fine coal

Fine coal refers to coal particles smaller than 12.5 millimeters (0.5 inches) that are produced during coal preparation. This size classification is part of a multi-level cleaning process designed to remove impurities from raw coal.1

Coal preparation aims to convert run-of-mine (ROM) coal into marketable products by removing unwanted materials like rock and clay that are mixed in during mining. These impurities can reduce the coal's heating value and affect its performance in various applications, such as electricity generation.12

Different levels of cleaning exist, with Level 2 producing coarse and fine coal products. The fine coal can be combined with cleaned coarse coal or sold separately. For even smaller particles, less than 0.5 millimeters, more advanced cleaning methods like flotation are used.12

While fine coal can be used in combustion systems, particularly pulverized coal combustion, it requires significant grinding and drying, which adds to costs. Fluidized bed combustion can handle lower-quality coals, including those with high sulfur content, and can retain sulfur dioxide within the bed.34

The utilization of coal, including fine coal, contributes to air pollution through the release of sulfur and nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which is a major driver of climate change.5