Thermal Coal: Technical Data Sheet & Sourcing
Access international thermal coal specifications (Steam Coal NAR 5500 / 6000 kcal/kg) and facilitate matchmaking between mine operators, energy producers, and industrial buyers for your Spot transactions or forward supply contracts.
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Contract Types
Spot Orders, Forward & Framework Contracts
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Standard Quality
NAR 5500 - 6000 kcal/kg / Sulfur < 1.0%
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Main Hubs
Indonesia, Australia, South Africa, Colombia
What is Thermal Coal?
The Thermal Coal (Steam Coal / Thermal Coal) is a solid fossil fuel mainly used for power generation in thermal power plants as well as for industrial heating (cement plants, paper mills, glassworks).
Global commercial trading relies on Net As Received calorific value (NAR). International benchmark indices like API2 (Europe) or API4 (South Africa) define trade standards for bituminous and sub-bituminous coal.
Standard Specifications (Steam Coal NAR 6000)
Origins & Export Hubs
International thermal coal trading relies on highly automated bulk/export terminals located in major exporting countries:
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Indonesia: World's leading exporter by volume, specializing in low-sulfur, low-ash sub-bituminous coal (GAR 3800 - 5000 kcal/kg).
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Australia (Newcastle): Major player supplying high-energy bituminous coal (NAR 6000 kcal/kg) to Asian markets.
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South Africa (Richards Bay): Key exporter out of the Richards Bay hub, benchmark for contracts delivered to India, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
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Colombia & United States: Strategic Atlantic Basin suppliers recognized for their high-calorific value bituminous coal.
Bulk Shipping, Sampling & Standard Contracts
Bulk maritime logistics for coal requires strict monitoring of combustion parameters and loading density:
Standards & Price Indices
Transactions tied to indices API2, API4, ICI (Indonesian Coal Index) or GlobalCOAL SCoTA.
Bulk Maritime Transport
Shipping via bulk carriers of size Panamax, Post-Panamax, and Capesize from dedicated mining terminals.
Inspection & Penalties
Continuous sampling at loading by independent bodies (SGS, CCIC). Application of rejection/bonus scales on calorific value. Sales under FOB or CIF.