Mining of coal and lignite

NACE v2.1 Code: B05

About mining of coal and lignite

NACE code 05 covers the mining and extraction of coal and lignite, two of the most important fossil fuels. This industry plays a crucial role in the global energy supply, providing a significant portion of the world's electricity and heat generation. Coal and lignite mining is a capital-intensive industry that requires substantial investment in specialized equipment and infrastructure. The industry's outputs are essential inputs for a wide range of other economic activities, making it a vital component of the broader economy.

Production process

The mining of coal and lignite typically involves a combination of surface mining and underground mining techniques. Surface mining, also known as open-pit mining, is used when the coal or lignite deposits are located close to the surface. This method involves the removal of the overlying soil and rock layers to expose the mineral deposits, which are then extracted using heavy machinery such as draglines and excavators. Underground mining, on the other hand, is used when the deposits are located deeper within the earth's crust. This method involves the construction of shafts and tunnels to access the mineral deposits, which are then extracted using specialized mining equipment such as continuous miners and longwall shearers.

Production inputs

The mining of coal and lignite requires a range of inputs, including heavy machinery and equipment, such as excavators, haul trucks, and conveyor systems. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce, including miners, engineers, and technicians, as well as a robust transportation infrastructure to move the extracted materials to processing facilities and end-users. Energy, in the form of electricity and fuel, is another critical input for the industry, as the extraction and processing of coal and lignite can be energy-intensive.

Production outputs

The primary outputs of the coal and lignite mining industry are the raw mineral resources themselves, which are then used as inputs for a variety of other economic activities. Coal and lignite are primarily used for electricity and heat generation, with 35 Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply being a major consumer of these resources. Additionally, the industry's outputs are used in the production of steel, cement, and other industrial materials, as well as in the manufacture of various chemicals and products. The specific end-use applications for coal and lignite can vary depending on the quality and characteristics of the extracted materials.

Revisions to 05

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 05. The most recent 1 version of this code (05) is in the NACE v2.1 system (this version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 05.

Older versions

Family tree for mining of coal and lignite

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/B'>B: MINING AND QUARRYING</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/B/05'>05: Mining of coal and lignite</a>"]

    A --> C["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/B/06'>06: Extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas</a>"]
A --> D["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/B/07'>07: Mining of metal ores</a>"]
A --> E["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/B/08'>08: Other mining and quarrying</a>"]
A --> F["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/B/09'>09: Mining support service activities</a>"]

    B --> G["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/B/05/1'>05.1: Mining of hard coal</a>"]
B --> H["<a href='/classifications/nace/v2-1/B/05/2'>05.2: Mining of lignite</a>"]


    %% Color coordination by level

    classDef level1 color:#000,fill:#a8f9ff,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level1
class B level2
class C level2
class D level2
class E level2
class F level2
class G level3
class H level3

  class B highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class B highlight