The coal industry faces struggles and new challenges every day due to technology, the economy, the environment and other factors, so keep up with all your industry news by reading a coal publication whenever you can. Reading and learning from industry publications can provide you with the knowledge you need to make sound business decisions that will grow your business into the future.

Coal publications provide great resources for learning about breaking industry news, new industry trends, technologies, best practices and so much more. As you search for publications that best suit your needs, consider the following sources:

1. Order a coal industry book for in-depth information, different points of view and background information.

2. Stay current on trends, news, and analysis with a magazine about coal.

3. Use other coal publications to your advantage.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Include a coal industry book in your search for the best coal publications

Books on the coal industry make sound reference additions to your business library.

I recommend: Order the second edition of The Chemistry and Technology of Coal, by James G. Speight. The 1994 book provides coal industry readers with information on the environmental aspects emphasized within the industry and offers an overview of coal science. Gain a better historical perspective by reading the book U.S. Coal Industry, 1970 - 1990: Two Decades of Change. Published in 1994, the book emphasizes major changes, their causes and their effects. It analyzes trends in coal production, consumption, distribution and prices, and the comprehensive book also contains 100 helpful charts, tables, graphs and photos.

Subscribe to or bookmark your favorite coal magazines

Magazines on coal can provide you with quick access to facts, figures, advice and other information to help you build and improve your business.

I recommend: Order a subscription to Coal People, an informative and entertaining coal industry magazine that focuses on industry people and news. Read a coal industry article or two in Coal Age and then decide whether you want to bookmark the site or get a free subscription to the print magazine that serves the coal mining industry's needs. Visit the American Coal Council website to gain access to American Coal, a magazine read by people inside and outside the industry. The publication serves as an advocacy publication for the coal industry.

Consider other coal publications for specific information

To keep up with developments in a particular aspect of the coal industry, read other sources like coal price publications, a study or article about coal, newspapers or a coal industry journal.

I recommend: Oorder a free trial of the Coal & Energy Price Report from Energy Publishing. The daily energy and coal price publication covers the most current and compelling industry topics in every issue. You'll get industry scoops, news and developments. It includes an updated Hill Index, as well as updated pricing for electricity, natural gas and emissions, too. Download the study titled Impacts of Water Quality from Placement of Coal Combustion Waste in Pennsylvania Coal Mines, from the nonprofit Clean Air Task Force website. This comprehensive coal publication details the monitoring data from 15 coal surface coal mines in Pennsylvania that have received large volumes of coal ash. The report describes the study's findings of coal ash contaminating groundwaters and surface waters in 10 of 15 mines and the ramifications of the contamination. Bookmark Mining Journal Online, the companion website to the industry's leading weekly newspaper. Its coverage encompasses the global mining industry -- grass-roots exploration, financing and development, production and marketing. Depending on your interests, you might consider a subscription to the academic publication International Journal of Coal Geology, which focuses on the basic and applied aspects of coal's geology and petrology.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Besides researching topics and keeping up with trends, use coal publications for developing new networking opportunities for sharing information and advice.