As of a little over a year ago (the most recent figures I could find) coal was $103.90 per dmtu and taconite was $101.00 per dmtu (dmtu= dry metric tonne unit).

Nice figures, TimK.  My initial guesses were that tacontie was worth more, but the coal pile looks bigger (to me).  Now I learn they  are worth roughly the same - then I guess coal is the victor.  However, dmtu measures mass and not volume.  Taconite seems more dense...probably still significantly more coal.  I'm going with coal.

The real question:

Which "Earth-Booty" pays for more 8am Jack and Cokes at Our Place in Finland (MN) on a typical Tuesday morning?

Answer: low-grade taconite.

Taconite does far more damage than coal when used as slingshot ammo.

I love taco nite.

@Julian

Oh yeah, that's a great idea. Get rid of jobs and shipping that help make Duluth what it is. I'm all for enjoying the bounty of or city, but come on. Bayfront, canal, and the north shore are sufficient for me!

I want to buy about 5 tons of hard coal to help heat the house. Does anyone know where I can purchase some?