Anthracite Coal

Anthracite coal derives its name from the Greek word ‘anthrakíts’, literally meaning ‘coal-like’. It is frequently being referred as hard coal and is one of the four types of coals. Other types of coals are lignite coal, sub- bituminous coal and bituminous coal. Since anthracite coal had been subjected to the intense pressure and heat, it is the most compressed and hardest coal available. Being a hard coal, it contains greater potential to produce heat energy than softer, geologically ‘newer’ coal. Anthracite coal is categorized into three types of grades. These are (i) semi-anthracite or standard grade, (ii) anthracite or high grade, and (iii) meta-anthracite or ultra-high grade. Anthracite coal is used as a cost efficient substitute for coke or coal in various metallurgical coal applications in processes such as sintering, pelletizing, pulverized coal injection (PCI) in the blast furnace, and even as direct charge in the blast furnace. It plays an important role in cost reduction in the steel making processes where it is used (i) as a reducing agent, (ii) as a carburizer, (iii) for slag foaming, and (iv) as ladle additions. It is also used in production of ferro-alloys, silicon-manganese, calcium-carbide and silicon-carbide.