Causes for the Decline in Anthracite Mining Industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the 20th Century

Chapter IThe Demand for Anthracite CoalIntroduction to the Industry. Anthracite mining is peculiar to Pennsylvania, that is, although a smaller tonnage of similar coal is mined in other states, it is in Pennsylvania alone that mining and distribution of this coal has become a major industry. It is unique in that 99% of commercial production of the Western Hemisphere originates from deposits underlying nine counties located in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This represents an extreme concentration and supply of a valuable energy-heat resource in the heavily populated Northeastern quarter of the United States.