May 11-16, 2025
Coke and its properties are fundamental to the energy and productivity of the iron blast furnace process, which remains the most energy-efficient method for producing hot metal for steelmaking. This course will present state-of-the-art knowledge of the entire cokemaking process, tailored for operators, researchers, and industry suppliers.
Participants will gain both fundamental and practical insights from global industry experts, covering a comprehensive range of topics from coal extraction to the cokemaking process and its integration into the blast furnace, including by-products.
The course will also address oven recovery and non-recovery cokemaking, as well as energy and environmental issues relevant to the global cokemaking industry.
2025 Organizing Committee
Jodi Kesik, ArcelorMittal Dofasco (Chair)
Neslihan Dogan, McMaster University/TU Delft (Secretary)
Carter Dumont, Stelco
Jason Halko, Elk Valley Resources
Jarred Kapush, Algoma Steel
Ted Todoschuk, TwithT Consulting (ArcelorMittal Dofasco, retired)
Registration Information
Registration fee includes five days of lectures, breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks, electronic version of lecture notes, welcome reception, dinner banquet, and commemorative polo shirt!
Fee
Up to March 31, 2025: $2,150 CAD
Beginning April 1, 2025: $2,400 CAD
Your participation is confirmed only after payment is received. To secure your spot immediately, please register using a credit card.
Cancellation Policy
Up to March 31, 2025: Receive a 100% refund, minus a $100 administration fee.
From April 1 to April 30, 2025: Receive a 50% refund.
After May 1, 2025: No refunds will be issued.
Registrations are transferrable to another person.
Lectures – Sunday, May 11 – Friday, May 16
An optional Introduction to Cokemaking lecture will be presented on Sunday evening. The main lecture program will feature full days of lectures from Monday to Thursday, followed by a half day of lectures on Friday. Throughout the week, participants will engage in case studies, working in teams to analyze real-world operating and process data.
Welcome Reception – Sunday, May 11
A Welcome Reception will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the University Club of McMaster. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for registrants to meet and mingle with lecturers, members of the Organizing Committee, and fellow participants. We look forward to seeing you there!
Coke Oven Computer Game – Monday, May 12 & Tuesday, May 13
The computer game will be held on Monday and Tuesday evenings. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with colleagues from all around the world. Many delegates have found this to be the highlight of the course. Each group will compete to become the lowest coke cost producer in the coal blending competition utilizing the knowledge gained from the course lectures. The game is designed to help students understand the principles of coal blending and coke quality.
Banquet – Wednesday, May 14
Enjoy delicious food and a spectacular view of the ArcelorMittal and Stelco plants across Lake Ontario at the Burlington Golf and Country Club. During the event, we will announce the winners of the Coke Oven game. Please note that business casual attire is required (no blue jeans).
Optional Plant Tour – Friday, May 16 afternoon
Each tour is limited to the first 40 registrants and only one tour can be selected, as they are offered simultaneously.
- ArcelorMittal Dofasco – Driving tour of coal handling and cokemaking facilities, followed by a ground-level walking tour of No. 3 Coke Plant/By-Products Plant.
- Stelco Hamilton Works – A walking tour of the Battery, By-Product Plant and the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Course Books
An electronic copy of the lectures will be provided. A printed version is available for a fee.
Introduction & Fundamentals
- Introduction to Cokemaking – Jodi Kesik, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
- The History of Cokemaking – TBA
- Coke in the Blast Furnace – Husain Tapia, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
- Fundamentals of Coal and Coke Characterization –Graeme Scott, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
- Environmental Issues Facing the Coking Industry Into the 21st Century – Julie Wedzinga, Stelco
- Theory of Carbonization – Ted Todoschuk, TwithT Consulting
- Coke Oven Computer Game – Graeme Scott, ArcelorMittal Dofasco and Ted Todoschuk, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
- Recent Trends in Cokemaking Heat Recovery Processes – John Quanci, Suncoke Energy
- Future Decarbonization Strategy: 2050 – Graeme Scott, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
- Market Conditions Coal / Coke: Current and Future – Jason Halko, Elk Valley Resources
Equipment & Operations
- Principles of Coke Oven Design – Carter Dumont, Stelco
- Prolonging Asset Life – Yannick Hergalant, Center of Pyrolysis of Marienau
- Control of Battery Heating – Mike Boccalon, Stelco
By-Products
- Introduction to the By-product Plant – TBD
- Tar and Light Oil Recovery – Brianna Zekl, Stelco
- Removal of Sulphur and Ammonia from Coke Oven Gas – Matt Cowan, Stelco
- Effects of Gas Quality on Operations – Greg Elder, Consultant
Coal Mining and Preparation
- Design of Coal Blend for Required Coke Properties – Ted Todoschuk, TwithT Consulting
- Coal from Ground to Coke Plant – Maria Dooley, Teck Coal Limited
- By-product Operation Case Study – Carter Dumont, Stelco and Greg Elder, Consultant
- Non-Recovery Cokemaking Case Studies – John Quanci, SunCoke Energy
- Recovery Cokemaking Case Study – Jodi Kesik, ArcelorMittal Dofasco and Lyle Moore, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
It will be an engaging but intense week of training, with early-morning starts and late-evening finishes. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to stay on campus in our Les Prince Hall residence. Benefits include affordable nightly rates and common areas for socializing with fellow attendees.
The single room rate is $101.97/night + 13% tax. Guests can opt for a double room (two beds) at the same rate, but please note it is designed for single occupancy, with only one bed prepared.
To reserve your accommodation, please visit the registration portal to log in as a guest.
Select GENERAL REGISTRATION and enter your group code CMC2025 to view and reserve accommodation.
Refunds are subject to a $25 processing fee.
Important: Once payment is made, please take a screenshot or print the final confirmation page with your transaction details, as this will serve as your official receipt. These details are not automatically emailed.
For specific questions about accommodation, please contact reserve@mcmaster.ca.