Coal is found in nature too. The abundance of combustible material in coal is what makes it an important domestic fuel resource. However, the use of this fossil fuel has led to negative effects on the environment.
Electricity from coal is called thermal power. The coal was formed millions of years ago when giant ferns and swamps got buried under the layers of earth. Coal is therefore referred to as Buried Sunshine.
The leading coal producers of the world are China, USA, Germany, Russia, South Africa and France. The coal producing areas of India are Raniganj, Jharia, Dhanbad and Bokaro in Jharkhand.