Contents of germanium in coal seams Lviv-Volyn basin and Donbas

Abstract

The main source of germanium sequestration in Ukraine is coal. According to modern requirements, the content of germanium in coal should be more than 10 g/t (air-dry weight), in coking - 3 g/t. Germanium can be obtained from mine water and coal rocks, as well. In Ukraine, germanium carbonate rocks are distributed in the sediments of the Lviv-Volyn and Donetsk basins. The distribution of germanium in the rocks of coal basins is different and rarely obeys laws. All coal layers tested are more or less germanium. Tectonic disturbances had no controlling effect on the accumulation and spread of germanium in the coal basin. The highest content of germanium is found in the central and western parts of the Donetsk coal basin district. The search and reconnaissance work on germanium has been widely disseminated since 1954. The work was carried out at various mineral deposits in order to identify raw materials for the related extraction of germanium. The degree of study and industrial development of these areas are different. The content of germanium in the coal of different layers varies in a wide range. Germanium is used in many industries and demand for it is constantly increasing. The scope of the metal is quite wide; it is used for the manufacture of transistors and circuits, for engineering and electronics. Radar installations use thin germanium films that are pre-applied to the glass substrate. The subsequent withdrawal of germanium is one way to improve the economic performance of the coal industry. Concomitant extraction of germanium from coal, products of its processing and mine waters of Donbass is now quite realistic and can help to increase the profitability of coal enterprises.