Modes of Occurrence, Elemental Relationships, and Economic Viability of Rare Earth Elements in West Virginia Coals: A Statistical Approach

Rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) are essential for manufacturing technologies vital to economic national security. As the demand REY increases conventional ores become depleted, attention is turning unconventional resources like coal as a source these elements. nation’s second-largest producer, West Virginia (WV) has potential transition into producing REY. This study utilizes open-access chemistry data from USGS COALQUAL database in order assess of WV deposits gain insight elemental modes occurrence possible enrichment mechanisms. Results suggest that clay minerals dominate inorganic fraction most samples concentrations primarily proportional content. A few deviate this trend due mineralogic differences impacts post-depositional processes, including hydrothermal fluid influences. An ash-basis assessment identified 71 promising set. The majority were sourced lower lower-middle Pennsylvanian seams Kanawha, New River, Pocahontas formations. Future studies should investigate using direct analytical methods better characterize vertical lateral heterogeneity confirm occurrence.