About Coal. Coal is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of carbon, along with various other elements such as sulfur, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. It is a fossil fuel that is extracted from underground mines and is used worldwide as a source of energy for electricity generation, as well as for industrial and residential heating. With the rise of renewable energy sources, Coal's share of the energy mix has decreased in recent years, however, it still remains an important component of the global energy mix. The demand for coal varies depending on factors such as government regulations, availability of alternative energy sources, and global economic conditions.

Coal can be commercialized in the spot market for immediate delivery. Spot prices, unlike contract prices, depend on commodity availability – the lower the availability, the higher the commodity price. This trade type is vulnerable to disruptions like plant closures, natural disasters, supply shortages, or changes in regulations by country governments. Conversely, lower demand and increased producer inventories tend to drive spot prices down.

Coal Handling. Bulk quantities of Coal are typically stored in stockpiles or silos at power plants, mines, ports, or other locations along the supply chain. The most common modes of transportation for Coal are by rail, truck, and ship.