COAL-QUALITY PROPERTIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES OF TERTIARY COALS OF THE ZILE (TOKAT) REGION IN CENTRAL ANATOLIA, TURKEY

Abstract

This study has done related to the coal-quality and the environmental influences of the Zile coal field which developed in a limnotelmatic deposition environment in the west of the Tokat. Around Zile, two coal seams with a thickness of approximately 17 m are currently being exploited in open-cast mining and used in the nearby settletements. Coal-petrological studies along with proximate and ultimate analyses were undertaken to determine the organic-petrographic characteristics of the Zile coals. Huminite reflectances were found to be between 0.31 and 0.57%, values characteristic of low maturity. This parameter shows a good correlation with calorific values (507-5453 Kcal/kg). The studied coals and organic material underwent only 16w-grade transformation, a consequence of low lithostatic pressure. Therefore, the Zile coals are actually subbituminous in rank. The organic fraction of the coals is mostly comprised of humic group macerals, with small percentages derived from the inertinite and liptinite groups. In this study, organic-petrographic, and coal quality data were compared. The Zile deposit is a high-ash, high-sulfur coal. The mineral matter of the coals is comprised mainly of calcite and clay minerals. On the basis of proximate analytical data, there is no possibility that the Zile coals could be used for residential heating or industrial applications; when used, they cause significant of air pollution.