It is no longer satisfactory to assess the value of a coking coal on its intrinsic properties alone; its value depends upon its behaviour as a component in a blend. No single test can be used to make this assessment, it can only be made by carrying out a suite of tests._x000D_
The quality parameters which are considered desirable, and which have widespread acceptance, have been discussed and their application to the blending of coals from New South Wales and New Zealand has been reported and discussed._x000D_
Blending can be utilised to offset deficiencies, or capitalise on advantages, of the individual coals making up a blend. Coals can be blended, which alone are poorly, Coking, but which have compensating features. Blending also allows better exploitation of coking coal reserves._x000D_
Several applications of blending have been reviewed with regard to coal producers and exporters, as well as coal users. The possibility of extracting a coking coal fraction from fuel coals is discussed._x000D_
Blending systems and the coking of coal are also briefly reviewed.