Mineral Commodity Trading House - Media

Metallurgical Coke and Semi Coke

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:14:33 GMT

A Buyer’s Guide for Steel and Ferroalloy Producers

In steelmaking and ferroalloy production, the choice of carbon material directly impacts furnace efficiency, cost control, and final product quality. Two of the most widely used carbon inputs are metallurgical coke and semi coke.
While they serve similar roles, each product has distinct properties, applications, and commercial advantages. Understanding the difference helps buyers make smarter sourcing decisions and reduce operating risk.

What Is Metallurgical Coke
Metallurgical coke, often called met coke, is produced by heating selected coking coal in the absence of oxygen at high temperatures. This process drives off volatile matter and produces a strong, porous carbon material with high mechanical strength.

Key Characteristics

Fixed carbon typically above 85 percent
Low volatile matter
High strength and low degradation in furnaces
Consistent size and density

Common Applications

Blast furnace ironmaking
Foundry operations
Ferroalloy production
Carbon source and fuel in high temperature furnaces

Met coke is valued for its ability to support burden weight in blast furnaces while maintaining permeability for gas flow.

What Is Semi Coke
Semi coke, also known as semi metallurgical coke, is produced at lower carbonization temperatures compared to met coke. This results in a product with slightly higher volatile matter but lower ash and sulfur in many cases.
Key Characteristics

Fixed carbon typically 75 to 85 percent
Lower ash and sulfur compared to many traditional cokes
High electrical resistivity
Competitive pricing versus met coke

Common Applications

Ferrochrome and ferromanganese production
Calcium carbide manufacturing
Silicon metal production
Substitute for met coke in cost sensitive operations

Semi coke is increasingly used where buyers want to reduce sulfur input or optimize cost without sacrificing furnace performance.

The right choice depends on furnace design, chemical requirements, and cost targets. Many producers now blend both products to achieve optimal results.

Why Quality Specifications Matter
Not all coke products perform the same. Buyers should always evaluate:

Fixed carbon percentage
Ash content
Sulfur content
Moisture levels
Size distribution
Consistency across shipments

Reliable suppliers can adjust specifications based on end user furnace requirements, production goals, and regulatory standards.

Global Demand and Supply Considerations
Demand for metallurgical coke and semi coke continues to rise due to growth in steel, infrastructure, and electric furnace based alloy production.
Key sourcing regions include:

Southern Africa
China
Mongolia
Eastern Europe

Buyers increasingly prioritize suppliers that offer:

Stable long term supply
Custom sizing and chemistry
Export experience
Flexible logistics options

Choosing the Right Supplier
When sourcing met coke or semi coke, look beyond price alone. The best suppliers provide:

Consistent chemical analysis
Adjustable specs to match furnace needs
Bulk or bagged supply options
Transparent quality documentation
Reliable delivery schedules

A strong supplier relationship reduces downtime, improves yield, and protects margins.

Both metallurgical coke and semi coke play a critical role in modern steelmaking and ferroalloy production. Understanding their differences allows buyers to optimize performance while controlling costs.
Contact us If you are evaluating new suppliers or considering switching carbon inputs , aligning product specs with your exact operational requirements is the fastest way to unlock value.

How to Choose the Right Chrome Concentrate Supplier for Your Business

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:22:57 GMT

Sourcing high-quality chrome concentrates is a critical decision for procurement professionals in ferrochrome production, stainless steel manufacturing, and industrial applications. Given the market's complexity, choosing the right supplier requires a thorough evaluation of product specifications, pricing structures, logistical efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
This guide outlines key procurement considerations to ensure optimal supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

1. Evaluate the Supplier’s Product Quality
The quality of chrome concentrates directly impacts operational efficiency, smelting yields, and overall production costs. Procurement managers should evaluate the following factors:

Cr₂O₃ Content: Premium concentrates should have 40-42% Cr₂O₃, with higher content preferred for ferrochrome production.
Cr/Fe Ratio: A higher Cr/Fe ratio (>2.8:1) improves efficiency in ferrochrome smelting, reducing unwanted iron content.
Impurities and Contaminants:
- SiO₂ (Silica) Content: Should be low (<5%) to avoid smelting inefficiencies.
- P (Phosphorus) and S (Sulfur) Levels: High levels cause brittleness in stainless steel; low values are essential.
- Moisture Content: Excessive moisture affects transportation and storage integrity.

