95/00017 A comparative study of the trace element geochemistry in coals from Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Alberta contains vast reserves (approximately 2185 megatonnes) of subbituminous and high-volatile bituminous coals, with an additional 1345 Mt considered as {open_quotes}indicated{close_quotes} and 3890 Mt as {open_quotes}inferred{close_quotes}. Virtually all of Canada`s subbituminous coal resources, which are suitable for mine-mouth power generation, are found in the Interior Plains of Alberta. In addition, low sulphur (< 1.0%), high-volatile bituminous, exportable thermal coals occur in the Outer Foothills region of the province. Almost 90% of Alberta`s power originates from six coal-fired generating stations. These are: (1) the 1987 MW Sundance station; (2) the 766 MW Keephills station; (3) the 570 MW Wabamun Lake station; (4) the 400 MW Genesee station; (5) the 735 MW Battle River station; and (6) the 760 MW Sheerness station. The first four stations are located approximately 70-100 kms to the west and southwest of Edmonton, the fifth 180 kms east of Edmonton and the sixth 160 kms northeast of Calgary. The main focus of this paper is on the concentration of selected trace elements with known toxicity when emitted by fossil-fuel power plants. The elements in coals from various mines will be classified and concentrations compared on a mine-by-mine basis.