Collection: Anthracite Coal for Sale | Cape Town

If you’ve spent a Cape Town winter here, you’ll know—nights can really get chilly. When it’s that time of year, you want heating that just works without fuss. It’s no surprise neighbours across the Western Cape are going back to basics with anthracite coal. They’re after a home-heating fuel that’s strong, tidy, and keeps the cold out for hours. Ask around—the nickname “hard coal” says it all (it’s the highest rank of coal). Need quick anthracite delivery in Cape Town? Mother City Firewood has you covered.

Still on the fence? Here’s why so many folks order anthracite from Mother City Firewood: reliable heat at a fair price, with fast local service and friendly advice when you need it. If you’re new to coal or weighing your options, keep reading—we’ll cover the practical bits that matter when winter gets real. Or skip straight to the product and buy anthracite 10 kg bags now.

We deliver across Cape Town: Northern Suburbs (Durbanville, Brackenfell, Bellville), Southern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town CBD, Helderberg, Boland, West Coast and the South Peninsula.

Quick comparison — in plain language

Anthracite coal: The classic “hard coal”—dense, low-smoke and steady. It delivers strong, even heat for hours with minimal ash, which is why enclosed fireplaces and multi-fuel stoves love it. Typical energy content sits around 22–28 million BTU per short ton, so you get long, consistent warmth without babysitting the fire. Need delivery info or ready to buy anthracite 10 kg bags? Easy.

Firewood (seasoned hardwood): Great ambience and solid heat, but performance depends on species and dryness. For cleaner burning and better efficiency, aim for wood that’s under 20% moisture—wetter wood wastes heat boiling off water, makes more smoke, and needs more frequent top-ups.

Briquettes: Tidy and predictable. Uniform pieces make storage simple and top-ups quick. Heat is steady at a mid-to-high level, so they’re handy when you want less mess and consistent results.

Key Characteristics of Anthracite Coal

So what’s the actual deal? One standout is its carbon—often over 86%. That’s high, and it’s why anthracite burns hot and clean with very little smoke. If you’re after serious heat without spending every evening sweeping ash, it’s a logical bet. Firewood or softer coals can leave you wishing for more.

Aesthetically, anthracite is easy to spot—glassy shine, dense feel. If you’ve only ever used standard options, the look and feel will surprise you. Tough stuff, this.

See the USGS coal rank glossary.

Heating Efficiency & Long Burn Time

No one wants to get up every hour to feed the fire. Anthracite gives you those long, steady evenings. It burns slower than most logs or soft coal, so you aren’t constantly topping up. On the numbers, anthracite comes in around 22–28 million BTU per short ton—real energy. You might pay a touch more upfront, but locals find they reload less and enjoy an even, dependable heat instead.

Cleaner Burn, Less Fuss

Worried about the planet and the neighbours? Anthracite is naturally low-smoke with minimal dust and little residue. Your lounge won’t smell like last night’s braai all week, and you’ll spend less time cleaning.

Where It Shines in Cape Town Homes

Fireplaces, multi-fuel burners, big stoves—even small business heaters—anthracite handles them all. Portion it easily, light up, and enjoy that signature blue-bright, smokeless flame.

Product Options & Storage

Mother City Firewood supplies a practical mix of chunkier and smaller pieces to suit most stoves and fireplaces. Buying in bulk? Great call—store it dry (covered and off the ground) and it’ll be ready for the next cold snap. No seasoning required (that’s only for wood).

South African Supply

Most local anthracite comes from deep mines in Mpumalanga (for example, the Nkomati Anthracite operation). Buying local supports SA jobs and keeps the value chain closer to home. A technical overview of our coalfields is available via the SAIMM.

Price & Value

On cost, anthracite compares well with other heating fuels—especially when you factor in less mess, fewer trips to restock, and longer, steadier burns through winter.

FAQ — straight answers about anthracite

Does anthracite need “seasoning” like firewood?

They call it “black coal” for a reason—it’s heavy, glossy, and nearly pure carbon. That’s why it burns so hot and so clean. Anthracite does not need seasoning—just keep it dry and it’ll light just as well next winter. For a quick primer on what makes anthracite different (highest rank, very low volatiles), see the U.S. EIA overview.

How much energy is in a 10 kg bag?

Rule of thumb from engineering data: anthracite delivers about 22–28 million BTU per short ton. That works out to roughly 71–90 kWh per 10 kg bag (about 242k–309k BTU), depending on grade. It’s why homes love the long, even heat from a small load. Source: EIA coal glossary.

What stoves or fireplaces can burn anthracite safely?

Best in closed, multi-fuel or coal-rated appliances with under-grate air. Always follow your appliance manual. Example guidance: Stovax specifies anthracite/smokeless fuels for closed appliances and warns against bituminous coal in many models (see manufacturer manuals). For combustion basics, the EPA AP-42 anthracite combustion note explains ignition/airflow needs.

Is anthracite really low-smoke and low-odour?

Yes—anthracite has very low volatile matter and high fixed carbon, so it burns with a clean, blue flame and minimal smoke when the stove is set up correctly. See the USGS coal ranks and the EIA overview.

Where does South Africa’s anthracite come from?

Historically concentrated in KZN and Mpumalanga coalfields, with current production including operations like Nkomati (Mpumalanga). For background on SA coalfields and anthracite resources, see the SAIMM coal resources review.

How should I store anthracite?

Keep it dry and off the ground (covered is ideal). Anthracite has low inherent moisture and won’t “go off” like damp wood—dry storage helps it light cleanly season after season. See EIA’s anthracite properties in the coal glossary.

Why is demand rising, and are there different grades?

Global reports note growing demand in certain industrial segments (e.g., steel-related uses) and segment anthracite by grade (standard, high, ultra-high). For a market snapshot, check Fortune Business Insights.

Ready to warm up?

Had enough of icy rooms or fussy heaters? We supply anthracite coal Cape Town trusts to beat the cold—year after year. Check current pricing, request bulk, or book fast local delivery: buy anthracite 10 kg bags or see delivery info. Buy local, keep warm, and get through winter the easy way.