Tip: Always request a comprehensive COA (Certificate of Analysis) from established laboratories like SGS or Bureau Veritas

2. Verify Supplier Credentials and Regulatory Compliance
Working with an established and regulatory-compliant supplier minimizes risks related to supply chain disruptions, inconsistent quality, and legal issues. Ensure the supplier has:

ISO Certifications (e.g., ISO 9001 for Quality Management, ISO 14001 for Environmental Compliance).
Proven Export History with verifiable trade records.
Strong Industry References from current buyers and partners.
Compliance with Local and International Mining Regulations (e.g., REACH compliance for the EU market).

3. Evaluate Pricing Structures and Negotiation Leverage
Understanding pricing mechanisms is crucial in securing competitive deals. Key considerations include:

MTU-Based Pricing: Chrome concentrates are priced per metric ton unit (mtu) of Cr₂O₃.
See latest international prices
Spot vs. Long-Term Contracts: Long-term contracts can offer stability and bulk discounts.
Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW):
- FOB (Free on Board): Buyer assumes responsibility after the goods leave the port.
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): Supplier manages shipping and insurance, ensuring better cost predictability.
- EXW (Ex Works): Buyer handles all logistics, suitable for if you have established freight partnerships.

4. Logistics, Storage, and Supply Chain Efficiency
Efficient procurement requires logistical reliability to minimise transit risks. Factors to assess:

Shipping Ports & Routes: Major chrome concentrate exports come from South Africa, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and India. Ensure your supplier can ship from the most cost-effective port.
Storage Conditions: Chrome concentrates should be stored in dry, moisture-free environments to prevent degradation.
Lead Times & Inventory Buffering: Suppliers with a strong distribution network can provide better lead time estimates and mitigate supply chain risks.

5. Transparency, Contract Terms, and Risk Mitigation
Procurement professionals must prioritise contract clarity and risk mitigation strategies. Ensure contracts cover:

Quality Assurance & Dispute Resolution: Define acceptable quality parameters and independent third-party testing clauses.
Force Majeure Clauses: Protects both parties against unforeseen disruptions.
Pricing Adjustments & Indexation: Some suppliers tie pricing to commodity indexes like the London Metal Exchange (LME) to ensure fairness.
Insurance Coverage: Consider suppliers who offer marine cargo insurance for international shipments.

Conclusion
Selecting a trustworthy chrome concentrate supplier requires a deep understanding of product quality, pricing structures, regulatory compliance, and logistical reliability.
A well-vetted supplier ensures consistent material availability, optimized costs, and minimal procurement risks.

Looking for a reliable and safe international chrome concentrate supplier?
Request a customized quote today or contact sales@kayoogroup.com

The Versatile Applications of High Carbon Anthracite

Mon, 27 May 2024 08:05:09 GMT

High carbon anthracite, often referred to as "hard coal," is one of the most versatile and valuable forms of coal. Known for its high carbon content, low impurities, and high energy density, this type of anthracite has a wide range of applications that span across various industries. In this blog, we will explore the myriad uses of high carbon anthracite, highlighting its significance and impact on modern industry and technology.

