---
title: "Is Coal the Next Gold?"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/e47548ac-3d27-4ec7-b909-5baffb03119f
source: "Franchise Magazine USA"
original_url: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/is-coal-the-next-gold/
category: "General"
published: 2024-06-27T15:35:05.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T01:03:39.030Z
image: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240629_FNP001.jpg
---

# Is Coal the Next Gold?

**TL;DR:** Thermal coal is facing challenges due to decreasing prices, China's economic struggles, and an increase in hydropower generation. The G7 members' agreement to phase out coal plants by 2035 is adding pressure on the industry.

*originally published in Franchise Magazine USA on 2024-06-27. [Read the original](https://franchisemagazineusa.com/is-coal-the-next-gold/).*

## Story

Thermal coal, the world’s dirtiest fuel, is facing challenges on multiple fronts. With prices decreasing, China’s economic struggles and an increase in hydropower generation are contributing to the decline in demand for this fuel. The recent agreement by G7 members to phase out coal plants by 2035 is also adding pressure on the industry. As a result, mining stocks are trading at a significant discount.

China, the largest consumer of thermal coal, is experiencing economic difficulties that are impacting the demand for this fuel. Additionally, the surge in hydropower generation in the country is further reducing the need for coal. The combination of these factors is contributing to the decrease in prices and the overall outlook for thermal coal.

The recent agreement by G7 members to phase out coal plants by 2035 is a significant development that will have long-term implications for the industry. This move towards more sustainable energy sources is putting additional pressure on coal producers and investors. As a result, mining stocks are trading at a considerable discount compared to previous levels.

Overall, thermal coal is facing a challenging period as demand decreases and prices remain low. The industry is being impacted by a combination of economic factors, renewable energy trends, and global agreements to reduce emissions. As a result, mining stocks are trading at a significant discount compared to historical levels.

In conclusion, the future of thermal coal remains uncertain as the industry faces challenges from multiple angles. The decrease in demand, low prices, and global agreements to phase out coal plants are all contributing to the current outlook for this fuel. Investors and industry stakeholders will need to navigate these challenges and adapt to changing market conditions in order to succeed in the long term.

## Entities

- General (sector)
- Franchise Magazine USA (publication)
- China (location)
- renewable energy (topic)
- G7 (regulator)
- coal industry (topic)
- global agreements (topic)
- economic struggles (topic)

---
Originally reported by Franchise Magazine USA (https://franchisemagazineusa.com/is-coal-the-next-gold/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/e47548ac-3d27-4ec7-b909-5baffb03119f).