1) it isn't "coal"; it is CHARCOAL
2)They have deforested around 90% of the island to make their charcoal, and are now busily digging up & converting the roots.
They need a different fuel source, whether they like it (or can afford it) or not.
Thank you ApplegateRanch for that coal v. charcoal correction.
Regarding the viability, legitimacy, or need for this endeavor, I leave it to readers to determine.