Understanding High Carbon AnthraciteBefore diving into its uses, it's essential to understand what makes high carbon anthracite unique. Anthracite is the highest rank of coal, characterized by its glossy, hard texture and high carbon content, which typically ranges from 86% to 97%. This high carbon content makes anthracite an excellent source of energy, as it burns cleaner and hotter than other types of coal. Additionally, anthracite contains very low levels of impurities such as sulfur and ash, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to other fossil fuels.
Uses of High Carbon Anthracite1. Energy ProductionThe most traditional and well-known use of high carbon anthracite is in energy production. Due to its high energy density and low impurity levels, anthracite is an ideal fuel for power generation. It burns with a high, steady heat and produces minimal smoke and pollutants, making it a preferred choice for heating applications in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Anthracite stoves and furnaces are particularly popular in regions where coal is abundant and affordable.
2. Metallurgical ApplicationsHigh carbon anthracite plays a crucial role in the metallurgical industry, particularly in the production of steel and other metals. It is used as a reducing agent in blast furnaces to convert iron ore into molten iron, a process known as smelting. Anthracite's high carbon content and low sulfur levels are advantageous in producing high-quality steel with fewer impurities. Additionally, it is used in the production of ferroalloys and silicon metals, where it serves as a carbon source and a reducing agent.
3. Water FiltrationAnthracite is widely used in water filtration systems due to its excellent filtration properties. Its high carbon content and porous structure make it an effective medium for removing impurities, suspended particles, and contaminants from water. Anthracite filters are commonly used in municipal water treatment plants, industrial water filtration systems, and even in home water purification units. Its durability and resistance to degradation ensure long-lasting and efficient performance.
4. Refractory MaterialsRefractory materials are essential in industries that require high-temperature processes, such as the production of glass, ceramics, and cement. High carbon anthracite is used to produce refractory bricks and linings that can withstand extreme temperatures without breaking down or reacting with other materials. Its high carbon content contributes to the stability and longevity of these refractory products, ensuring efficient and reliable operations in high-temperature environments.
5. Carbon ProductsAnthracite is a key raw material in the production of various carbon-based products. This includes activated carbon, which is widely used in air and water purification, chemical processing, and even in the food and beverage industry. Activated carbon derived from anthracite is highly effective in adsorbing impurities and contaminants due to its high surface area and porosity. Additionally, anthracite is used to produce carbon electrodes and anodes for the aluminum industry and other electrochemical processes.
6. Chemical IndustryIn the chemical industry, high carbon anthracite is used as a feedstock for the production of various chemicals and materials. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of carbon black, a key ingredient in the manufacturing of rubber, plastics, and inks. Anthracite is also used in the production of synthetic graphite, which has numerous applications in batteries, lubricants, and advanced materials. Its high purity and consistent quality make it an ideal choice for these high-value applications.
7. Construction and LandscapingAnthracite's unique properties make it useful in the construction and landscaping industries. Crushed anthracite is used as a base material for roads, driveways, and walkways due to its durability and stability. It is also used as a decorative element in landscaping projects, providing a sleek, modern appearance to gardens and outdoor spaces. Additionally, anthracite is used in the production of lightweight concrete and other construction materials, where its high carbon content enhances strength and durability.
Environmental ConsiderationsWhile high carbon anthracite offers numerous benefits and applications, it is important to consider the environmental impact of its extraction and use. Mining activities can result in habitat destruction, water pollution, and other ecological issues. However, advancements in mining technology and stricter environmental regulations have significantly reduced these impacts in recent years. Additionally, the use of anthracite as a cleaner-burning fuel compared to other coals and fossil fuels helps mitigate air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
ConclusionHigh carbon anthracite is a versatile and valuable resource with a wide range of applications across various industries. Its high energy density, low impurity levels, and excellent filtration properties make it a preferred choice for energy production, metallurgical processes, water filtration, and many other uses. As industries continue to evolve and seek more efficient and sustainable solutions, the demand for high-quality anthracite is likely to grow. Understanding its properties and applications can help us harness its potential while minimizing environmental impact, ensuring a balanced approach to resource utilization.
In summary, high carbon anthracite is more than just a type of coal; it is a critical component in numerous industrial processes and applications that drive modern society. From powering homes to purifying water and producing high-quality steel, the uses of high carbon anthracite are diverse and indispensable. As we move towards a more sustainable future, finding innovative ways to utilize and manage this valuable resource will be essential for continued progress and development.

Get in touch with kayoogroup for your anthracite needs.

ANTHRACITE - AN OVERVIEW

Thu, 13 May 2021 09:47:19 GMT

Anthracite is the highest rank of coal. It's also known as hard coal, is a hard, compact variety of coal with a submetallic brightness. Another feature that distinguishes Anthracite from other coals is that this type of coal is considered a metamorphic rock.
Anthracite has the highest carbon content, least impurities, and highest energy density among all coal varieties and is the highest coal ranking. It is the most fragile of the charcoal types, producing a scorching blue flame when burned. The low sulfur content in Anthracite makes it an extremely clean-burning fuel. Therefore, it is the most environmentally friendly type of coal among coal types.

