’s Top 10 Largest Coal Mines – Global Coal Mine Rankings

Introduction