The locals will know what makes good charcoal.
The UN published a book on smithing in 3rd world areas that was written for Africa but would work well most anywhere, 3 volumes, I found a copy at a small college, you may want to hunt that down as it would be a great help with how to use what you have to make useful items.
I'll see if I can dig up the tital/info on it tonight if possible.
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Thomas
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