Comparative Studies of Coal Quality Obtained from Ankpa, and Chikila, Nigeria towards Metallurgical Applications

Article Preview

Abstract:

This study presents a comparative analysis of coal quality obtained from two different coal deposits in Nigeria: Ankpa, Mamu formation, Anambra Basin in Kogi State, and Chikila, Guyuk Local Government, Adamawa State. The primary goal was to evaluate the fuel quality and elemental composition of coal from these regions to determine their suitability for various industrial applications. Samples from both locations underwent X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for chemical composition analysis and proximate analysis to assess moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon levels. The findings revealed significant differences in the chemical and physical properties of the coal from the two locations. Ankpa coal exhibited higher fixed carbon (49.5%) and calorific value (5600 kcal/kg), making it more suitable for industrial applications such as power generation and metallurgical processes. In contrast, Chikila coal had lower fixed carbon (37%) and calorific value (5400 kcal/kg), indicating a lower energy potential. The study concludes that Ankpa coal is more appropriate for energy generation, while Chikila coal may have specialized uses due to its mineral composition. The results contribute to better decision-making regarding coal utilization in Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.

You might also be interested in these eBooks

Info:

Periodical:

Engineering Headway (Volume 33)

Pages:

65-73

Citation:

Online since:

February 2026

Export:

Price:

Permissions CCC:

Permissions PLS:

Сopyright:

© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Share:

Citation:

* - Corresponding Author

[1] Eze J. Urbanization in Nigeria, Enugu (the coal city) as an urban town: A historical review. Cities 2021;113:103096.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2020.103096

Google Scholar

[2] Nwosu C. Railway services and human security in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. Baze University Journal of Entrepreneurship and Interdisciplinary Studies 2022;1.

DOI: 10.61955/hcwqlo

Google Scholar

[3] Azubuike SI, Nakanwagi S, Pinto J. Mining Resource Corridor development in Nigeria: Critical considerations and actions for a diversified and sustainable economic future. Mineral Economics 2023;36:59–75.

DOI: 10.1007/s13563-022-00307-5

Google Scholar

[4] Adoghe AU, Adeyemi-Kayode TM, Oguntosin V, Amahia II. Performance evaluation of the prospects and challenges of effective power generation and distribution in Nigeria. Heliyon 2023;9.

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14416

Google Scholar

[5] Ahmed HA. Overview of Nigeria's Solid mineral Potentials, Challenges and Prospects. FUTY Journal of the Environment 2022;16:76–91.

Google Scholar

[6] Abe A, Adebanji B, Fasina ET. Sustainable energy development in Nigeria: Issues, challenges and prospects. European Journal of Theoretical and Applied Sciences 2024;2:333–42.

DOI: 10.59324/ejtas.2024.2(3).27

Google Scholar

[7] Nwozor A, Oshewolo S, Owoeye G, Okidu O. Nigeria's quest for alternative clean energy development: A cobweb of opportunities, pitfalls and multiple dilemmas. Energy Policy 2021;149:112070.

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2020.112070

Google Scholar

[8] Mehmood T, Hassan MA, Li X, Ashraf A, Rehman S, Bilal M, et al. Mechanism behind sources and sinks of major anthropogenic greenhouse gases. Climate change alleviation for sustainable progression, CRC Press; 2022, p.114–50.

DOI: 10.1201/9781003106982-8

Google Scholar

[9] Emmanuel OK, Aria J, Jose D, Diego C. Environmental Impacts of Airborne Contaminants. Berlin, Germany: ResearchGate; 2025.

Google Scholar

[10] Pudasainee D, Kurian V, Gupta R. Coal: Past, present, and future sustainable use. Future Energy, 2020, p.21–48.

DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-08-102886-5.00002-5

Google Scholar

[11] Sun Z, Li K, Bu Y, Liang Z, Jiang C, Zhang J. Molecular insights into bituminous coals pyrolysis: A combined study using spectroscopic techniques, thermogravimetric-mass spectrometry and ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations. Energy 2025;315:134442.

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.134442

Google Scholar

[12] Chen J, Wu Y, Xu T, Bhattacharya S. A review on in-situ process analytical techniques for the thermochemical conversion of coal and biomass. Reviews in Chemical Engineering 2024;40:435–55.

DOI: 10.1515/revce-2023-0003

Google Scholar

[13] Mou P, Pan J, Niu Q, Wang Z, Li Y, Song D. Coal pores: Methods, types, and characteristics. Energy & Fuels 2021;35:7467–84.

DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.1c00344

Google Scholar

[14] Ibekwe KI, Etukudoh EA, Nwokediegwu ZQS, Umoh AA, Adefemi A, Ilojianya VI. Energy security in the global context: A comprehensive review of geopolitical dynamics and policies. Engineering Science & Technology Journal 2024;5:152–68.

DOI: 10.51594/estj.v5i1.741

Google Scholar

[15] Elkhatat A, Al-Muhtaseb S. Climate change and energy security: A comparative analysis of the role of energy policies in advancing environmental sustainability. Energies (Basel) 2024;17:3179.

DOI: 10.3390/en17133179

Google Scholar

[16] Rajput S, Pathak RK. Charting the Course for Energy Transformation. Seismic Exploration to Reservoir Excellence, Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore; 2025, p.3–72.

DOI: 10.1007/978-981-96-1293-2_1

Google Scholar

[17] Ritz M, Zdenek K. Determination of Minerals in Coal by Methods Based on the Recalculation of the Bulk Chemical Analyses. Vol7 2010:453–60.

Google Scholar

[18] Ola-Omole O, Nheta W. Determination of Economic Liberation and Mineralogical Characteristics of Nigerian Iron Ore for Effective Processes. Proceedings of the 6th World Congress on Mechanical, Chemical, and Material Engineering (MCM'20), 2010.

DOI: 10.11159/mmme20.133

Google Scholar

[19] Liu H, Li Z, Yang Y, Miao G, Han Y. Effects of oxidation on physical and chemical structure of a low rank sub-bituminous coal during the spontaneous combustion latency. Energy 2023;272:127122.

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.127122

Google Scholar

[20] Cui B, Wu B, Wang M, Jin X, Shen Y, Chang L. A preliminary study on the quality evaluation of coking coal from its structure thermal transformation: Applications of fluidity and swelling indices. Fuel 2024;355:129418.

DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2023.129418

Google Scholar

[21] Zhou R, Cui B, Guo J, Shen Y, Wang M, Chang L. Study on the interaction and coking characteristics of low-sulfur meager coal and medium-high sulfur fat coal during co-carbonization process. J Anal Appl Pyrolysis 2024;177:106350.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaap.2024.106350

Google Scholar

[22] Sharma N, Tiwari HP. Techno-economic assessment for metallurgical coals: a 'value-in-use' approach. Metallurgical Research & Technology 2024;121:306.

DOI: 10.1051/metal/2024026

Google Scholar

[23] Ryemshak AS, Jauro A. Proximate analysis, physiological properties and technological applications of some Nigerian coals. International Journal of Industrial Chemistry 2016;47:1186–2228.

DOI: 10.1186/2228-5547-4-7

Google Scholar