Coal
BlueScope Global Trading is a trusted international supplier of high-quality coal products serving power generation, steel manufacturing, cement production, industrial processing, and energy-intensive industries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and global markets. Through a reliable network of mining partners and logistics providers, we supply a comprehensive range of coal grades including Thermal Coal, South African RB1/RB2/RB3 Coal, Indonesian Coal, Metallurgical (Coking) Coal, Anthracite, Bituminous Coal, Sub-Bituminous Coal, and Lignite. Our coal portfolio is sourced from leading coal-producing regions including South Africa, Indonesia, Australia, Mozambique, and other major mining jurisdictions, ensuring consistent quality, competitive pricing, and dependable supply. We offer various calorific values, specifications, and sizing options to meet the diverse requirements of power plants, steel mills, cement factories, foundries, and industrial users. Supported by stringent quality control, independent inspection services, and efficient global logistics, BlueScope Global Trading delivers reliable coal solutions tailored to the operational needs of customers worldwide.
Thermal Coal (Steam Coal)
Thermal Coal, also known as Steam Coal, is primarily used for power generation in thermal power plants, cement kilns, paper mills, textile industries, and industrial boilers. It offers efficient combustion characteristics and is traded globally based on calorific value and ash content. Common thermal coal grades include GCV 4200, 4800, 5000, 5500, 5800, 6000, and 6500 kcal/kg. South African RB1, RB2, and RB3 coal grades are among the most widely traded thermal coal products due to their consistent quality and reliable performance. Thermal coal is valued for its energy output, combustion efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in large-scale industrial operations.
South African RB Coal Grades
South African RB (Richards Bay) Coal is internationally recognized for its quality and consistency. RB1 coal typically offers calorific values above 6000 kcal/kg and is considered a premium export grade. RB2 coal generally ranges between 5700–5900 kcal/kg and is widely used in industrial boilers and power stations. RB3 coal ranges from approximately 5400–5500 kcal/kg and provides an economical solution for energy-intensive industries. These grades are exported through Richards Bay Coal Terminal and are widely consumed across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Indonesian Thermal Coal
Indonesian Coal is highly sought after due to its relatively low sulfur content and competitive pricing. It is widely used by power utilities and industrial users. Common grades include GAR 3800, 4200, 4500, 4800, 5000, 5500, and 5800 kcal/kg. Indonesian coal is particularly suitable for blending applications and industries seeking environmentally compliant fuel solutions. Its lower ash and sulfur characteristics make it attractive for power generation and cement manufacturing.
Metallurgical Coal (Coking Coal)
Metallurgical Coal, commonly known as Coking Coal, is a specialized coal used in steel manufacturing. Unlike thermal coal, coking coal possesses the ability to soften, liquefy, and re-solidify into coke when heated in the absence of oxygen. High-quality coke serves as both a fuel and reducing agent in blast furnace operations. Metallurgical coal is classified into Premium Hard Coking Coal (PHCC), Hard Coking Coal (HCC), Semi-Hard Coking Coal (SHCC), and Pulverized Coal Injection (PCI) Coal. Australia remains the world's leading supplier of metallurgical coal grades used by integrated steel plants worldwide.
Anthracite Coal
Anthracite is the highest rank of coal and contains the highest carbon content, typically ranging between 86% and 98%. It possesses low moisture, low volatile matter, and high calorific value. Anthracite burns with minimal smoke and produces high heat output, making it suitable for metallurgical processes, industrial furnaces, water filtration systems, and residential heating applications. Due to its premium characteristics, anthracite commands higher market prices than standard thermal coal.
Bituminous Coal
Bituminous Coal is the most widely used industrial coal category and serves both thermal and metallurgical applications. It generally contains carbon levels between 45% and 86% and offers excellent combustion efficiency. Bituminous coal is extensively used in power generation, industrial boilers, cement plants, and steel manufacturing. Depending on its coking properties, it may be marketed as thermal coal or coking coal.
Sub-Bituminous Coal
Sub-Bituminous Coal represents an intermediate coal rank with moderate carbon content and relatively lower calorific values than bituminous coal. It typically contains lower sulfur content and is widely used in power stations and industrial energy production. This coal type provides a balance between cost efficiency and energy output, making it popular among utility companies.
Lignite (Brown Coal)
Lignite, commonly referred to as Brown Coal, is the lowest rank of coal and contains relatively high moisture content. While its calorific value is lower than other coal types, lignite remains an important fuel source for power generation near mining locations. Due to transportation limitations caused by high moisture levels, lignite is generally consumed domestically close to production sites.
Packing, Transportation & Supply
Coal is generally supplied in bulk vessel shipments, containers, rail wagons, trucks, and barges depending on destination and customer requirements. Common export quantities range from trial shipments of 500–5,000 MT to long-term contracts exceeding 50,000 MT per month. Loading ports include Richards Bay (South Africa), Kalimantan (Indonesia), Newcastle (Australia), Beira and Maputo (Mozambique), and major export terminals. Independent inspection and certification by internationally recognized agencies such as SGS, Intertek, and Bureau Veritas ensure compliance with contractual quality specifications.