Quality Assessment of Coal Deposits around Molko Area, Gombe, NE Nigeria.

Abstract

This study present detailed chemical compositional characteristic of coal deposits for quality assessment. The study area falls within the Gongola basin, North-eastern Nigeria. Seven core coal samples were collected from three boreholes of approximately 25 meters depth each in Molko area around Mallam Sidi in Gombe state, North-eastern Nigeria. Assessment of coal quality based on proximate (volatile matter, fixed carbon, ash, moisture), ultimate (H, N, O, S) analyses of the Molko coals was carried out. International Standard Organisation (ISO) standards were followed for proximate and ultimate analyses. X-Ray fluorescence were used for the major and minor elements analysis.The results of proximate analysis of coal average value of Air Moisture 0.04%, Inherent Moisture 4.18%, Total Moisture 4.23%, Ash content 31.37%, Volatile matter 40.69%, Fixed carbon 23.71% and Gross calorific value 19005j/g. The study revealed that the Molko coal show an appreciable property of coking quality and thus can be employed in the generation of substantial heat for the working of blast furnace.