Evaluating Coal Quality and Trace Elements of the Karagandy Coal Formation (Kazakhstan): Implications for Resource Utilization and Industry
Junussov M. Zholtayev G.Z. Moghazi A.H. Nurmakanov Y. Oraby M.A. Umarbekova Z.T. Mashrapova M.A. Togizov K.
January 2026Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
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2026#15Issue 1
The Carboniferous coal seams in Northeast Kazakhstan remain insufficiently investigated, with a lack of comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical assessments necessary to understand the geological processes controlling coal quality. This study examines 15 coal samples from the Karagandy Coal Formation (KCF) at the Saradyr and Bogatyr mines using proximate and ultimate analyses, FTIR, XRD, SEM–EDS, ED-XRF, and ICP-OES, providing the first detailed comparison of mineralogical and geochemical characteristics—including depositional signals and inorganic constituent distribution—between these mines within the KCF. The coals exhibit an average ash yield of 24.1% on a dry basis, volatile matter of 21.6% on a dry and ash-free basis, and low moisture content of 1.1% (air-dry), with low sulfur levels of 0.7% in whole coal across both mines. Mineralogical composition is dominated by quartz and clay minerals, with minor pyrite, apatite, chalcopyrite, and rutile. Major oxides in the coal ash average 68.2% SiO2 and 19.5% Al2O3, followed by Fe2O3, K2O, and TiO2 (3–12.1%). Among the 24 identified trace elements, Sm is the most abundant at 6.3 ppm with slight enrichment (CC = 2.8), Lu remains at normal levels (CC < 1), and most other elements are depleted (CC < 0.5). The Al2O3/TiO2 ratios (3.8–10.8) indicate contributions from intermediate to mafic parent materials. The detrital mineralogy, parting compositions, and elevated ash content indicate significant accommodation space development during or shortly after peat accumulation, likely within a vegetated alluvial plain depression. These findings provide new insights into the depositional environment and coal-forming processes of the KCF and contribute to regional assessments of coal quality and resource potential.
Carboniferous coal , coal mineralogy , Kazakhstan , REE , trace elements
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School of Mining and Geosciences, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Institute of Geological Sciences Named after K.I. Satpayev, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, 101, Iceland
Core Facilities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
School of Mining and Geosciences
Institute of Geological Sciences Named after K.I. Satpayev
Institute of Earth Sciences
Core Facilities
Department of Geology
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Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026