The wrong coal costs more than its price: more fuel per round, more under-fired bricks, clinker and delays. This checklist brings together the practical steps that help Nepal's kiln owners choose coal that suits their kiln and buy it without surprises — from order to yard.
In this article · 5 sections
The right coal is the one that fits your kiln
Coal is usually the biggest cost in running a brick kiln, and the wrong coal costs more than its price. It can mean more fuel per round, more under-fired or over-fired bricks, clinker to clear and delays when you can least afford them.
This checklist brings together the practical steps that help kiln owners choose coal that suits their kiln and buy it without surprises.
Start with your kiln, not the offer
Before comparing coal, be clear about what your kiln needs:
- Kiln type. Zig-zag (Hawa Bhatta), fixed-chimney Bull's Trench and clamp kilns burn coal differently. How air moves through your kiln affects how quickly coal should ignite and how long it should keep burning.
- Feeding practice. How your firemen feed coal — how often and in what size — decides whether a fast-igniting or a slow, steady coal works better.
- Past experience. Which coals gave you the best bricks and the fewest problems? Keep the test reports of coals that worked well and compare new offers against them.
- Clay and product. Your clay and the colour and strength you want also influence how much heat you need and how evenly it must be delivered.
Your firemen are one of your best sources of information. Ask them what they noticed with each coal: how it lit, how it spread, how much clinker it left.
The rules are changing too. Nepal's amended standards, announced in April 2026, set a particulate limit of 250 mg/Nm³ for brick kilns, require new kilns to use zig-zag technology and give existing kilns two years to convert. Petroleum coke, tyres and plastic are banned as fuel (Kathmandu Post). If you are converting, plan your coal choice with the new firing pattern in mind.
Indonesian, US and Indian coal compared
Each source has its own character. The table shows general tendencies only — quality varies a lot between mines and cargoes, so always judge the actual test report.
| Source | Generally good at | Things to check | Time from order to kiln |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesian | Usually low ash and good volatile matter, so it lights easily | Moisture can be higher; sulphur varies by mine; loading delays when rivers are low | Several weeks |
| US | Usually high heat content and low moisture | Sulphur and caking vary by mine, so check both on the report; longest voyage | Longest, often a few months |
| Indian (Coal India e-auction) | Closest to Nepal and bought in rupees | Ash is usually higher and grades vary widely; auction competition can be stiff | Shortest |
No source is best for everyone. Many kiln owners do well with a main source and a second one they know they can turn to if the first gets tight or slow — especially this season, as we explain in Why Coal Is Harder to Get This Season.
The buying checklist
Before you order
- Work out how much coal your season needs and when each lot must reach the kiln.
- Count back from that date, allowing for shipping, port handling, customs and the Dashain–Tihar–Chhath slowdown.
- Ask for the full test report of the actual coal on offer, not a general sales sheet or GCV alone — see How to Read a Coal Test Report.
- Compare offers on how much useful heat you get for your money, not on the headline per-tonne figure.
- Check the supplier's track record with other kilns.
When you agree the deal
- Put the key quality figures in writing: moisture, ash, volatile matter, sulphur, GCV (and its basis) and size.
- Agree how the coal will be sampled and tested on arrival, and by which laboratory, in case of a dispute.
- Agree what happens if quality or delivery falls short, including delays and force majeure.
- For a new source, start with a small trial lot before committing to the full season.
- Secure your core volume early and keep part of your needs flexible.
When the coal arrives
- Check the weight against the delivery documents.
- Take samples in the agreed way, seal them and keep one for yourself.
- Look at size and fines, and check for stones, shale or other rubbish.
While it is in your yard
- Store coal on firm, well-drained ground and protect it from rain where you can.
- Keep piles low and compact. Some coals, especially low-rank ones, can heat up and catch fire on their own in large loose piles.
- Use older coal first.
- Note how each lot performs in the kiln, so your next purchase is based on your own results.
The bottom line
Good coal buying comes down to three habits: know what your kiln needs, judge coal on its full quality rather than one number, and plan early enough that you are never forced to take whatever is left. Kilns that do this consistently get more good bricks from every tonne.
Frequently asked questions
Which coal is best for a zig-zag (Hawa Bhatta) kiln in Nepal?
There is no single best coal. Match the coal to your kiln and feeding practice: many zig-zag operators prefer good volatile matter for easy ignition and low ash to limit clinker, balanced with enough fixed carbon for steady heat. Judge each offer on its full test report and try a small lot first.
How early should I order coal for the brick firing season?
Count back from the date each lot must reach your kiln, allowing for shipping, port handling, customs and the festival slowdown at the border. Imported coal can take several weeks to a few months from order to kiln, so for a January firing start most buyers plan their main volume in October to December.
How should coal be stored in a kiln yard?
On firm, well-drained ground, protected from rain where possible, in low compact piles. Large loose piles of some coals can heat up and catch fire on their own. Use older coal first.
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