Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the mineralogy of
the ash fraction of the Springbok Flats coalfield and to correlate
it with the chemistry of trace and major elements aswell
as with the area of deposition. From the study it can be determined
which elements of economic significance occur in the coal
zone and in which mineral form or association they are present.
The ash fraction of the coal was isolated and concentrated by
oxidation of the organic components at an average temperature
of 3500C. Changes in ash composition were due mainly to the
oxidation of pyrite and the loss of water. The loss of trace
elements was small.
The ash fraction was chemically analysed for trace elements by
X-ray fluorescence sectrometry. The latter technique as well as
the inductively coupled plasma process were used to determine
the composition of the major elements. Polished sections of coal
were investigated microscopically, and a qualitative electronmicroprobe
investigation was subsequently carried out.
Trace-element minerals occur extremely sporadically and cannot
be quantified in this investigation. The highest concentration
of trace elements is usually present in a zone that that has an
average thickness of 10 cm, the so-called enriched zone. Uranium
is present in a complex mineral form. Sulphides of cobalt,
molybdenum, zinc and copper were also identified, as also were
selenides of cadmium and lead...
M.Sc. (Geology)