Making Processed Coal

Processed coal is also known as coal briquettes. Prior to 1965 almost every household in Taiwan was burning coal or coal briquettes to boil water and cook. One briquette could cook up to three meals. Despite its economic value, it was not without drawbacks, namely thick smoke and an acrid smell.
The process to produce coal is quite simple. Coal cinder is mixed with clay at a ratio of 9:1, then water is added before placing the mixture into briquette molds. The molds are struck with a wooden mallet to pack the content down. The briquettes are carefully removed and then set in the sun to dry completely, at which point they are ready for use.
This picture shows a coal briquette factory in Changhua in 1960. The workers are carefully moving the briquettes in preparation to be sundried. At the time, coal workers like these were covered in black smoot, making their eyes look especially bright.