Energy in Virginia has deep roots in its geology. Coal formed in ancient swamps of the far southwest, and the state began producing it more than 275 years ago.
Quick answer: Energy in Virginia includes coal and natural gas from the southwest. Virginia produced 9.5 million short tons of coal in 2025, worth about $1.31 billion, all from six counties: Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Lee, Tazewell and Wise. The first coal production in Virginia dates to 1748, in the Richmond area.
Contents
- Coal Production Today
- Three Coalfields
- Why the Southwest Has Coal
- Natural Gas
- Frequently asked questions
Coal Production Today
| Measure, 2025 | Value |
|---|---|
| Coal produced | 9.5 million short tons |
| Change from 2024 | About -4.6% |
| Share from underground mines | About 81% |
| Estimated value | $1.31 billion |
| Producing counties | Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Lee, Tazewell, Wise |
Source for the table: Virginia Energy.[1]
Virginia coal is used to generate electricity (steam coal), to make coke for steelmaking (metallurgical coal), and for other industrial and commercial purposes.[1]
Three Coalfields
Virginia Energy identifies three coal regions: the Southwest Virginia Coalfield, the Valley Coalfields and the Eastern Coalfields. The first production in the state, in 1748, came from the Richmond area.[1] Coal also formed in swampy lowlands of some Mesozoic basins in the Piedmont.[2]
Why the Southwest Has Coal
The coal of the Appalachian Plateau formed from plant material that collected in swamps about 300 million years ago, during the Pennsylvanian period. The same flat-lying rock layers also hold natural gas and petroleum.[3]
Natural Gas
The Appalachian Plateau is rich in coal and natural gas, according to Virginia Energy.[4]
Frequently asked questions
How much coal does Virginia produce? 9.5 million short tons in 2025, according to Virginia Energy.
Where is coal mined in Virginia? In six southwestern counties: Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Lee, Tazewell and Wise.
When did coal mining start in Virginia? The first production dates to 1748, in the Richmond area.
What is Virginia coal used for? Electricity generation, coke for steelmaking and other industrial uses.
References
- [1] Virginia Energy, Geology and Mineral Resources: Coal – last checked 11/08/2026
- [2] The Geology of Virginia (William and Mary), Piedmont – last checked 11/08/2026
- [3] The Geology of Virginia (William and Mary), Appalachian Plateau – last checked 11/08/2026
- [4] Virginia Energy, Virginia Provinces and Fossils – last checked 11/08/2026
The coal region is described in Appalachian Plateau.