Operations >
Coal
> Energy Source
Coal has differing physical and chemical characteristics, which vary depending upon
where it is found. It is second only to oil as an energy source used by the
world. Coal is also one of the largest commodities transported by ship or
rail line worldwide.
Metallurgical Coal
Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, supplies the heat and carbon used
in the steel mill process to make steel products. The high temperatures created
from the use of coke gives steel it’s strength and flexibility, so it can be used
in bridges, buildings, and automobiles.
While metallurgical coal is primarily used by steel companies, it is also used by
a variety of other industrial users to heat and power foundries, cement plants,
paper mills, chemical plants and other manufacturing and processing facilities.
Metallurgical coal is less abundant than steam coal and can be used either for making
coke or as a replacement for steam coal.
Steam Coal
Steam coal, also known as thermal coal, is the world’s most abundant fossil fuel
and is found in many parts of the world. It is generally lower in carbon content
and higher in moisture content than metallurgical coal. Steam coal is used
primarily as fuel by utilities to generate electrical power. It is also used
by industrial facilities to produce steam, electricity or both.
|