MERCURY IN COAL FROM THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Abstract

The Peoples' Republic of China produces and consumes the largest quantity of coal in the world; about 2.19 billion tons of coal were produced in 2005. It is estimated that coal consumption will reach 7 billion tons by 2020. Although the nationwide percentage of electrical production from coal is falling due to increased coal-fired power generation efficiency and alternative sources, China will bum more coal than any other country for the foreseeable future. China also is estimated to be the largest producer of Hg emissions. A recent comprehensive study of anthropogenic Hg emissions in China produced a figure of 536 tons of Hg for the year 1999 with coal combustion (all types) accounting for 38% of the total.