Commodity Specification Library
Indicative contract specifications for the bulk grades that actually trade | typical values, reject limits, basis and test methods. Always price against the specific contract and independent assay.
The benchmark low-CV Indonesian sub-bituminous grade for Indian and Chinese blending demand. High moisture, low ash, low sulphur.
| Parameter | Typical | Reject | Basis | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross CV (GAR) | 4,200 kcal/kg | below 4,000 | ARB | ASTM D5865 |
| Total moisture | 34–38 % | above 40 % | ARB | ASTM D3302 |
| Inherent moisture | 14–18 % | - | ADB | ASTM D3173 |
| Ash | 4–6 % | above 8 % | ARB | ASTM D3174 |
| Total sulphur | 0.2–0.6 % | above 1.0 % | ARB | ASTM D4239 |
| Volatile matter | 38–42 % | - | ADB | ASTM D3175 |
| Fixed carbon | by difference | - | ADB | - |
| HGI | 45–55 | - | - | ASTM D409 |
| Ash fusion (IDT) | above 1,150 °C | - | - | ASTM D1857 |
| Size | 0–50 mm, 90 % min | - | - | - |
- Priced on GAR; a 100 kcal/kg CV shortfall typically costs 1/42nd of the base price pro rata.
- Group B under the IMSBC Code | self-heating and methane emission; CO monitoring required.
- Indonesian benchmark price (HBA) governs royalty and, for domestic obligations, minimum export pricing.
Overview & methodology
Numerical Example: Iron Ore Grade Comparison
Contract price is usually adjusted (bonus/penalty) per unit of Fe above or below the base specification.
Method note: calculations run in your browser using the formulas and published rule books cited on this page. Results are free estimates for planning, with no login required, and should be confirmed with your bank, broker or the official source before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical specification for steam coal?
Indonesian 4200 GAR runs about 4,200 kcal/kg GAR, 35% total moisture, 5% ash and 0.3% sulphur; Australian 6000 NAR runs 6,322 kcal/kg GAR, 12% total moisture, 14% ash and 0.6% sulphur. Rejection limits are usually set a few hundred kcal below the base CV and one to two points above the base ash and sulphur.