What Is Siberian Coal, and Why Is It Expensive?

“Siberian coal” is a general name on the Turkish market for high-calorie heating coals imported from Russia; it is not a single mine or brand. This article explains where these coals come from, why they cost more than domestic coal, and how to work out for your own home whether they are worth the price.

Where Does Siberian Coal Come From?

One of Russia's largest coal basins is the Kuznetsk Basin (Kuzbass) in south-western Siberia; it supplies around 60 percent of Russia's total coal output. On coals sold as “Siberian”, the bag states the origin as “Russia”; which basin or mine the coal comes from is not always given. That is why the values printed on the bag matter more than the name.

Why Is It High in Calorific Value?

Coals are classed by their degree of coalification (rank): lignite at the bottom, bituminous coal in the middle, anthracite at the top. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), lignite contains 25-35 percent carbon, bituminous coal 45-86 percent and anthracite 86-97 percent; the higher the rank, the higher the heating value generally is. The information note of the Manisa Provincial Directorate of Environment and Urbanisation also states that imported coals have high calorific values and low sulphur content. The difference between the ranks is covered in our article on the difference between anthracite, lignite and coke.

Is Low Ash Always True?

No. Siberian coal is associated with “low ash”, and well-screened, washed coals can indeed be low in ash. But ash content varies by product and is not a rule for every imported coal. The bag declaration of the Süper Enerji Siberian coal we sell, for example, states an ash content of 18-28% on a dry basis, which is higher than the figure some domestic coals declare. Base the decision on the table on the bag, not on the “imported” label.

Why Is It Expensive?

• Long supply chain: the coal travels from mine to port, by sea to Türkiye and on to the depot; the transport and handling cost of each stage is added to the price.
• Currency: imported coal is bought in foreign currency; when the exchange rate rises, so does the price.
• Calorific value: coal that gives more heat per kilogram also costs more per kilogram.
• Screening and bagging: for coal screened by size and bagged, the cost of these steps is reflected in the price as well.

Is It Worth the Price?

Even with a higher price per kilo, less coal burns for the same heat. The right comparison is the cost per unit of heat: divide each coal's tonne price by its calorific value and compare the results. High-calorie coal also takes up less storage space and the stove needs filling less often. On the other hand, if budget comes first and you have plenty of storage, domestic lignite may make more sense. For a comparison using bag values, see imported or domestic coal.

Our Siberian Coal

The Siberian coal we sell is the Süper Enerji brand, made in Russia. According to the bag declaration its calorific value is 7000-7800 kcal/kg on a dry basis; the other values, such as sulphur, ash, moisture, size and the conformity certificate, are on the product page exactly as printed on the bag. For the bag and tonne price and the full bag declaration: Siberian coal prices and specifications. Other imported and domestic options are on our coal page; current prices are in the table below the article.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), “Coal explained” (carbon ranges of the coal ranks); Wikipedia, “Kuznetsk Basin” (location of the basin and its share of Russian output); Manisa Governorship, Provincial Directorate of Environment and Urbanisation, “Information Note on Air Pollution” (in Turkish; calorific value and sulphur of imported coals).