RB1
Premium6,000kcal/kg NAR
Sulphur≤ 1.0%
Ash≤ 15%
Total moisture≤ 12%
The highest-heat South African export grade (the API4 benchmark). Lowest ash; usually priced at a premium and offered on request.
Photo: Georg Eiermann / Unsplash
Imported · Richards Bay, South Africa
South African coal: RB1, RB2 and RB3 grades.
South African steam coal is shipped from Richards Bay and sold by heat value: RB1 at the top, RB2 as the everyday benchmark for Pakistani cement kilns, and RB3 as the lower-cost option. All three keep sulphur at or below 1%.
- Heat value
- 4,800 – 6,000kcal/kg NAR
- Sulphur
- ≤ 1.0%all three grades
- Our latest RB2 lot
- 0.87% S16.5% ash · SFTS lab
- Supply
- Regularby sea to Port Qasim
Grades
Three grades, one origin
Richards Bay coal is named by its net heat value (NAR). In Pakistan and India trade, RB1 means about 6,000, RB2 about 5,500 and RB3 about 4,800 kcal/kg NAR.
RB2
Most used in Pakistan5,500kcal/kg NAR
Sulphur0.8% typ · ≤ 1.0%
Ash21% typ · ≤ 24%
Total moisture12% typ · ≤ 15%
The benchmark imported fuel for cement kilns and industrial boilers in Pakistan, and our regular line. Known heat, low sulphur, steady supply.
RB3
Lower cost4,800kcal/kg NAR
Sulphur≤ 1.0%
Ashhigher than RB2 · per CoA
Total moistureper cargo CoA
A cheaper, lower-heat grade popular with sponge-iron and boiler users. Ash and moisture vary by cargo, so each parcel is bought on its own analysis.
Specification
RB2 specification (5,500 NAR)
| Parameter | Basis | Typical | Range / limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calorific value | NAR | 5,500 kcal/kg | 5,300 – 5,700 kcal/kg |
| Calorific value (approx.) | GAR | ≈ 5,850 kcal/kg | 5,650 – 6,050 kcal/kg |
| Total moisture | ARB | 12% | 15% max |
| Inherent moisture | ADB | 3.5% | 5% max |
| Ash | ADB | 21% | 24% max |
| Volatile matter | ADB | 24% | 22 – 28% |
| Total sulphur | ADB | 0.8% | 1.0% max |
| Hardgrove grindability | — | 52 | 45 – 65 HGI |
| Ash fusion (IDT, reducing) | — | 1,280 °C | 1,250 °C min |
| Size | — | 0 – 50 mm | 90% min passing 50 mm |
Typical commercial specification for South African 5,500 NAR steam coal. Final quality follows the load-port certificate of analysis (CoA) of each cargo.
Lab tested
Our latest RB2 lot, tested
SFTS report SFTS/4376/826 · tested 01 Oct 2026
Gross CV (ADB)6,106kcal/kg
Total sulphur0.87%
Ash16.5%
Total moisture9.2%
Volatile matter24.9%
Fixed carbon56.3%
Well inside the RB2 limits: sulphur 0.87% against 1.0%, ash 16.5% against 24%.
Use cases
Where South African coal works best.
Cement kilns
The main fuel for clinker kilns: steady heat and low sulphur protect kiln operation and emissions.
Industrial boilers
Steam and process heat for textile, food, paper and chemical plants.
Captive power
Coal-fired captive and grid units built around imported bituminous coal.
Blending base
Mixed with local coal to raise heat and pull total sulphur down.
Supply route
From Richards Bay to your plant
- 01Mine
Mpumalanga coalfields, South Africa
- 02Port
Rail to Richards Bay Coal Terminal, loaded with a load-port CoA
- 03Sea
Bulk vessel to Port Qasim / Karachi
- 04Yard
Discharge and dispatch through our Lahore and Faisalabad network
- 05Delivery
By road to your plant, with weighbridge and analysis records
Questions
South African coal FAQ
Specifications are indicative. Final quality follows the certificate of analysis of each cargo or lot.
What is RB2 coal?
RB2 is South African steam coal of about 5,500 kcal/kg net as received (NAR), shipped from Richards Bay. It is the most common imported coal for cement kilns and boilers in Pakistan, with sulphur at or below 1%.
What is the difference between RB1, RB2 and RB3?
Mainly heat value. In Pakistan and India trade, RB1 is about 6,000, RB2 about 5,500 and RB3 about 4,800 kcal/kg NAR. Lower grades usually carry more ash and cost less per tonne. Under the international SCoTA naming the same labels can mean 6,000, 5,700 and 5,500 NAR, so always confirm the NAR figure in the contract.
Which grade is best for a cement kiln?
Most Pakistani kilns are set up for RB2 (5,500 NAR). RB1 gives more heat per tonne at a premium; RB3 can work in a blend where the kiln can accept lower heat and higher ash.
Do you provide a lab report?
Yes. Every cargo has a load-port certificate of analysis, and we test our own lots — our latest RB2 lot tested 0.87% sulphur and 16.5% ash.
Where do you deliver?
Across Pakistan by road from Port Qasim / Karachi, supported by our Lahore office and Faisalabad yard.
Get a price
Need South African coal delivered?
Tell us the grade, quantity and delivery point — our commercial team replies directly.
