Coal grades explained for industrial buyers
Published: 18 Dec 2024 | Category: Quality
If you want fewer disputes and fewer “surprises” at delivery, you need grade clarity before dispatch, not after.
Why grade clarity matters
Most operational conflicts do not happen because people are dishonest. They happen because expectations were vague. “Good coal” is not a specification. A grade discussion should translate into measurable parameters and acceptance rules.
- Prevents mismatch between usage requirement and delivered material
- Reduces re-dispatch and avoidable transport cost
- Improves documentation consistency and invoice alignment
- Protects operational continuity for boilers, kilns, and process lines
Common parameters buyers discuss
Different regions and suppliers describe grades differently. The key is to confirm what the supplier means and what the buyer expects. These are the common parameters buyers typically align on.
- Calorific expectation: the heat value you need for your process
- Ash level: impacts residue handling and combustion performance
- Moisture: affects handling, combustion, and effective heat delivery
- Size range: affects feeding systems, breakage, and dust
- Foreign material: handling expectations and rejection conditions
What to confirm in writing
If you want operational discipline, confirm these points in email or in purchase communication:
- Grade/specification and acceptable variance (if any)
- Sampling method, timing, and responsibility (buyer/supplier/third party)
- What documents will accompany dispatch (invoice, transporter documents)
- Acceptance procedure at site (weight slip, photos, unloading rules)
- Dispute resolution timeline if concerns are raised
Practical advice: reduce disputes
- Ask for a clear written grade description, not only verbal confirmation
- If testing matters, agree the method before dispatch
- Ensure billing details match the agreed buyer entity and destination
- Confirm unloading constraints to avoid site entry rejection
Read: Dispatch planning checklist Request coordination support