How is coal used in the iron and steel industry?

Iron ore is mined in around 50 countries – the largest producers are Australia, Brazil and China. Around 98% of iron ore is used in steel-making. During the iron-making process, a blast furnace is fed with the iron ore, coke and small quantities of fluxes (minerals, such as limestone, which are used to collect impurities). read more

Coal is used for Power generation in Thermal power plants common in Integrated Steel plants like Vizag Steel. Coking Coal is used for preparing coke which is a very important ingredient in Sinter preparation, Reduction of Iron ore, etc. read more

Global steel production is dependent on coal. 74% of the steel produced today uses coal. Metallurgical coal – or coking coal – is a vital ingredient in the steel making process. World crude steel production was 1.6 billion tonnes in 2017. read more

The iron industry began to relocate to coal fields, which usually had iron ore nearby. Developments elsewhere also helped to boost iron by stimulating demand, such as the increase in steam engines – which needed iron – which in turn boosted iron innovations as one industry bred innovations elsewhere. read more