A Metallurgical Coal

Metallurgical coal is different from thermal coal that is burned to produce power. Metallurgical
coal is low in ash, sulfur, and moisture, and contains the right amount of hydrocarbons and
plasticity.
Coal forms when thick layers of vegetation accumulated in bogs and swamps are buried,
compacted and heated through geologic time. As more heat and pressure are applied, over time,
the carbon content increases, whereas the amount of other components, and water, decreases.
The rise of the Rockies to the west influenced this process by providing a basin in which large
amounts of vegetation could accumulate, a sediment source to cover the vegetation, and pressure
and heat for the metamorphic processes. It’s not a coincidence that higher grade coals are found
closer to the mountains than lower grade coals.

Metallurgical coal is crushed and heated in an airless furnace at high temperatures around 1000
°C. The heat drives off the moisture, impurities, and sulfur. Meanwhile, the coal expands
becomes porous and turns into coke. Coke is heated with iron ore and lime (from limestone) in
blast furnaces to make steel. Indigenous peoples use coal to make carvings and makeup to wear
during ceremonies.