Tungsten (W) geochemistry in north Asian coals (Siberia, Russian far east and Kazakhstan)

Abstract

This research discusses new data on the geochemistry of tungsten (W) in the coals of North Asia (Siberia, the Russian Far East, and Kazakhstan), based on analyses of over two thousand samples. In general, the studied coals are enriched in W in comparison with the average value for coals all over the world. In different regions of the studied area, coal deposits with anomalous W concentrations (up to commercially important concentrations) were found and the factors controlling the W content in these coals were investigated. Samples were selected in order to study both the vertical variation in W through the seams and laterally to determine its distribution across the coal basins. Seams with average W concentrations generally show some enrichment at the margins of the seam (Zilbermints law). In anomalously enriched seams, however, several patterns of W distribution are observed. Most commonly the base of the seam is enriched and concentrations decrease upwards, less commonly the reverse is the case and rarely the central parts of the seam are enriched. The results from the present work demonstrate that W is predominantly organically associated. In lignites, more than 80 % is concentrated in humic substances with the remainder in mineral matter. However, as the organic matter transforms during coalification some of the W passes into solution leading both to the formation of authigenic minerals and also loss from the seam. The nature of the W distributions in the coal seams indicates a predominantly hydrogenous (aqueous) mechanism of transport and accumulation. It is concluded that the composition of the rock types surrounding the coal-forming basins and the hydrogeochemical conditions of these basins and deposits are critical factors in determining the levels of W accumulation in the coals. The elevated and anomalous tungsten concentrations in coal and peat described in this work are due to the leaching of tungsten rich rocks, primarily granitoids and tungsten-bearing greisens and skarns.