Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, is a type of coal that is essential in the production of iron and steel. It is used as a key ingredient in the steel-making process, where it is mixed with iron ore and other minerals to reduce them to their liquid form in a blast furnace. Metallurgical coal is distinguished from thermal coal, which is used primarily for power generation.

In the energy industry, metallurgical coal is used to generate heat in blast furnaces in steel plants. The coal is burned in the furnace, producing high temperatures that melt the iron ore and other materials, creating molten iron. The impurities in the coal and other materials combine to form slag, which is skimmed off the top of the molten metal.

Metallurgical coal is crucial to the production of high-quality steel, as it is responsible for providing the carbon needed to create the chemical reactions that give steel its strength and durability. It is also used in the production of other metals, such as brass and copper.

The demand for metallurgical coal has grown steadily over the years, as the steel industry has expanded. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on sustainability in the industry, leading to the development of new technologies to reduce the environmental impact of steel production. These technologies have led to the development of new types of metallurgical coal that are more efficient and environmentally friendly.




Coal Industry Operating Statistics