PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1668406
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1668406
Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock found in the Earth's crust. It plays a crucial role in steel manufacturing as it is used to produce coke, which serves as the primary carbon source.
The main types of metallurgical coal include hard coking coal (HCC), medium coking coal, semi-soft coking coal (SSCC), and pulverized coking injection (PCI) coal. Hard coking coal specifically refers to a type of metallurgical coal essential for producing strong coke. It is characterized by its high carbon content, low ash content, and high energy value. Metallurgical coal finds applications in various industries, including steelmaking and non-steelmaking sectors such as iron and steel, chemical and pharmaceutical, paper and pulp, and others.
The metallurgical coal market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides metallurgical coal market statistics, including metallurgical coal industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a metallurgical coal market share, detailed metallurgical coal market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the metallurgical coal industry. This metallurgical coal market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The metallurgical coal market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from$14.96 billion in 2024 to $15.27 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to steel production and industrial growth, global economic trends, infrastructure development, supply chain and trade dynamics, environmental and regulatory factors
The metallurgical coal market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $17.89 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to energy transition and alternatives, investments in mining infrastructure, environmental regulations and sustainability, supply chain dynamics and trade patterns, infrastructure development and urbanization. Major trends in the forecast period include demand from steel industry, technological advancements in steelmaking, economic growth and industrialization, global trade and supply chain dynamics, environmental regulations and sustainability efforts.
The rising demand for steel is expected to drive the growth of the metallurgical coal market in the future. Steel is a strong and durable metal made from iron alloyed with varying amounts of carbon and often other metals like nickel, chromium, and manganese, which enhance properties such as hardness and rust resistance. Metallurgical coal, also known as coking coal, is the primary carbon source used in steel production. It is essential in the steel-making process as it provides the heat required to melt the ore and removes oxygen from the iron ore during combustion, leaving behind pure metal. The demand for steel is increasing due to infrastructure development in the automotive industry, particularly for manufacturing vehicles such as cars and trucks, as well as for industrial production. For instance, in 2022, the World Steel Association, a Belgium-based non-profit organization, projected that steel demand would grow by 0.4%, reaching 1,840.2 million tons (Mt). In 2023, demand is expected to rise by an additional 2.2%, totaling 1,881.4 Mt. Therefore, the increased demand for steel is driving the growth of metallurgical coal.
The upward trajectory of investments in infrastructure development is anticipated to further fuel the growth of the metallurgical coal market. Infrastructure development involves planning, designing, financing, constructing, and maintaining physical and organizational structures essential for societal and economic functioning. Metallurgical coal plays a pivotal role in infrastructure development, serving as a crucial raw material in steel production, which is extensively used in construction projects. In April 2023, the World Bank reported a sustained recovery in infrastructure investments in low- and middle-income countries, with private participation in infrastructure (PPI) investments surging to $91.7 billion across 263 projects, marking a significant 23% increase compared to 2021. As a result, the increasing investments in infrastructure development are expected to drive the growth of the metallurgical coal market.
Innovative mining operations are emerging as a key trend in the metallurgical coal market. Companies operating in the metallurgical coal market are focusing on mining operations to sustain their position in the market. For instance, in June 2023, Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC), an India-based manufacturing company, launched Mining Operations in the Brahmadiha coal block, located in Giridih, Jharkhand, marking its entry into coking coal mining. This strategic move aims to enhance APMDC's resource base and diversify its mining portfolio, supporting the region's energy requirements. The project focuses on ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and optimizing operational efficiency to maximize output. In addition to contributing to local and regional energy supply, the initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities. The launch of these mining operations is a significant development for both APMDC and India's broader energy sector.
Major companies operating in the metallurgical coal market are directing their focus toward strategic investments, such as establishing hard-coking coal facilities, to meet the growing demand and expand their customer base. The development and enhancement of facilities dedicated to the extraction, processing, and production of hard coking coal, a specialized form crucial for steelmaking, exemplify strategic initiatives. In May 2022, Warrior Met Coal, Inc., a U.S.-based producer of hard coking coal, initiated the development of its Blue Creek reserves in Alabama, with an estimated investment ranging from $650 to $700 million over the next five years. This strategic investment aims to solidify Warrior's position as a leading U.S. producer of premium metallurgical coal, addressing the global steel industry's demand for high-quality coal products.
In November 2023, Glencore Plc, a Switzerland-based mining company, completed the acquisition of 77% of Elk Valley Resources ("EVR") from Teck Resources Limited for US$6.93 billion. This strategic move positions Glencore to leverage the addition of world-class assets and a skilled workforce, enhancing its existing thermal and steelmaking coal production in Australia, Colombia, and South Africa. Elk Valley Resources ("EVR") is a Canada-based subsidiary of Teck Resources Limited, primarily engaged in steel-making coal resources. The acquisition underscores Glencore's commitment to meeting the demand for coal products crucial to steel production.
Major companies operating in the metallurgical coal market include Coal India Ltd., Anglo American Plc, Arch Coal Inc., Bharat Coking Coal Ltd., BHP Group plc, China Coal Energy Co Ltd., China Shenhua Energy Co Ltd., Coronado Global Resources Inc., Glencore Plc, Teck Resources Ltd., Vale SA, Raspadskaya, Alpha Natural Resources, SHANXI COKING COAL GROUP, Datong Coal Industry Company Limited, Peabody Energy Inc., Whitehaven Coal Ltd., Rio Tinto, Washington H. Soul Pattinson, Alliance Resource Partners LP, Warrior Met Coal Inc., Westmoreland Mining Holdings LLC, Foresight Energy Labor LLC, Prairie State Energy Campus, Hallador Energy Company, Armstrong Energy Inc., Beacon Coal Inc., Bluefield Coal Corporation, Cloud Peak Energy Inc., Consol Energy Inc., Drummond Company Inc., Excel Mining Systems Ltd., General American Coal Company, Hobet Mining LLC, International Coal Group Inc., Kopper-Gloster Coal Company, Liberty Steel Group N.V., Metinvest B.V., Mountaintop Mining Corporation, Murray Energy Corporation
Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the metallurgical coal market in 2024. The regions covered in the metallurgical coal market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the metallurgical coal market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain
The metallurgical coal market consists of sales of steam coal and anthracite coal. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Metallurgical Coal Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on metallurgical coal market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for metallurgical coal ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The metallurgical coal market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.