Several industries rely on coal for various purposes. Here are a few key ones:
Electricity Generation: Coal is a significant source for power plants to generate electricity due to its abundance and relatively low cost.
Steel Production: The steel industry uses coal, specifically metallurgical or coking coal, to produce steel. It is essential for the blast furnace process.
Cement Manufacturing: Coal is used as a fuel in the cement production process, with a substantial amount of coal being used to heat the kilns.
Chemical Industry: Coal is a source of various chemical products, including methanol, ammonia, and syngas, which are used to produce a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers.
Paper and Pulp: Some paper and pulp mills use coal to generate the heat necessary for the production process.
Industrial Heating: Various industrial processes, including brick and glass manufacturing, rely on coal for heating requirements.
While these industries are prominent users of coal, there is a growing trend towards reducing coal dependency and increasing the use of cleaner energy alternatives.