Interactive: Platts Iron Ore and Metallurgical Coal Specifications Tree

Iron ore and coking coal are integral to steelmaking. But with hundreds of brands available globally and constant changes to geology and marketing strategies, we know it can be difficult to keep track of their individual specifications. Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, is pleased to share with you an update to the Iron Ore and Metallurgical Coal Specifications Tree, first published July 2021.

We hope that this extra transparency on specifications will help advance understanding of how these products relate to our benchmarks and the wider markets. To learn more about Platts Steel and Raw Materials solutions, from price assessments to market news and analytics, please visit the following webpage. 

Click here to access the Platts Iron Ore and Metallurgical Specifications Tree

The latest update as of May 2025 includes:

• Updated specifications for 58 iron ore and 120 metallurgical coal products

• Expanded coverage of Chinese and Mongolian coking coal brands

• Updated webpage design 

Iron ore and metallurgical coal are key feedstocks for blast furnace-based steelmaking, which is expected to remain the dominant steelmaking process globally on the back of capacity expansions in Asia.

Declining ore grades in Australia, an increased focus in preserving mill margins amid burgeoning steel overcapacity, and the role of direct feeds in lowering steelmaking emissions mean that market participants are continuously assessing different brands and products to suit their needs.

For metallurgical coal, supply diversification and uncertainties surrounding future prime coal supplies place renewed emphasis on how different coal qualities impact coal blends.

This interactive specifications tree allows readers to find information on the specifications of various key iron ore and metallurgical coal products, and how they compare against Platts benchmark specifications. 

Access the Platts Iron Ore and Metallurgical Coal Specifications Tree