Coal Preparation is the treatment or processing of coal, at any point between the mining operation and the end use (that is, when it ceases to be “coal”), for the purposes of improving the suitability of the coal for its use. Such treatment may include:
· crushing
· screening into different size fractions
· physical, chemical or mechanical processes to remove undesired impurities
· dewatering
· thermal drying
· blending
· agglomeration or briquetting.
The benefits of Coal Preparation include:
· improved product quality and homogeneity
· reduced transport costs.
Improved coal product quality leads to:
· more efficient use of the product
· reduced emissions by the end user, including reduced carbon
dioxide, oxides of sulphur and particulate matter
· reduced waste for the end user, thus reduced handling costs.
