Maryland Information

Coal mining in western Maryland began in the early 1700's, accounting for some of the earliest coal ever to be mined in the eastern United States. By 1820, several mines were operating in the Eckhart, Frostburg, and Vale Summit areas. Between 1900 and 1918, deep mine production peaked between four and five million tons annually. Most of these mines were developed up-dip to drain water away from the mines. As a result of this, water high in acid and iron drained into streams. Today, acid mine drainage from abandoned coal mines is Western Maryland’s most serious water pollution problem.

After World War II, deep mining declined in Maryland. By 1977, surface mining accounted for 91 percent of the total production. Since then, production at underground mines has recovered and surpassed surface production, accounting for 78 percent of the total production in 1995. During the 1980's, the amount of coal mined in Maryland fluctuated between three and four million tons, with the greatest production occurring in 1981 (4.5 million tons). Since that time, the tonnage mined has been stable at approximately 3.5 million tons per year. This production is expected to remain stable because of a new long-term underground contract and a new power plant which will begin operation in 1999 and burn approximately 600,000 tons per year of Maryland coal.

Today coal mining in Maryland is confined to Garrett and the western portion of Allegany county. The topography in this area is comprised of gently rolling terrain with occasional steep slopes. Maryland State law prohibits surface mining on steep slopes. The Conemaugh and Allegany geologic formations contain five major minable fields or basins in the State. These include the Upper Youghiogheny, Lower Youghiogheny, Casselman, Upper Potomac, and Georges Creek. The Georges Creek Basin contains the most recoverable coal reserves in the State, followed by the Upper Potomac and the Casselman. There is no mining in the Upper Youghiogheny field. Maryland’s coal reserves are estimated to exceed one billion tons. Approximately 490 million tons of bituminous coal are considered recoverable using conventional mining methods with today’s technology.