I have created an animated infographic that provides a high-level overview of how to lump charcoal works. Lump charcoal, or natural lump charcoal, is made from 100% wood. The type of wood used to make the product can vary but typically includes hardwood trees like oak or hickory. Some manufacturers will add liquid binders to hold the lumps together; however, this isn't always necessary as long as they are packed tightly enough during manufacturing that the lumps don't fall apart when picked up with tongs at a barbecue restaurant! Lump charcoals work by combusting and then carbonizing organic material (e.g., plant matter). Charcoal has been around for thousands of years and was first discovered in China after digging into coal mines hundreds of years ago.