Types of Coal

2. Different types of coal and their characteristics.

Anthracite (hard coal)

Carbon Content

86-98%

Moisture Content

>15%

Calorific Value:

> 6,400 kcal/kg
Hard, Glossy, Black
Uses:
  • Heating (domestic and industrial): Burns cleanly with high heat.
  • Water filtration/Industrial applications: Due to high carbon and purity.
  • Steelmaking (EAF) and graphite production: High carbon content is ideal.
Bituminous: Metallurgical Coal/Coking Coal

Carbon Content

45-86%

Moisture Content

>17%

Calorific Value:

5,000 - 7,000 kcal/kg
Hard, Dense, Shiny Black
Uses:
  • Steel production (as coking coal): Vital for blast furnace coke due to its ability to withstand high heat during combustion.
Bituminous: Thermal Coal/Steam Coal

Carbon Content

45-86%

Moisture Content

>17%

Calorific Value:

4,200 - 6,700 kcal/kg
Soft, Crumbly, Brownish Black
Uses:
  • Electricity generation in power plants: High heating value makes it efficient for burning to produce power.
Sub-bituminous

Carbon Content

35-45%

Moisture Content

10-25%

Calorific Value:

3,800 - 5,500 kcal/kg
Soft, Crumbly, Black/Dark Brown
Uses:
  • Electricity generation (power plants near mines): A type of coal with lower carbon content than bituminous coal. Burned to generate power, but lower energy density and higher moisture means its usage typically occurs closer to the source.
Lignite (brown coal)

Carbon Content

25-35%

Moisture Content

25-50%

Calorific Value:

< 3,800 kcal/kg
Soft, Crumbly, Brown
Uses:
  • Electricity generation (power plants near mines): Also known as brown coal, it is the lowest rank of coal, with high moisture content and low carbon content. They are usually burned for power and their low energy content means their usage typically occurs closer to the source.
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