Brief History Of Anthracite Coal
Anthracite was formed during the Carboniferous Age when the dense green vegetation that thrived during the tropical climate of the time fossilized. Anthracite is a type of organic coal formed by the fossilization of green vegetation growing in a tropical environment in the Carboniferous Age. Anthracite derives from the Greek word anthrakítēs, which is "like coal".

Anthracite has been providing even, using in locomotive trains, industrial buildings, houses throughout the world for nearly 200 years. In the past, Anthracite was also used in homes for reasons such as low dust and smoke emission, slow and prolonged burning, and high heating capacity. Today, there are alternatives such as natural gas, and its price is high due to decreasing interactive reserves. Today, anthracite reserves are limited, and their small amount has led to the use of this high-capacity coal type for more industrial purposes.
In the past, Anthracite was also used in homes for reasons such as low dust and smoke emission, slow and prolonged burning, and high heating capacity. Nowadays, there are alternatives such as natural gas, and its price is high due to decreasing interactive reserves.

New technology and engineering design changes to burners have made it even easier to use. Anthracite coal does not leave creosote residue in the chimney. In this way, it does not cause a fire hazard like cordwood and pellet-burning stoves.

How Anthracite Occurs
As the temperature of the ground increases, organic matter called peat turns into lignite, hard coal, Anthracite, respectively, and graphite if suitable conditions occur. This transformation process is called carbonization. If the carbon content is 60%, it is called peat, 70% is lignite, 80-90% is hard coal, and 95% is Anthracite. Anthracite is the purest form of coal, in which the carbon content is between 86% and 98%. It's divided into subspecies according to the ratio and structure of carbon content. These; semi-anthracite, anthracite, and meta-anthracite.
Anthracite is coal, which is found in minimal amounts in nature, is the type of coal with the highest heat quality when compared to other coal types. Only %5 of the world's total coal is Anthracite. South Africa, the USA, China, Russia, Ukraine, North Korea, Vietnam, UK, Australia, and Canada are the countries where Anthracite is mined.

Anthracite Coal Heating Value

Anthracite is the type of coal with the highest energy release, ie, heat value, among coal types (about 900 degrees or higher). It produces more than 100 thousand joules of energy per kilogram.

Anthractitic Rank and Defining Characteristics

Source: University of Kentucky geological survey

Where Anthracite Can Be Used
Anthracite is a high-calorie type of coal in the category of solid natural fuels. It has a multitude of uses as a fuel source. Since it is a rare type of coal with limited reserves worldwide, it has a high price. Anthracite has been used extensively in locomotives in the past. It is used as a reducing agent in chemical reactions, Ferro Alloys, Smelters, Steel Plants and Pellet Plants, etc., in electrical energy and industry rather than heating. It is mostly burned in low-feed stoker boilers or in single retort, side dump stoker boilers with fixed grate.

Among the countries producing HG and UHG anthracite, South Africa and Russia lead the way. HG and UHG anthracite is used as a coke or coal substitute in various metallurgical coal applications. Anthracite is also used in the steelmaking process to reduce cost. Anthracite is also used in the production of silicomanganese, calcium carbide, and silicon carbide.

The sizes by which Anthracite coal is marketed. The dimensions are called broken, egg, stove, nut, pea, buck, rice & barley. The size of the coal can gain importance depending on the area of use or customer demand. Coal size is graded according to the size of a graded mesh a piece will pass through.

PRODUCT SIZE: 2-90 mm (there are options in various sizez)
Anthracite Coal - MOQ: Bulk or 1 mt big-bag
Anthracite Coal - EXPORT PRICE: Please contact us to get a quote

Anthracite coal Advantages

Anthracite Coal burns hotter than other fossil fuels.
Environmentally cleaner than other fossil fuels.
Anthracite Coal is a better choice than wood pellets for heating home or business.
New Technologies and engineering designs has made it easier to use.
Anthracite Coal is safer than traditional wood and pellet burning stoves, including oil and gas.
Anthracite Coal is more economical than other alternative fuel sources.
It is the type of coal that releases the least waste and emits the least smoke.
Anthracite coal is environmentally friendly because the land where the coal mine is located is not damaged by the mining operations, nature and vegetation can revise itself after the mines are closed.

