In general, a coal is classified as ‘anthracite' if it has volatile matter of less than 10% (air dry basis) although some regional definitions vary. Coals with lower fixed carbons than 80%, and volatiles of around 10-12% are most often described as "semi anthracites" and are marketable into low volatile PCI and/or power generation sectors.

The largest anthracite resources in the world are found in parts of the former USSR, China, and Vietnam. However, Canada (British Columbia) and Australia (Bowen Basin) have areas of lower volatile coals which are considered to be anthracite. South Africa, where Riversdale has operations, is one of several other countries that produce and market anthracite.

Within a total global market estimated in excess of 110 million tones per annum, of which the seaborne market is comprised of some 14 M tonnes, anthracite has a number of specific commercial applications; including,

• Graphitising material for electrode paste;
• as a reductant for reducing metal oxide ores; and
• as an efficient and clean fuel for heating

There are a few other markets - most notably in the treatment of certain bulk chemicals such as soda ash manufacture, making calcium carbide, or certain cement making processes where anthracite has niche applications.