Metallurgical Coke (Coking Coal Derived) – Comprehensive Overview
From Russia, Australia, Indonesia, Iran, and Nigeria
Metallurgical coke, commonly known as coke, is a high-carbon product derived from coking coal after being heated in the absence of oxygen.
It is a key material in steelmaking and metallurgical industries, where it acts as both a fuel and a reducing agent in blast furnaces.
Coke is primarily categorized by:
Coke Strength (CSR/CRI) – Determines resistance to breakage in blast furnaces
Ash Content (Ash) – Lower ash means higher efficiency
Sulfur Content (S) – Lower sulfur produces higher-quality steel
Fixed Carbon (FC) – Main indicator of energy and metallurgical performance
🔶 Russian Metallurgical Coke
Russia is a major producer of metallurgical coke, mainly sourced from Kuzbass and Yakutia coal.
It is well-known for balanced quality, making it popular in Eastern Europe, Turkey, and South Asia.
Fixed Carbon: 82–86%
Ash: 10–12%
Sulfur: 0.5–0.8%
Moisture: 4–6%
CSR (Coke Strength after Reaction): 55–65
CRI (Coke Reactivity Index): 25–30
Size: 25-80 mm (blast furnace grade) / nut coke 10-25 mm
Application: Blast furnaces, foundries, ferroalloy industries
🔶 Australian Metallurgical Coke
Australia produces high-quality hard coking coal, which is processed into premium blast furnace coke.
This coke is globally in demand due to high strength, low ash, and low sulfur.
Fixed Carbon: 85–88%
Ash: 8–10%
Sulfur: 0.4–0.6%
Moisture: 3–5%
CSR: 60–70
CRI: 22–28
Size: 25-80 mm (BF) and 10-25 mm (Nut Coke)
Application: High-grade steel production, export to Japan, Korea, India
🔶 Indonesian Metallurgical Coke
Indonesia mainly produces semi-soft coking coal, which can be converted to semi-coke.
While it has lower coke strength, it is cost-effective for blending.
Fixed Carbon: 78–82%
Ash: 12–14%
Sulfur: 0.6–1%
Moisture: 5–7%
CSR: 35–45
CRI: 32–38
Size: 10-50 mm (mostly semi-coke)
Application: Blending in steel and ferroalloy plant
🔶 Iranian Metallurgical Coke
Iran (mainly Tabas and Kerman) produces foundry coke and semi-coke suitable for domestic steel industries.
It is not as strong as Australian or Russian coke but sufficient for regional industries.
Fixed Carbon: 78–84%
Ash: 12–15%
Sulfur: 0.8–1.2%
Moisture: 4–6%
CSR: 30–45
CRI: 32–38
Size: 10-50 mm / 25-80 mm
Application: Iranian steel plants, cement kilns, and regional foundri
🔶 Nigerian Metallurgical Coke
Nigeria is developing its coking coal industry, producing small-scale coke mainly for local steel projects.
It is expected to gain more relevance in West African industries.
Fixed Carbon: 75–82%
Ash: 12–16%
Sulfur: 0.7–1%
Moisture: 4–6%
CSR: 30–40
CRI: 35–40
Size: 10-50 mm (semi-coke mostly)
Application: Small steel mills, potential blending coke
📊 Comparison Table – Metallurgical Coke
High-grade steel production
✅ Key Takeaways
Australian & Russian coke are ideal for high-quality steelmaking
Indonesian & Iranian coke are mainly semi-coke for blending or regional use
Nigerian coke is still emerging but has future potential in West Africa
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