The International Journal of Coal Geology deals with fundamental and applied aspects of the geology and petrology of coal, oil/gas source rocks and shale gas resources. The journal aims to advance the exploration, exploitation and utilization of these resources, and to stimulate environmental awareness as well as advancement of engineering for effective resource management.

The scope of the journal encompasses basic research, laboratory studies and field studies in:
Geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, and petrology
formation of coal and coal seams, including studies of modern coal-forming processes and environments
metamorphosis of coal materials in coal seams and dispersed in other rock types
geologic aspects of coal measures, oil- and gas source rocks
petrology, petrography and petrophysics of coal, coal seams and organic matter-rich shales including mineralogy, inorganic and organic geochemistry, and physical characteristics of these resources
Exploration and development of unconventional resources
formation, transport and storage of gases in coals and shales including coal bed methane, coal mine methane, abandoned mine methane


unconventional petroleum systems (e.g. oil shales, oil sands, tar sands) and ore deposits of rare metals in coal and coal-bearing strata
impacts of coal mining and acid-mine drainage
by and end products of coal utilization related to geology and constituents of coal
emission reduction and carbon capture and storage
geological aspects of coal fires and underground coal gasification

research papers
proceedings of symposia
short contributions
surveys
reviews
book reviews
overviews
letters to the editor