Metallurgical Coal
An Essential Component in Steelmaking
What is Metallurgical Coal?
Metallurgical (met) coal, also known as coking coal, is a sedimentary rock found within the Earth’s crust. It has high carbon content, low moisture, and is critical in steel production. Different grades include:
- Hard coking coal
- Semi-hard coking coal
- Semi-soft coking coal
- Pulverized coal for injection (PCI)
Key Facts About Met Coal
- Prehistoric Origin – Formed from prehistoric vegetation compressed over millions of years.
- Energy Storage – The coal’s stored energy originates from sunlight absorbed by plants long ago.
- Massive Machinery – Mining equipment includes excavators weighing up to 800 tonnes and haul trucks carrying 300 tonnes per load.
- Steel Production – Producing steel for a mid-sized car requires about 770 kg of met coal.
Uses of Metallurgical Coal
Met coal is crucial for:
- Construction – Found in buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.
- Transport – Used in the steelmaking process for planes, trains, ships, and cars.
- Household Appliances – Essential for ovens, fridges, and kitchen cutlery.
The Steel-Making Process
- Coke Production – Met coal is heated above 1,000°C in a coking oven to form coke.
- Blast Furnace – Coke is combined with iron ore and heated above 2,000°C.
- Steel Formation – Carbon monoxide and high temperatures convert iron ore into liquid steel.