Integrated Geophysical and Geochemical Analyses for Assessment of Potential Coal Prospects in Tirah Area, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Muhammad Sajid, Liaqat Ali, Muhammad Younis Khan, Majid Khan () and S. M. Talha Qadri
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Muhammad Sajid: National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25130, Pakistan
Liaqat Ali: National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25130, Pakistan
Muhammad Younis Khan: National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25130, Pakistan
Majid Khan: School of Civil and Resources Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
S. M. Talha Qadri: Department of Geoscience, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8, Canada

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-16

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the Paleocene coal in the Tirah area, District Khyber, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, utilizing onsite Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) experiments combined with geochemical analyses of obtained coal-rock samples. ERT and GPR profiles, along with geochemical data, were collected and meticulously analyzed to assess the potential and quality of coal seams based on coal ranking, aiming to delineate their spatial distribution and future exploitation prospects. The study reveals a wide range of resistivity values, spanning from 8.93 Ωm to 2472 Ωm. The uppermost layer, comprising silt and clay with water saturation, exhibits resistivity values ranging from 8.93 Ωm to 50 Ωm. The subsequent stratum, characterized by wet sandstone with minor shale and clay, has resistivity values between 50 Ωm and 95.3 Ωm. Significantly, the zone with resistivity values between 95.3 Ωm and 800 Ωm is identified as the probable host of the coal seams. Based on the results, the coal seams are estimated to exist at depths ranging from 14 to 23 m, with resistivity values between 95.3 Ωm and 800 Ωm. GPR results further corroborate these findings, revealing coal-bearing strata at various depths, thus confirming the ERT results. Additionally, proximate and ultimate analysis provided insights into the quality of the coal, with average concentration values of moisture content (6.95%), ash content (22.12%), volatile matter (28.55%), fixed carbon (42.40%), carbon content (55.35%), hydrogen (4.7%), nitrogen (0.95%), sulfur (4.82%), and oxygen (10.06%). Comparative analyses of the obtained results with local coals from the Salt Range in Punjab, Pakistan, and coal from Ogboyaga, Nigeria, confirm that the studied coal ranks as sub-bituminous. This comprehensive assessment offers valuable insights into the potential and quality of Paleocene coal in the studied region and is applicable to other areas with similar geological settings.

Keywords: electrical resistivity tomography (ERT); ground penetrating radar (GPR) geochemical analysis; coal ranking; sub-bituminous coal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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