| − | '''Bituminous coal''' is a dense [[coal]], usually black, sometimes dark brown, often having well-defined bands of bright and dull material. It is used primarily as fuel in steam-electric power generation, though substantial quantities also used for heat and power applications in manufacturing and to make coke. Bituminous coal is the most abundant coal in [[Coal mining|active U.S. mining regions]], since the mining of [[anthracite]] coal or "hard coal" has dropped away. | + | '''Bituminous coal''' is a dense [[coal]], usually black, sometimes dark brown, often having well-defined bands of bright and dull material. It is used primarily as fuel in steam-electric power generation, though substantial quantities also used for heat and power applications in manufacturing and to make [[Coke from coal|coke]]. Bituminous coal is the most abundant coal in [[Coal mining|active U.S. mining regions]], since the mining of [[anthracite]] coal or "hard coal" has dropped away. |