The construction industry needs energy, steel and cement for all its projects and coal is vital for the production of all three elements. So let’s explore the role of coal.
Energy Production
Many power plants rely on coal for electricity generation. And the construction industry is a heavy consumer of electricity as it needs it to power machinery, tools and other equipment for various operations. Coal is not only a cost-efficient but it is also easily available, making it a reliable source of energy.
Steel Production
The blast furnace process during steel production relies heavily on coal for heat generation. And be it buildings, bridges or other infrastructure projects, they all need steel because it has high tensile strength and is also lightweight.
Cement Production
The production of clinker during the cement making process requires very high temperatures which are achieved through the combustion of coal. Cement is also a primary component of concrete, which we know is the foundational material in the construction of most structures.
Brick & Lime Production
Coal is also used in the production of bricks and lime, which are also essential materials for construction.
Asphalt Production
The next time you are driving somewhere, remember that the production of asphalt requires coal too. And we need roads to transport all construction related materials from factories and stores to building sites.
So while coal isn’t directly used in the construction process itself, it’s quite evident that the role coal plays in the manufacture of construction materials and asphalt has a significant impact on the construction industry’s ability to grow and function.