Coal; bituminous, whether or not pulverised, but not agglomerated

HS code 270112 covers bituminous coal, a type of fossil fuel that plays a crucial role in the global energy landscape. Bituminous coal is a dense, black, and solid form of coal that is widely used for power generation, steel production, and various industrial applications. As a major energy source, bituminous coal is an essential commodity in international trade, with significant economic and geopolitical implications.

The production of bituminous coal typically involves the extraction of the raw material from underground or surface mines. Once mined, the coal may undergo various processing steps, such as crushing, screening, and washing, to remove impurities and prepare it for further use. The processed bituminous coal can then be transported to power plants, steel mills, or other industrial facilities for combustion or conversion into other forms of energy.

The primary input for the production of bituminous coal is the natural resource itself, which is found in geological formations around the world. The extraction and processing of bituminous coal also require specialized mining equipment, such as excavators, conveyor belts, and crushing machinery. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce, transportation infrastructure, and energy sources to power the production and distribution processes.

The primary output of HS code 270112 is bituminous coal, which is consumed by a wide range of industries. The coal is primarily used for power generation, where it is burned in power plants to produce electricity. It is also a crucial input for the 720410 Steel production industry, as it is used in the production of coke, a necessary component in the steelmaking process. Other industries that may consume bituminous coal include cement manufacturing, chemical production, and various industrial processes that require high-energy inputs.