Coke is produced from coal by coking the coal, and optionally by drying and/or preheating the coal prior to coking, and further optionally by dry cooling the coke subsequent to coking. At least the coking step is achieved in a pressure tight container which may be a transportable or tippable container. The coking step is performed in the container by conducting a gas through the container in direct or indirect heat exchange relationship with the coal and forming coke. The coking step includes a phase of lump coke formation achieved by heating the coal in a temperature range of between approximately 250.degree. and 600.degree. C. by indirect heat exchange only.