Inorganic Geochemical Evaluation of Maastrichtian Coal at Gombe, Gongola Basin, Nigeria: Implications for Resource Potential and Paleoenvironments
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Date
2021-02-28
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International Journal of Clean Coal and Energy: Scientific Research Publishing
Abstract
The Benue Trough has been known to have great potential for resources such
as coal, hydrocarbon, limestone, barite, gypsum, etc. The study area is Maiganga
coal mine located at Gombe, Gongola Basin, northern Benue Trough in
northeast Nigeria. Two coal seams, shales, siltstones, sandstones, and intercalation
of ironstones make up the stratigraphic succession of 35 m thick. The
coal is currently being exploited as a source of fuel at the Ashaka Cement
Factory, Ashaka, Gombe state. Elemental and proximate analyses of the coal
samples were carried out to investigate coking potential, acid generation potential
and its suitability as a source of fuel. The paleodepositional condition
and the original plant that form the coal were also examined. The proximate
analysis showed that the moisture content ranges from 9.55% - 11.13%, volatile
matter (40.88% - 44.89% dry), ash (5.29% - 13.99% dry), fixed carbon
(41.30% - 53.41% dry) and calorific value (5469 - 6452 kcal/kg). Average values
of the major elements; K2O, MgO and Fe2O3 are low but a high loss on ignition
was obtained for the coal ash. The samples recorded low concentrations
in the trace elements, except for Ni, Cu, Ba, Sr, and Zr. Coal seam A exhibits
negative europium anomaly and positive cerium anomaly indicating
peat vegetation (Sphagnum L.) while coal Seam B showed negative cerium
anomaly indicating soil grown plants (Mangrove and Vicia villossa ). The
present investigation showed that the coals were deposited in fluvial to paralic
environments. The coals are not suitable for coking but have potential as a
source of fuel and power generation.
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Jimoh and Ojo, 2021