Kayoo Group
Kayoogroup specialising in the trading of mineral commodities and solid fuels. We export from South African, sourcing directly from various mines and coal processing facilities. Our mining footprints within the South African Development Community region (SADC) countries from South Africa, Zambia to Zimbabwe.
With our wide range of products, our company is at the service of all companies wishing to cooperate with an experienced local partner in the South African market.
Contact Us today to get a competitive offer for your needs.

official announcemenT

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 10:51:19 GMT

We are happy to announce that Kayoo Group is now a licensed international coal trading entity by world's leading online physical coal trading platform, globalCOAL

Why is this important?

globalCoal Standard Coal Trading Agreement (SCoTA®) is widely recognised as the contract of choice for the sale and purchase of seaborne thermal coal.
As a licensed entity, Kayoo Group joins Glencore, Anglo America and over 2,500 licensees worldwide who leverage SCoTA accepted set of standard terms and conditions together with a range of coal quality specifications and delivery points for international coal sales and purchases.

As a result, market participants can focus negotiations on what matters most: Price & Tonnages.

"Joining the globalCoal's family is a step towards our continuous commitment in making sure we provide customers with a reliable, safe, and guaranteed supply channel for minerals and metals across southern Africa. " Kayoo Group Executive Director - Oluwatosin Omoyola.

Want a seamless process for your commodity procurement needs?
contact us today

Ferro Alloys - An overview

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 11:02:29 GMT

Ferro Alloys made by iron with one or more elements such as manganese (Mn), aluminum (Al) or silicon (Si) chromium (Cr) are called ferroalloys.

Ferroalloys are used in steel and alloy production. When ferroalloys are mixed with cast iron and steel, they add different properties to the products and change their qualities. For this reason, ditches are used in the iron and steel industry. The world's leading ferroalloy producing countries are South Africa, Ukraine, China and Russia.

Correction of steel quality using ferroalloys improves mechanical performance. Correction in steel quality will also increase the resistance to temperature changes. Thus, it is possible to obtain steel mixtures with high mechanical performance and heat resistance by using ferroalloys.

Ferro Alloys Raw Materials
Ferroalloys are formed by mixing a specific group of elements and a saturated ore. Enriched ore is used to obtain ferrosilicon and ferrochromium. In order to obtain ferrotitanium and ferrotungsten, the result is obtained by concentrating the raw material. The reduction of metal oxides in the compounds is a technology requiring process.

In processes with ferroalloys, the catalysts of the reaction are iron and oxides. The restored element takes some conditions to create a stable form. The element also takes its absence for reverse oxidation. In these stages, the electrothermal method that produces ferroalloys is used in the metallurgy industry.

Ferro Chrome – FeCr

Ferro-chrome is added to steel to impart properties of hardness, strength and making it stainless. High Carbon Ferro Chrome is most commonly used in specialist applications such as engineering steels.

Ferro Chrome is the most consumed area in steel production. Ferro Chrome is an important product, especially in Stainless Steel's production with Chromium content between 10% and 20%. Since the main product that supports Stainless Steel's appearance and its resistance against corrosion is chrome, Ferro Chrome is important in the sector.

Low-carbon Ferro-Chrome is used during steel production to correct chrome percentages. It is also a low-cost alternative to metallic chrome for uses in superalloys and other special melting applications.

PRODUCT SIZE: 4-10 mm / 10-50 mm / 10-80 mm / 10-100 mm
Pacakaging: Bulk or 1 mt big-bag
EXPORT PRICE & MOQ: Please contact us to get a quote

Ferro Manganese - FeMn

Chemically, it generally behaves similar to iron. In metal form, manganese is oxidized outdoors and rusts in a humid environment. It burns with air or oxygen at high temperatures, similar to iron.

Ferro-manganese is used mainly in the steel industry to harden and desulphurize steel and as a deoxidizer, making the slag more fluid.

