https://doi.org/10.65770/YAZP8907
ABSTRACT
Historically, the value of coal has been in its energy potential; nevertheless, it has been increasingly appreciated as a geochemical recorder of past environments and tectonic processes. The present interest lies in its potential for accommodating Rare Earth Elements (REEs), which are essential elements for the current technological revolution. The present research offers new geochemical insights into the exploration of REEs in coals from the Awgu Formation area of the Middle Benue Trough in Nigeria, a region of proven geological significance but yet to be explored. A systematic sampling of twenty-eight coals from the Awgu Formation in the region was carried out and analyzed for the concentration of REEs by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results show moderate to strong enrichment in light REEs (LREEs) and irregular contents of the heavy REEs (HREEs), with possible detrital and diagenetic inputs. The observation of positive europium anomalies and shale-normalization of the patterns suggests the presence of felsic rocks as the provenance and low-oxygen conditions during deposition. The study contributes to the resource potential of Nigerian coals and provides a sedimentological outlook for the Cretaceous environments in the Benue Trough. The significance of this study in the present global scenario of resource depletion and the preponderance of Chinese production in the global production of Rare Earths cannot be overemphasized. The coupling of geochemical and stratigraphical parameters adds to the ever-expanding importance of coals beyond fuel and positions them as dual-use geo-resources in the domains of fuel and strategic mineral resources. The present research provides a material contribution to the evolving research in African Rare Earths and sustainable mineral resource policies.
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