... far cheaper than other fossil fuels, and because it is also more abundant. Coal was (and in some cases still is) mined throughout the different coalfields within the UK, and began as early as Roman times. There are many coalfields of differing sizes throughout the UK, e.g. Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, South Wales, North East, Scottish Lowlands, Staffordshire, North Wales, Cumbria, Lancashire, Forest of Dean, South Derbyshire and Leicestershire. Different coalfields could have different types and qualities of coals, which were highly sought after e.g. South Wales - anthracite, Durham - coking coals, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire - general purpose coals. The model on page 2 shows the economic and demographic development of a mining area. Coal was first mined on the "exposed" coalfield where the coal bearing rock was at the surface and directly below. An exposed seam is known as an "outcrop". As demand increased, further coal was ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now