Coking coal is a type of sedimentary rock found naturally worldwide also known as metallurgical coal. These coals must have low sulfur and phosphorus content which makes them suitable for producing high quality metallurgical coke. Coking coals are relatively rare and therefore generally more expensive than thermal coals.

During the coking process coking coals are classified as bituminous coal and evaluated in three main groups: low volatile (Type A), medium volatile (Type B) and high volatile (Type C). This classification is determined by the behavior of the coals during the coking process.

Coking coal is used as the primary raw material in metallurgical coke production. These coals enable the production of metallurgical coke through carbonization at high temperatures making them an ideal source for achieving the high temperatures required in iron and steel production.