szénipar

The szénipar, or coal industry, refers to the sector of the economy involved in the extraction, processing, and utilization of coal. Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, formed as rock strata called coal seams. Coal is mostly carbon with variable quantities of other elements, chiefly hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Historically, the szénipar has been a cornerstone of industrial development, providing the primary fuel source for steam engines, electricity generation, and various manufacturing processes. Its importance surged during the Industrial Revolution and continued to be significant throughout the 20th century. Major coal-producing regions and countries have often been centers of industrial power.

The extraction of coal, known as mining, can be done through surface mining or underground mining. Surface mining involves removing overburden to expose coal seams, while underground mining uses shafts and tunnels to reach deeper deposits. Processed coal can then be used for energy production, as a raw material in chemical industries, or for metallurgy.

In recent decades, the szénipar has faced increasing scrutiny due to its significant environmental impact, particularly its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This has led to a global trend towards transitioning away from coal towards cleaner energy sources. Consequently, many countries are implementing policies to reduce coal consumption and phase out coal-fired power plants, impacting the global szénipar. Despite these challenges, coal remains a significant energy source in some parts of the world.