Evolutionary history and utilization potential of permian coals of Bastacolla Mine, Jharia Coalfield, Jharkhand, India

Paleodepositional conditions during the peat formation control the energy efficiency/potential, physical properties, chemical composition, and utilization potential of coal. Thus, the current study examines the paleodepositional environment of coal deposits of Bastacolla Mines (Bottom-II and Top-III seam), Jharia Coalfield, India, based on petrographic, proximate, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. This investigation further explores the energy potential and utilization potential of studied coal samples. The coals from Bastacolla Mines are categorized as high to low volatile bituminous rank based on volatile matter (18.87–26.33%) and vitrinite reflectance (0.93–1.26%). Petrographic indices show that studied coals were mainly deposited in limnic and limno-telmatic environments under ombrotrophic to mesotrophic hydrological conditions. Maceral-based facies diagrams indicate that peat accumulation occurred in alternating oxic to anoxic moor conditions with good tissue preservation. Microlithotype plots are suggestive of a floodplain environment fed by river water. Petrographic constituents suggest that the coals of Bastacolla Mine may contain Type-III kerogen and could generate gaseous hydrocarbons and may be utilized in blending.