Lignite

A lignite stockpile (above) and a lignite briquette

Lignite (derived from Latin lignum meaning 'wood'), often referred to as brown coal,^[1] is a soft, brown, combustible sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat. It has a carbon content around 25–35%^[1]^[2] and is considered the lowest rank of coal due to its relatively low heat content. When removed from the ground, it contains a very high amount of moisture, which partially explains its low carbon content. Lignite is mined all around the world and is used almost exclusively as a fuel for steam-electric power generation.

Lignite combustion produces less heat for the amount of carbon dioxide and sulfur released than other ranks of coal. As a result, lignite is the most harmful coal to human health.^[3] Depending on the source, various toxic heavy metals, including naturally occurring radioactive materials, may be present in lignite and left over in the coal fly ash produced from its combustion, further increasing health risks.^[4]

^ ^a ^b Cite error: The named reference brit was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ "Coal explained". Energy Information Administration. Retrieved 2020-09-26.
^ "Lignite coal – health effects and recommendations from the health sector" (PDF). Health and Environment Alliance. December 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09.
^ "Gesundheit: Feiner Staub, großer Schaden".

[brit-1] Cite error: The named reference brit was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[useia-2] "Coal explained". Energy Information Administration. Retrieved 2020-09-26.

[3] "Lignite coal – health effects and recommendations from the health sector" (PDF). Health and Environment Alliance. December 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09.

[4] "Gesundheit: Feiner Staub, großer Schaden".

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