johnelquoting the coal energy on an air dry basis does not imply...

johnel

quoting the coal energy on an air dry basis does not imply anything regarding the coal quality. it is simply a standard basis for coal to be quoted on. Consumers are not interested in a coal's dry ash free basis energy. they want to know what it is they will receive.

the 'reduction' you are referring to with that canadian coal is basically this:

the coal is 40% moisture when it is mined (ie think 40% of it is water - how much moisture in mud do you think?) but after they leave it in the sun 35% evaporates out. The 5% that is left is 'permanently' in the coal - at least until you burn it! This 5% is the inherent moisture of the coal.

all lower rank coal - sub-bituminous- have high-moisture levels. This is why they are cheaper and lower energy. because there is so much water in them. so transport costs are higher per unit of energy. the 'good' think with these coals is that the ash is generally quite low (as the 'space' in the coal is taken up by volatile matter and moisture largely)

the company hasn't said so but for sure this is sub-bituminous or lignite coal. there are trillions of tons of this stuff globally.

hope that gives you some info