Geochemical, mineralogical, and petrological characteristics of the Cretaceous coal from the middle Benue Trough Basin, Nigeria: Implication for coal depositional environments

The Benue Trough Basin (BTB) of Nigeria is geologically and geo-morphologically subdivided into upper, middle, lower segments. BTB the subject geological research due to its rich coal deposits that have potential for oil gas. purpose present study examine origins, depositional environments, thermal history selected coals processes influence their quality. Coal samples from different open cast mines in middle were examined using proximate ultimate, x-ray diffraction (XRD), fluorescence (XRF), laser ablation induced coupled plasma (LA-ICPMS), petrographical analyses. contained mainly quartz, kaolinite, organic carbon. XRD spectra peaks revealed triclinic monoclinic structure kaolin. SiO2/Al2O3 ratios confirmed dominance quartz kaolinite. Ni/Co versus V/Cr, Cu/Zn, V/Mo values studied suggest oxic whereas V/(Ni + V) V/(V Cr) indicate suboxic conditions. Ce/Ce∗ are slightly below 1, which indicates a environment. Maceral texture indicative transformations sub-bituminous high volatile C or B bituminous coal. maceral components mineral matter (≥10%) imply deposition planar margin mire, river system mire respectively. gelification index (GI) tissue preservation (TPI) peat accumulation developed within wet forest swamp. ternary diagram component suggests moor environment with intermittent moderate flooding episodes. sub-hydrous vitrinite inferring hydrogen-poor thermally immature characteristics. low V Ni contents, H/C O/C, Type Ⅲ terrestrial generate gaseous hydrocarbons. investigated deposited by telmatic, limnic, limno-telmatic zones environments. Overall, integrated petrologic geochemical data used this provides reliable approach assessment