Chemistry of Maiganga Coal Deposit, Upper Benue Trough, North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Chemical studies have been carried out on coal samples from Maiganga coal mine, Gombe formation, Upper Benue Trough of Nigeria with a view to determine theirchemical characteristics and possible utilization as coking coal or otherwise. The coal samples used for the analyses were sourced from the Maiganga coal mine. Various conventional coal analytical methods were adopted according to the relevant ASTMs. Chemical analysis of the coal samples indicated that, on average, they contain4.8% moisture, 49% ash, 31.11% volatile matter, 0.92% sulphur, 15.64% organic carbon, 0.02% phosphorus, 2283Kj/kg calorific value and 0(zero) Free Swelling Index(FSI). The above analytical results show that the coals show an appreciable property of coking and thus can be employed in the generation of substantial heat for the working of blast furnace.