Fossil fuel coal is primarily found underground, in sedimentary rock formations called coal beds or coal seams. These coal deposits were formed millions of years ago from the remains of plants and other organic material that accumulated in ancient swamps and forests, and were subsequently buried under layers of sediment and subjected to heat and pressure. Coal is found in various regions around the world, including:

North America: The United States, Canada, and Mexico have significant coal reserves, with major coal-producing regions such as the Appalachian Basin, the Illinois Basin, and the Powder River Basin.

Europe: Major coal-producing regions include the Ruhr Basin in Germany, the Silesian Basin in Poland, the Donets Basin in Ukraine, and the Northumberland and Durham coalfields in the United Kingdom.

Asia: China, India, Russia, and Indonesia have vast coal reserves and are among the largest coal producers in the world. China, in particular, has the world's largest coal reserves and is the leading coal producer globally.

Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique have notable coal reserves and are involved in coal mining and production.

Australia: Australia has significant coal reserves and is a major coal exporter, with regions like the Hunter Valley, Bowen Basin, and Collie Basin being key coal-producing areas.

While coal is found in many parts of the world, its accessibility, quality, and cost of extraction can vary, influencing the extent of its utilization and the dynamics of the global coal industry.