May 2025 Monthly Overview: Mining and Minerals Standards in Focus

Looking back at May 2025, the Mining and Minerals sector saw notable activity in international standardization, particularly within coal analysis and characterization. A total of five ISO standards were published, each addressing critical aspects of coal testing—ranging from material composition and impurities to mechanical and thermal properties. For industry professionals—from laboratory analysts to compliance managers—this overview offers timely insight into recent developments, industry themes, and practical implications for operational and regulatory alignment.

Monthly Overview: May 2025

May 2025 marked a focused period for coal-related standardization, highlighted by the publication of five core ISO standards dealing with compositional analysis, behavior assessment, and environmental impact monitoring. The suite of publications reflects a broader industry trend: strengthening the analytical rigor and reliability of coal and lignite test methods, while keeping pace with the evolving requirements for environmental protection and resource quality.

This month's activity was characterized by:

• A strong emphasis on analytical precision in coal testing
• Frequent updates and technical revisions to existing test methods to reflect current technology and regulatory priorities
• Alignment with global sustainability initiatives, evidenced by comprehensive approaches to sulfur and mercury determination

Compared to previous cycles, May demonstrated an increased publication rate in analytical methods, reaffirming the vital role of mineral resource testing in both quality control and sustainable operations. Together, these new and revised standards signal a drive toward more transparent, replicable, and environmentally responsible approaches in the Mining and Minerals sector.

Standards Published This Month

ISO 1017:2025 - Brown Coals and Lignites — Determination of Acetone-Soluble Material ("Resinous Substance") in the Benzene-Soluble Extract

Brown coals and lignites — Determination of acetone-soluble material ("resinous substance") in the benzene-soluble extract

ISO 1017:2025 details a precise method for quantifying the mass fraction of acetone-soluble material—or so-called "resinous substance"—found within the benzene-soluble extract from brown coals and lignites. This assessment is essential for classifying lower-rank coals, characterizing their commercial value, and supporting both quality grading and downstream chemical processes. Notably, the standard highlights that some wax content is simultaneously measured in this test, providing additional context for users managing coal derivatives with complex compositions.

The test procedure involves sample preparation, solvent extraction, and subsequent quantification, with strict adherence to apparatus and reagent specifications. This method ensures repeatable measurements across different laboratories and supports broader industry needs in specification, certification, and resource evaluation.

This standard is especially relevant for:

• Coal analysis laboratories
• Quality assurance teams in coal mining operations
• Organizations involved in coal grading and trading

ISO 1017:2025 fits into an established ecosystem of coal analysis standards, offering a harmonized reference point for acetone-soluble content assessment—critical for evaluating resinous and wax-related properties for energy, chemical processing, and combustion applications.

Key highlights:

• Specifies testing procedure for acetone-soluble material in brown coal and lignite
• Supports resource classification and process design
• Harmonized with international quality management requirements

Access the full standard:View ISO 1017:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 10329:2025 - Hard Coal — Determination of Plastic Properties — Constant-Torque Gieseler Plastometer Method

Hard coal — Determination of plastic properties — Constant-torque Gieseler plastometer method

ISO 10329:2025 offers a rigorous approach to measuring the plastic behavior of hard coal during heating—a key property in determining suitability for coke production and other industrial uses involving carbonization. The Gieseler plastometer method involves applying a constant torque to a stirrer embedded in a coal sample, tracking the rotation as the temperature increases. This yields a direct measure of the coal’s plastic range, including initial softening, maximum fluidity, solidification, and related transformation temperatures.

Key updates in this edition include:

• Refined application scope, targeting hard coal specifically (excluding brown coals and lignites)
• Clarified calibration and reporting requirements, especially for different dial division per minute (dd/min) ranges

The standard requires laboratories to ensure regular device calibration and strictly controlled test conditions, enhancing both precision and global comparability of results. With direct implications for coal blending, product grading, and coking process optimization, this method is widely utilized in the steel industry, power generation, and coal trading sectors.

Key highlights:

• Defines constant-torque Gieseler plastometer test procedure
• Focused on hard coal and relevant blends used in carbonization
• Includes specific apparatus, calibration, and reporting guidance

Access the full standard:View ISO 10329:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 157:2025 - Coal — Determination of Forms of Sulfur

Coal — Determination of forms of sulfur

ISO 157:2025 presents standardized methods for quantifying the sulfate and pyritic sulfur fractions of coal, as well as providing a calculation for organic sulfur content. Understanding sulfur forms is vital for both environmental compliance (due to sulfur dioxide emissions) and for optimizing beneficiation, cleaning, and combustion strategies.

This updated third edition brings several significant technical refinements:

• Expanded and clarified normative references
• Addition of new calculation formulae, especially for organic sulfur
• Updated reporting and procedural steps for greater clarity and reproducibility

The procedures included—ranging from selective chemical extraction to titrimetric, colorimetric, and atomic absorption finishes—offer analytical flexibility to accommodate available laboratory resources and accuracy requirements. The standard is essential for:

• Coal testing labs supporting environmental permitting
• Utility and industrial users focused on emissions control
• Researchers working on coal characterization or upgrading technologies

The comprehensive approach ensures reliable sulfur speciation data, which is necessary for venturing into cleaner coal utilization and achieving compliance with regulatory sulfur emission caps.

