prev |
20070731marble_029.jpg |
next |
These 'beehive' coke ovens were constructed in the late 1890's to carbonize or 'coke' coal mined in Coal Basin for the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company. A narrow-gauge railroad, approximately 12 miles long (removed in 1941) brought the coal down grades exceeding 4% from the mine to Redstone. Total coal production was 1.1 million tons. The coke made at these ovens was then shipped to Pueblo by way of the standard gauge Crystal River railroad. CF & I discontinued coking operations in 1908. Coke is made when special coals are heated to drive off volatile matter and moisture in the absence of oxygen. Coal was charged into these ovens from the top and after charging the ovens were sealed for 48 hours except for a small amount of air which was admitted to support enough combustion to maintain a coking temperature. As the finished coke was drawn from the ovens it was quenched with water to prevent further combustion. The present coal mine operations were begun in 1956 by Mid-Continent Coal and Coke Company. Our production of premium quality coking coal is shipped to steel mills where it is blended with other coals prior to coking in modern 'slot-type' ovens.