Uses of UHG Anthracite

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UHG anthracite is valued for its high carbon content, low impurities and high calorific value. It is used primarily in the metallurgical industry. The physico-chemical properties of the UHG anthracite produced by the Sibanthracite Group make it a valuable product for the metallurgical industry. Using anthracite instead of coking coal in the production of iron and steel makes it possible to reduce greenhouse gas (CO₂) emissions from 20 to 40 percent per ton of product.

Carbon content in different types of coal and anthracite

Source: Company Data.
Note: There are different approaches to the anthracite classes naming. In this diagram, the anthracite classes are named according to the Sibanthracite group in-house regulation

Uses of UHG anthracite

UHG anthracite in the metallurgy

The ferrous metal industry is the main consumer of UHG anthracite. UHG anthracite is used in the production of steel, cast iron, chromium, etc. The physical and chemical profile of UHG anthracite allows for the production of high quality metallurgical raw materials, while reducing costs and environmental impact. The price of UHG anthracite is lower than that of coke and comparable to the price of PCI coal. The production process of UHG anthracite is more environmentally friendly, compared to that of coke.

	Sibanthracite’s Siban Premium UHG Anthracite (1)	Other Producers’ UHG Anthracite (average) (2)	Metallurgical Coke (3)	Coke Breeze (4)
Fixed Carbon	92%	80%	87%	73%
Sulphur	0.25%	0.6%	0.6%	0.6%
Volatiles	3%	5%	2%	4%
Ash	5%	12%	11%	16%

Source:
(1) Sibanthracite Group Data
(2) (3) Wood Mackenzie Report
(4) Partial substitution of anthracite for coke breeze in iron ore sintering. Sci Rep 11, 1540 (2021)

UHG anthracite in the ferrous metallurgy processes

Production of iron ore pellets

Pellets are raw materials for the metallurgy. They are produced by pelletization and roasting a mixture of iron ore, coal, and other additives. UHG anthracite is used to reduce iron from iron ore.

Agglomeration sintering

Agglomeration sintering is the process of preparing metallurgical raw materials from iron ore, mixed with coal and additives, under high temperature stress. UHG anthracite is used to reduce iron from ore and as fuel.

Iron smelting

Cast iron is smelted from sinter, pellets (or mixtures thereof), and coal, in a blast furnace. UHG anthracite is used in blast furnaces to reduce iron from ore, and as fuel.

Production of graphitized products

Graphitized products: electrodes, anode paste, and electrode crème are used in ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy, for example, for the production of aluminium, titanium, manganese, and ferroalloys (alloys of iron with other metals). UHG anthracite is a raw material for graphitized products.

Chemical process industry

In the chemical process industry, UHG anthracite is used for the production of sugar and soda ash. In this area, a low content of impurities and high heat transmission are also critical.

To purify the sugar beet juice from non-sugars, products are used that are obtained by calcination. The raw material for production of soda ash is limestone, which is also treated by calcination. In this process, UHG anthracite is used as fuel.

Other

Anthracite, along with coal, can also be used in the cement industry, in the production of building materials, lime and as high-quality smokeless fuel.