Question

Which coal is known as ‘coking coal’? Why? What are the other common uses of this coal?

Answer 1

High-grade Bituminous coal is predominantly known as ‘coking coal’. It is called coking coal because, when heated to high temperatures in the absence of air, it melts and forms into a hard, porous block of pure carbon known as coke. This coke has enormous strength and is vitally necessary as a reducing agent when melting and smelting iron ore in steel blast furnaces.

Other common uses of coking coal:

1. Production of By-products: The process produces valuable industrial by-products such as coal tar and ammonia, which are highly utilised in the production of synthetic colours, plastics, and fertilisers.
2. Cement and Chemical Industries: It is utilised as a high-temperature fuel source in industrial kilns to produce cement and chemicals.