4 Which statement best describes the approximate global distribution of coal supplies? A Brazil and South Africa together contain 33% of proven reserves. A B The United States contains 40% of proven reserves. B C Australia, Japan, and France together contain 45% of proven reserves. C D The United States, the former Soviet Union, and China together contain 50% of proven reserves. E Germany, Brazil, and India together contain 75% of proven reserves. Mark for Review

The correct answer is D. The United States, the former Soviet Union, and China together contain 50% of proven reserves.<br /><br />Explanation:<br />The approximate global distribution of coal supplies is as follows:<br />- The United States contains around 30% of proven coal reserves.<br />- The former Soviet Union (now Russia) contains around 15% of proven coal reserves.<br />- China contains around 13% of proven coal reserves.<br /><br />Therefore, the combined total of the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China is approximately 50% of the world's proven coal reserves.