Falling to a series low
UK Coal Production moved from 8.60 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 0.500 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−94.2%), an average of −29.9% a year. The series high was 8.60 Million Tonnes in 2015 and the low 0.500 Million Tonnes in 2023.
What UK Coal Production shows
UK Coal Production was 0.500 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 28.6% on 2022. The Coal Production dataset for the UK from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the country's coal production trends, mining activity, and developments across the coal industry. Measured in thousand tonnes, the dataset records annual coal output and serves as an important indicator of domestic mining activity, resource utilization, and the declining role of coal in the UK's energy sector.
A 94.2% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2023) is 8.10 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was −51.2% in 2016.
Ranks 29 of 30 countries covered
Among the 30 countries in this dataset, UK ranks 29 for 2023, behind China (4,710 Million Tonnes) and India (1,011 Million Tonnes). It accounts for 0% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
UK Coal Production by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Million Tonnes.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Million Tonnes | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Trough | 0.500 | −28.6% |
| 2022 | 0.700 | −36.4% |
| 2021 | 1.10 | −35.3% |
| 2020 | 1.70 | −34.6% |
| 2019 | 2.60 | −7.1% |
| 2018 | 2.80 | −6.7% |
| 2017 | 3.00 | −28.6% |
| 2016 | 4.20 | −51.2% |
| 2015Peak | 8.60 | — |
Regional context
How UK compares in Europe
Coal Production by country, 2023, Million Tonnes. UK is highlighted.
1Germany102.3
2Poland88.70
3Turkey66.40
4Serbia31.90
5Czech Republic30.00
6Bulgaria21.00
7Romania14.80
9UK0.500
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Coal Production — - Coal Production refers to the total amount of coal extracted from surface and underground mines within a country during a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes and represents the output of raw coal before processing or consumption. The indicator includes the extraction of various coal types used for energy generation and industrial applications, reflecting a country's coal resource utilization, mining activity, and contribution to domestic and global coal supply. Coal Production is widely used to assess the performance of the mining sector, energy security, industrial development, and the availability of coal as a primary energy source.
The data includes the production of all major types of coal, including anthracite, bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal, lignite (brown coal), and other commercially recoverable coal grades, where reported under national energy statistics. It covers coal extracted from both surface (open-pit) and underground mining operations for use in electricity generation, steel production, cement manufacturing, industrial processes, and other commercial applications. Production from both public and private mining operations is included, regardless of whether the coal is consumed domestically or exported. Data is compiled using standardized international energy reporting methodologies based on national mining statistics and industry sources, enabling consistent comparison of coal production across countries and over time.
The data excludes coal consumption, coal imports and exports, coal reserves, coal stock changes, and coal used after processing into secondary energy products. It also excludes coal-derived products such as coke, coke oven gas, coal tar, coal bed methane, synthetic fuels produced through coal-to-liquids (CTL) technologies, and other processed coal products unless specifically included in the reporting methodology. The indicator does not measure mining productivity, coal quality, calorific value, environmental impacts, or greenhouse gas emissions associated with coal production or use. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national reporting standards, coal classifications, moisture adjustments, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
About this indicator
Coal Production — - Coal Production refers to the total amount of coal extracted from surface and underground mines within a country during a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes and represents the output of raw coal before processing or consumption. The indicator includes the extraction of various coal types used for energy generation and industrial applications, reflecting a country's coal resource utilization, mining activity, and contribution to domestic and global coal supply. Coal Production is widely used to assess the performance of the mining sector, energy security, industrial development, and the availability of coal as a primary energy source.
It supports analysis of production performance, industrial trends, and the country's ongoing energy transition.
The UK produced 8,600 thousand tonnes of coal in 2015, with production declining sharply to 4,200 thousand tonnes in 2016. Output continued to fall to 3,000 thousand tonnes in 2017 and 2,800 thousand tonnes in 2018. Production decreased further to 2,600 thousand tonnes in 2019 and 1,700 thousand tonnes in 2020. The downward trend continued with output reaching 1,100 thousand tonnes in 2021, 700 thousand tonnes in 2022, and only 500 thousand tonnes in 2023, reflecting the continued contraction of domestic coal mining.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a significant long-term decline in UK coal production during the review period. The reduction reflects mine closures, declining coal-fired electricity generation, increasing adoption of renewable energy, environmental policies, and the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions through the transition toward cleaner energy sources.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating developments in the UK's coal industry, monitoring mining activity, and assessing the impact of energy transition policies on domestic production. It supports market research, policy analysis, investment evaluation, and strategic planning while providing insights into long-term production trends, energy security considerations, and the changing contribution of coal within the UK's overall energy mix.
- Indicator
- Coal Production
- Country
- UK
- Region
- Europe
- Unit
- Million Tonnes
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Energy & Power
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- energyinst.org
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Frequently asked questions
What is UK Coal Production?
Definition- Coal Production refers to the total amount of coal extracted from surface and underground mines within a country during a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes and represents the output of raw coal before processing or consumption. The indicator includes the extraction of various coal types used for energy generation and industrial applications, reflecting a country's coal resource utilization, mining activity, and contribution to domestic and global coal supply. Coal Production is widely used to assess the performance of the mining sector, energy security, industrial development, and the availability of coal as a primary energy source.
What was UK Coal Production in 2023?
UK Coal Production was 0.500 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 28.6% on 2022.
How has UK Coal Production changed between 2015 and 2023?
UK Coal Production moved from 8.60 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 0.500 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−94.2%), an average of −29.9% a year. The series high was 8.60 Million Tonnes in 2015 and the low 0.500 Million Tonnes in 2023.
Which year had the highest and lowest UK Coal Production?
The highest value was 8.60 Million Tonnes in 2015 and the lowest was 0.500 Million Tonnes in 2023.
What does the UK Coal Production data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes the production of all major types of coal, including anthracite, bituminous coal, sub-bituminous coal, lignite (brown coal), and other commercially recoverable coal grades, where reported under national energy statistics. It covers coal extracted from both surface (open-pit) and underground mining operations for use in electricity generation, steel production, cement manufacturing, industrial processes, and other commercial applications. Production from both public and private mining operations is included, regardless of whether the coal is consumed domestically or exported. Data is compiled using standardized international energy reporting methodologies based on national mining statistics and industry sources, enabling consistent comparison of coal production across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes coal consumption, coal imports and exports, coal reserves, coal stock changes, and coal used after processing into secondary energy products. It also excludes coal-derived products such as coke, coke oven gas, coal tar, coal bed methane, synthetic fuels produced through coal-to-liquids (CTL) technologies, and other processed coal products unless specifically included in the reporting methodology. The indicator does not measure mining productivity, coal quality, calorific value, environmental impacts, or greenhouse gas emissions associated with coal production or use. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national reporting standards, coal classifications, moisture adjustments, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
Where does the UK Coal Production data come from?
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Million Tonnes.
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