What is the Difference Between Coking Coal and Thermal Coal?

The key difference between coking coal and thermal coal lies in their applications and physical properties. Here are the main differences between coking coal and thermal coal:

• Application: Coking coal is mainly used to produce high-quality coke, which is essential for iron and steel-making. Thermal coal, also known as steam coal, is used for generating power by heating it to produce steam to run turbines for electricity generation.
• Physical Properties: Coking coal has a higher carbon content and a greater ability to be converted into coke, which is crucial for its use in steelmaking. In contrast, thermal coal has lower carbon content and is not suitable for producing coke.
• Production and Consumption: Thermal coal is produced and consumed in larger quantities than coking coal due to its use in power generation. However, the environmental concerns associated with thermal coal have led to a decline in its usage.

In summary, coking coal is primarily used in steelmaking due to its ability to produce coke, while thermal coal is used for generating power by heating it. Each type of coal has different physical properties and market demands, with coking coal being more valuable in the steelmaking process and thermal coal being more widely used for power generation.

Comparative Table: Coking Coal vs Thermal Coal

Coking coal and thermal coal are two types of coal with different properties and uses. Here are the main differences between the two:

Coking coal is also known as metallurgical coal, and it is crucial in the steel production process. Thermal coal, also called steam coal, is used for electric power production and is a major cause of global warming due to its high carbon emissions. As a result, the use of thermal coal is limited, and many companies have stopped investing in new thermal coal productions.