Publication Name: Australasian Exploration Geoscience Conference 2018
Authors: Brooke Davis, Sandra Rodrigues, Joan Esterle
Date Published: February 2018
Number of Pages: 8
Abstract:
In coal, phosphorus can occur in a variety of minerals but apatite Ca5(PO4)3 (OH, F, Cl) is the most common. This mineral is often observed within the cell-lumens (<20 microns) of inertinite macerals, although fracture infilling apatite has been reported. Its size and main occurrence within the cell lumens makes it difficult to liberate the apatite by current coal beneficiation strategies. It also reduces porosity and clogs flow paths for gas drainage. Present-day mineral distributions reflect the origins and geological history of the coal and fluids moving through it. Therefore, understanding the geological controls of these distributions within the coal seams can help in prediction and developing mitigation strategies.