Ferro Manganese is a ferroalloy containing high manganese levels, and it is a product that provides deoxidization in steel.

FerroMangan LC is a FerroMangan alloy containing low carbon. Especially in steel production, it is frequently used to adjust the Manganese ratio without increasing the carbon ratio.

PRODUCT SIZE: 1-3 mm / 3-10 mm / 10-50 mm / 10-100 mm
Packaging: Bulk or 1 mt big-bag
EXPORT PRICE & MOQ: Please contact us to get a quote

Ferro Silicon Manganese – FeSi

FeSiMn is used as a deoxidant and alloying element in steel production. According to the usage rates of FerroSilis and FerroMangan, FeSiMn can be preferred instead of both. It provides a cost advantage in steel production compared to FerroSilis and FerroMangan consumption.

Ferro Silico Manganese is used as a deoxidizer and an alloying element in steel. It can be used as a substitute for Ferro Silicon and Ferro Manganese when added to make different steel types.

PRODUCT SIZE: 1-3 mm / 3-10 mm / 10-50 mm / 10-100 mm
Packaging: Bulk or 1 mt big-bag
EXPORT PRICE & MOQ: Please contact us to get a quote

Ferro Molybdenum – FeMo

Chemically it is generally similar to iron. It burns with air or oxygen at high temperatures like iron.

Ferro Molybdenum is one of the main products used in molybdenum alloying of High Strength-Low Alloy (HSLA) Steel. Ferro molybdenum can be used in any melting process to add all kinds of molybdenum to iron and steel and is available in a variety of sizes for furnace or ladle attachment.

Ferro molybdenum is used during alloying with steel by adding it into the molten steel before casting, making the steel extremely robust and increasing the product's resistance to corrosion.

The most important use of manganese is iron and steel production, in which ferromanganese and silica-manganese iron are used as products.

PRODUCT SIZE: 10-50 mm / 10-100 mm
Packaging: Bulk or 1 mt big-bag
EXPORT PRICE & MOQ: Please contact us to get a quote

Kayoogroup is trading, marketing and procurement service provider for commodities in the mining industry.
Kayoogroup provides an expert support service in the South African market for Ferro Alloys include Ferro Chrome, Ferro Manganese, Silicon Manganese and Ferro Molibden (FeMo)
With its wide range of products, our company is at the service of all companies wishing to cooperate with an experienced local partner in the African market.

For more information email us at
contact@kayoogroup.com or
call +27 78 777 7298

cHROmium - South africa OVERVIEW

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 13:08:04 GMT

Chromium is chiefly obtained from the mineral chromite. Basic Chromium mines located in South Africa, Kazakhstan, India, Albania, and Turkey. South Africa is the largest producer of chromium with amounting to 17 million metric tons annual capacity.

Chromite concentrate, when combined with a reductant such as coal or coke and a high-temperature furnace can produce ferrochrome. Ferrochrome is a type of ferroalloy that is an alloy in between chromium and iron.

Chromium allows for the stainless steel to be much harder and tougher. In addition, it prevents corrosion on iron and steel surfaces due to high temperatures. Shredded chromite ore is used to produce stainless steel.

The steel industry buys 60% of chromium reserves annually. Steel companies indirectly need chromium for steel production that requires ferrochrome (which is then used to make steel),
Steel companies need chromium to produce the ferrochrome alloy used in steel fabrication.

Kayoogroup is south africa's foremost International trade & procurement company. We specialise in the trading of commodities in the mining and metals industry.
Providing you with expert support service in the South African market for coal, manganese, and chromite.

Companies wishing to enter the South African mining & metals market are advised to cooperate with a local trading partner who is experienced in these range of products and who also has international trade experience.

Our contact details can be found here

Latest Coal Prices and Indicators

Thu, 28 May 2020 10:04:14 GMT

Earlier this month, the International Energy Agency predicted the effects of the COVID-19 virus would see thermal coal demand decline worldwide by 8%, the biggest drop since the Second World War.

Seaborne thermal coal prices this year have also fallen by about 20%, again due to declining demand as factories and offices stayed closed, meaning a substantial reduction in power demand.

