A comprehensive petrochemical study of coals of Jaintia Hills: unveiling their industrial applicability and potential as hydrocarbon source rocks

Abstract

ABSTRACT The current investigation aims to classify Jaintia Hill coals into different types, ranks, and grades based on their geochemical and petrographic characteristics and to evaluate the potential utilization of these coals under the framework of different coal classification schemes, essential for various industrial, commercial, and residential applications. During the present study, representative coal samples were collected from the working coal mines of Khliehriat and Lad Rymbai areas of the East Jaintia hills of Meghalaya, India, and subjected to proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, and micro petrographic study. Using international and Indian classification schemes, an attempt has been made to propose the appropriate utilization of these coals. It has been observed that these coals have high vitrinite content and low ash content but have high sulfur content. The petrographic and geochemical data suggest that these coals can be utilized for gasification, hydrogenation, and as a coal blend for metallurgical coke-making in the steel industries. The coal samples were also investigated from the perspective of hydrocarbon source rock potential, and it was concluded that these coals have good source rock potential for gas and liquid hydrocarbon.