Reactivity of semifusinite in coke making process

In 2024, Canada’s coal production was 42.5 mln metric tonnes, while British Columbia coal production, which produces 95% of metallurgical coal, accounted for 64% of Canada’s production according to Statistics Canada, (2024). The metallurgical coal is an important raw material for transition to the clean and renewable energy, because it is used for steel production which is an essential component of many technologies that are part of this green transition. British Columbia currently has 8 producing metallurgical coal mines which supplies coal to countries all over the world. Metallurgical coal is used to make coke. Coke is used in the blast furnace method of steel making which is still prevalent in the world in 2025. The quality of coke depends on the proportion of reactive and inert petrographic components in the coal. Canadian metallurgical coals make strong coke; however, their coal quality characteristics can predict otherwise. This is because most prediction models are based on studies of Australian and USA coals, which are different in geological age, chemical makeup and physical behavior. This study will explore how different macerals and different types of semifusinite in terms of chemistry will influence thermal coal rheology as well as coke texture microscopy.

Faculty Supervisor:

Maria Holuszko

Student:

Partner:

CISERA

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: