What is metallurgical coal and how does it differ from thermal coal?
Metallurgical coal or coking coal produces good-quality coke when heated in a low-oxygen environment. Thermal coal does not produce coke and serves different end-uses entirely.
Questions about Metallurgical coal
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did eighteenth-century coke blast furnaces exist in Shropshire England?
Eighteenth-century coke blast furnaces existed in Shropshire, England during the 1700s. Those early structures relied on the physical change of coal softening to function.
Why is the demand for metallurgical coal coupled to steel production?
The demand for metallurgical coal is highly coupled to the demand for steel because primary steelmaking companies use it as an essential fuel and reactant. Without this specific grade, the blast furnace process cannot proceed efficiently.
How much U.S. coal consumption was metallurgical coal between 2007 and 2018?
Only 7% of total U.S. coal consumption between 2007 and 2018 was metallurgical coal and coal for other uses such as heating. The electric power sector used 93% of total U.S. coal consumption during that period.
What are the main types of metallurgical coal available today?
Hard coking coals form one major category while medium coking coal serves another distinct purpose. Semi-soft coking coal offers unique properties for specific furnaces and pulverized coal for injection provides an alternative fuel source.