In an effort to broaden the scope of coal selection, the authors have developed a novel procedure based on a coefficient, named as Composite Coking Potential (CCP). CCP value assesses the suitability of a coal/coal blend for producing coke of desired quality; measured by the parameter coke strength after reaction (CSR). The coking potential takes into account of various properties of the coals and their proportions in a given coal blend and convert them into a single value. This technique is having advantage since each of these parameters represents different aspects of the coking phenomena along with inter dependence of some of these parameters also exists. This makes the coal selection process extremely difficult and in majority of the cases, decision is taken based on experience. In this investigation, CCP model has been used for selecting the least expensive coal blends which will comply with the minimum coke quality requirements of blast furnace. The study confirms the inter relations between the CCP and the hot strength of coke i.e. CSR. Actual plant data of a non-recovery coke oven have been used for developing and validation of the model. The technique was successfully used in identifying cheaper coals for producing coke with desired quality. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.