Coal Guide (Java)
The Survival Hero
Coal is the first resource every player needs. Without it, you're sitting in the dark, unable to smelt your iron. While charcoal is an alternative, real coal is essential for bulk smelting and trading with villagers.
In 1.21, coal has a strict 'no-go' zone: it does not generate below Y=0. If you are mining in deepslate, you will never find coal. Ever.
The Best Level for Coal: Y=96 and Y=44
Coal generates in two 'blobs.' One peaks high in the sky (Y=96), making mountains a great source. The other peaks underground at Y=44.
For efficiency, we recommend mining at Y=44. This level is also great for finding iron and copper, allowing you to stock up on all your basic materials in one tunnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I find coal in deepslate?
Mojang designed coal to be an 'upper world' resource. Once you hit the Y=0 line (where stone turns to deepslate), coal generation stops entirely to encourage players to return to the surface for fuel.