The above graph published by market insider on May 28 2020, clearly shows a decline in prices due to poor global demand.

With China set to impose restrictions on Coal Import to promote the use of domestic coal, no one can predict what is to come regarding export demand for Richards Bay Coal.

There's has been a lot of pressure on South Africa to move to cleaner energy sources, but the country is not quite ready for this major shift in years to come.

South Africa is one of the largest emitters of Carbon in the world and the entire local infrastructure is built to accommodate coal as the primary energy source.

Domestic prices for coal remain stable while demand is expected to grow as the nationwide lockdown restrictions ease.
There is no better time to begin procurement for energy sources.

Kayoo Group is an independent coal trading house based in Johannesburg. We service a diverse client base that consist of privately owned businesses, medium to large corporations & trading houses who leverage our expertise to guarantee safe and reliable supply channels for Coal products

To get a competitive offer for your coal products simply requesting a quote or contact us
With access rail and road logistics infrastructure within South Africa we are able to service our clients timelessly and cost effectively

coal - AN OVERVIEW

Tue, 05 May 2020 20:36:15 GMT

Coal is a fossil fuel consisting mainly of carbon, which has been used as the primary energy source for more than a century. it is widely used across a number of industries.

Contrary to popular belief, Coal is still the world’s fastest-growing energy source. Compared to other energy sources such as gas, oil, nuclear energy, using coal as an energy source is still much more affordable. The global coal industry is feed from the world’s biggest mines, which mainly consist of fossil fuel.
Mining is also a sector that provides significant employment, offers safer mining opportunities with modern technology. There are four main mining methods: underground, open surface (pit), placer, and in-situ mining.

Half of the coal mines in Africa are mined by surface mining, via open-cast or open-pit mines. Open-pit mining is a preferred method in Africa cause mostly coal is less than 60 meters below the surface.

Coal is an important energy source for the African continent, and coal trade is an important export product for producing countries, especially the Republic of South Africa. More than a quarter of coal mined in South Africa is exported, most of which leaves the country via Richards Bay. Coal is South Africa's third-largest source of foreign exchange;

Metallurgical coal or coking coal is a grade of coal that can be used to produce good-quality coke, however, very few of the African coal mines have coke reserves. Coke "Metallurgical coal" is used in steel production, it is an essential fuel and reactant in the blast furnace process for primary steelmaking. Metallurgical coal is the critical building material for the construction of high-rise buildings.

Mainly composed of carbon, coal has been a prominent source of power generation for more than a hundred years.

It does not create an energy dependency like limited and regional energy sources such as oil and natural gas. Coal demand consists of searching for the most appropriate, best quality and most economical product, there is no material for politics.

Coal is one of the world’s most used source for electric production. Worldwide, 40% of electricity production is made of coal, In many countries, it's much higher. Coal also serves as fuel in the extraction of iron from iron ore, also an essential fuel for steel and for the production of cement. Coal is an important material for many other industries

South African Coal Industry

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 08:00:00 GMT

Overview
Coal is the most common and longest used fossil energy fuel. Coal, oil and natural gas will still exist when depleted, and coal prices are stable compared to other energy sources. Coal is a safe and reliable product because of its ease of transportation, ease of storage and long life. It is also easy to process and deliver coal to users. With such properties, coal is an indispensable source of energy.

World oil reserves will run out in 40 years, according to estimates. Natural gas reserves will be exhausted after 60 years. Estimates for coal reserves are around 200 years. It has been the fastest-growing energy source worldwide in the 21st century and also it will be the long-term efficient energy product in the near future.

Coal is a fossil fuel. Its main components are; carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Steam coal is also known as thermal coal. It’s mostly used in electricity generation.

Thermal Coal products in South Africa

South Africa is the 6th biggest coal exporter country with 6,23 billion USD export value. 1/4 of South African coal is exported to energy providers and metallurgical plants in mostly Europe, South America, and India.

Coal is highly used as energy source in South Africa, almost 90% of South Africa electricity being obtained from coal-fired power stations.

Supporters of environmentalist products compare wind and solar power and electricity generation capacity and storage issues with the cost of natural gas production and the security risks posed by nuclear power plants. The result is clear, coal will remain an economic and reliable source of energy for the next 50 years.

