Ahead of his presentation at Eurocoke 2021, we spoke to Reji Mathai - Head Coke Oven at Jindal Saw Limited - to get insights into the top three market trends impacting the coal and coke industry post-COVID, the best approaches to meeting today's consumer demands, and an exclusive preview of his presentation.

Your presentation will cover 'The use of energy enhancing catalyst to reduce the coal carbonisation cycle' - could you please give us a quick overview?

We will describe the coking process of Jindal coke ovens and experimental trial performed successfully by using energy enhancing "Thermact MT" multi catalyst in order to reduce carbonisation time and scope of blending optimum inferior coke for cost reduction without affecting quality. We will also share the benefits and outcome of the study carried out in the coke plant.

What do you think are the top three market trends post-COVID?

1. Upward and increasing price trend in prime coking coal ($180-200) and met coke ($400-450)
2. Increasing demand of coal and coke in the global market
3. Upcoming new coke oven projects and expansion of existing coke production.

What is the best approach to meet today's consumer demands?

• Develop R&D and innovative methods/improvements in coke making process to reduce the prime coal/raw material cost and improve productivity.
• Explore joint ventures or long term deals among the coal & coke industries/suppliers across the globe to meet consumers' expectations (for example two or three industries/suppliers can jointly buy/sell to end users in competitive price and think of long lasting deal).

Hear more from Reji and other industry experts at the 2021 Eurocoke Summint on 5-6 October 2021.