Key highlights:

• Determination of sulfate, pyritic, and calculated organic sulfur
• Multiple validated analytical finishes (titrimetric, colorimetric, atomic absorption)
• Updated technical procedures and reporting requirements

Access the full standard:View ISO 157:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 15237:2025 - Coal — Determination of Total Mercury

Coal — Determination of total mercury

ISO 15237:2025 provides a pivotal reference for determining the total mercury content in coal—a pollutant of increasing concern for both regulatory agencies and energy producers worldwide. Recognizing the volatility and environmental toxicity of mercury, the standard mandates stringent analytical protocols involving oxygen bomb combustion and subsequent atomic absorption analysis.

The third edition reflects the latest developments in mercury analysis, including:

• A dedicated clause for direct combustion analysis (enhancing adaptability)
• Improved reporting, calibration, and precision guidance
• Inclusion of alternative reduction reagents (LiBH₄, NaBH₄) provided performance matches the reference method

Applicable to coal sampling laboratories, power plants, and environmental protection agencies, the methods outlined are pivotal for supporting national and international mercury emissions controls and certification of coal resources intended for low-emission markets.

Key highlights:

• Accurate quantification of mercury mass fraction in coal using validated reference method
• Addresses regulatory needs for mercury emissions monitoring
• Updated guidance for rapid and bias-free analysis

Access the full standard:View ISO 15237:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 502:2025 - Hard Coal — Determination of Caking Power — Gray-King Coke Test

Hard coal — Determination of caking power — Gray-King coke test

ISO 502:2025 introduces the fourth edition of the Gray-King coke test—an essential tool for assessing the caking power of hard coal under standardized laboratory conditions. The caking property is critical for determining the suitability of coal for coke manufacturing—a key input to the metallurgical and foundry industries.

Significant changes in this edition include:

• Applied exclusively to hard coal (excluding brown coal and lignite)
• Shifted caking index reference from Roga Index to Caking Index
• Reorganized clauses and precision metrics to reflect the latest industry agreements and measurement practices

The method involves heating a prepared coal sample to 600°C, analyzing the coke residue by comparison with reference material, and, for highly swelling coals, determining the amount of electrode carbon required to achieve a strong coke. This provides a robust classification basis for blending and process optimization.

The standard serves:

• Metallurgical coke producers
• Coal laboratories performing product classification
• Downstream users requiring assurance on coking properties of feedstock

Key highlights:

• Gray-King test for quantifying caking power of hard coal
• Updated scope, test procedure and reference indices
• Essential for steel, foundry, and advanced energy applications

Access the full standard:View ISO 502:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

Reviewing the standards published in May 2025, several prominent themes and patterns emerged:

• Analytical Modernization: Multiple standards reflect the evolution of analytical technologies (e.g., direct combustion for mercury, automated instrumentation for sulfur and plastic properties), underscoring a move toward quicker, more reliable, and less labor-intensive procedures.

• Environmental Stewardship: There is a pronounced focus on environmental parameters—specifically sulfur and mercury analysis. These are at the core of compliance efforts with emissions regulations, indicating industry-wide prioritization of environmental performance.

• Coal Quality Optimization: Enhanced testing protocols for resinous materials, plastic properties, and caking power support not just resource characterization, but also enable better blending, quality assurance, and supply chain management for users and producers.

• Alignment with Global Standards: Harmonization with international best practices enables stakeholders—especially those working in multinational contexts—to ensure consistency and competitive parity across borders.

The most attention was given to analytical procedures for hard coal, revealing ongoing market emphasis on metallurgical quality and cleaner combustion. Environmental concerns—especially mercury and speciation of sulfur—are increasingly guiding the development of coal standards. These trends mirror external pressures from both regulatory frameworks and societal expectations for responsible resource use.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

For organizations affected by these standards, several practical recommendations and considerations should be taken into account:

1. Gap Analysis: Conduct an internal assessment to compare existing laboratory or production procedures against these new and revised standards. Prioritize any gaps related to regulatory compliance or customer expectations.

2. Laboratory Training: Ensure that technical personnel are thoroughly trained in new analytical procedures, calibration routines, and updated reporting requirements. Many of the standards introduce technical nuances that impact repeatability and reproducibility.

3. Timeline Planning: Review contractual and regulatory milestones for implementing these standards. Some may have immediate market implications, while others might require staged adoption to align with procurement or operational cycles.

4. Document Control: Incorporate the full text of applicable standards into your quality management system. Establish mechanisms for regular updates as new editions are published.

5. Supplier and Client Communication: Communicate updates to relevant stakeholders, especially where certification, product specification, or supply chain integration relies on analytical results defined by these standards.

Getting started resources:

• Access standards via iTeh Standards
• Consult with ISO technical committee updates and published corrigenda
• Leverage vendor-provided training for new instrumentation or test methods

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from May 2025

The suite of Mining and Minerals standards published in May 2025 collectively foster greater analytical precision, transparency, and environmental accountability in coal-related industries. Whether your interest lies in fuel characterization, emissions control, or supply chain integrity, this month’s standards offer authoritative, globally recognized methods to support compliance and operational excellence.

Recommendations for industry professionals:

• Audit your processes for alignment with updated requirements, prioritizing procedures for sulfur, mercury, and physical testing
• Engage laboratory staff in method retraining and calibration updates
• Communicate upcoming changes to partners, clients, and regulatory bodies to demonstrate commitment to best practices

By staying current with these standards, professionals in the Mining and Minerals sector position themselves to meet rising quality, safety, and sustainability expectations—helping to fuel not only compliant operations, but also innovation in resource management and environmental stewardship.

Explore these standards in depth to ensure your organization’s readiness and competitive advantage in an evolving global landscape.