It is no coincidence that South African coal is used in the energy sector and especially in electricity generation. South Africa's RB1 and RB3 type coals offer high-calorific value and high energy efficiency. Other features that make South African coal advantageous are its ability to burn easily and fast, soft and brittle.

Analysing and specification of Coal
The type and basic properties of coal are determined by the properties measured in 8 main titles. Such as: "gross calorific value", "total moisture", "volatile matter", ash, "total sulphur" and so on.

The specification for thermal coal is defined in terms of its typical quality. Coal trading companies request additional analyses and test records on milling, ash composition, and ash fusion temperatures as a standard procedure.

SOUTH AFRICAN COAL SPECIFICATIONS - RB1, RB3, RB4/4800

The value and treatment of coal is affected by many properties, such as listed below:

Total moisture: The total moisture in the coal is represented by measuring weight loss from aggressive drying in an air atmosphere under strictly controlled temperature, time and airflow conditions. The presence of moisture is an important factor both in the storage and utilization of coal, as it adds unnecessary weight during transportation, reduces calorific value and presents some usage problems.

Inherent moisture: It means moisture, except those found in fractures that are present as an integral part of the natural seam of coal, including water in the pores, but which are macroscopically visible.

Ash: Its content is the non-combustible residue that remains after the combustion of the coal. Ash reduces the carrying and burning capacity, affects the combustion efficiency and boiler efficiency and therefore increases transportation costs.

Volatile matter: It is the material released when the coal is heated to 950 °C in the absence of air under the specified conditions. It consists of a gas mixture, low boiling organic compounds and tars which, after cooling, are mixed into oils. In general, coals containing high volatiles are highly flammable and highly reactive in combustion applications.

Fixed carbon: It’s a solid combustible residue that remains in the furnace after distillation of the volatile material, mostly carbon, but also contains a quantity of hydrogen, oxygen, sulphur and nitrogen which is not exhausted by the gases. It provides a rough estimate of the heating value of coal.

Total Sulphur: Since the sulphur content in coal causes corrosion and contamination of boiler pipes and atmospheric contamination when released in flue gases, it presents problems with the use and consequent pollution.

HGI: Coal can be pulverized depending its own strength. and this process can measure by the Hardgrove Grindability Index testing.

Gross Calorific Value (ADB): The calorific value is the heat capacity of the coal per unit weight after it has completely burned. It is often referred to as the gross calorific value.

Uses of Coal & Product Types

Coal is mainly used in electricity production, iron and steel industry, cement industry, heating and other industrial plants. Coal is also used in the production of aluminium refineries, paper mills, chemical plants and pharmaceuticals. Many chemicals are obtained from the by-products of coal. Coal and coal by-products are used in thousands of products, such as soap, aspirins, solvents, dyes, plastics and fiber such as rayon and nylon.

Coal is also using as an essential ingredient in many kinds of new and technological knowhow-based products such as activated carbon, carbon fibre and silicon metal.

Coal Properties:
Coal properties classified by its rank dependent. at the same time, some of the other factors could be effective for example "maceral composition" and "the presence of mineral"

Coal Density:
Coals basically categorised with its physical properties such as coal preparation and utilisation.
For example, coal density ranges could be 1.1 to 1.5 megagrams per cubic meter.

Porosity:
Coal density is determined by the dimensions of the pores and voids in the coal mass. Coal is a flexible material and generally has three different sizes of pores: macropores (diameter bigger than 50 nanometres), mesopores (diameter between 2 to 50 nanometres), micropores (diameter less than 2 nanometres).

Reflectivity:
An important property of coal is Its ability to reflect light. Reflectivity is measured by shining a beam of monochromatic light on a polished surface of the vitrinite macerals in a coal sample R-max, R-mean, R-random, and R-min reflection values are measured in coals. Reflection values allow us to determine the process of coal formation.

Other properties:
In coal mined from different mineral deposits, properties such as hardness, grindability, ash fusion temperature, and free swelling index are measured. Accurate determination of these properties ensures accurate determination of coal extraction, processing and usage areas.

Connect with us today. Let us help your business drive profit