CONSOL Energy, a publicly owned Pittsburgh-based producer of coal and natural gas, is one of the leading diversified energy companies in the United States of America. Our premium Appalachian coals are sold worldwide to electricity generators and steelmakers, and our Natural Gas Division has grown from a pure-play coalbed methane producer to a full-fledged exploration and production operation. We are a leading producer in the Marcellus Shale and we conduct an active exploration program in the Utica Shale.
Since our founding in 1860 and our first active mining operations in 1864, CONSOL has powered the nation with affordable, abundant, reliable domestic energy. Today, CONSOL's more than 9,000 employees help generate the fuels - coal and natural gas - that comprise two thirds of the nation's power supply. Our energy supports the American way of life by helping deliver electricity 24/7, creating family-sustaining jobs and keeping our nation competitive in the global marketplace.
Our strong record of environmental stewardship and our commitment to community have helped enable us to become the dynamic and accomplished energy company we are today. CONSOL Energy maintains the largest private research and development facility in the U.S. industry that is devoted exclusively to coal and energy utilization and production. In addition to supporting the production of CONSOL Energy's coal and gas operations, it also focuses on energy development, improving energy efficiency and reducing pollution. This facility was borne out of our core values - Safety, Compliance and Continuous Improvement - and enables us to identify opportunities and implement solutions that drive safety, production, and utilization of our strategic resources in smarter, more efficient ways.
CONSOL Energy's coal mines are highly technical operating environments that require specialized training. The days of pick axes and shovels have been replaced with technologically advanced processes such as longwall mining, enhanced safety protocols, digital technologies and sophisticated communications technologies such as those employed at our centralized Communications Center at corporate headquarters. These advances have helped make the mining process safer and more productive, more than doubling resource recovery.
CONSOL Energy's natural gas operations include coal bed methane extraction, conventional and shale gas exploration and production, all of which require expertise and technology that continues to evolve and advance. From safety to environmental protocols, techniques and equipment, advances in these areas are continuous, improving recovery, enhancing safety, and providing more environmentally protective methods
