Maceral Composition of the Coal in the Anambra Basin, Lower Benue Trough, Nigeria: ItsPotentials for Electricity Generation

Abstract

The petrographic composition of Cretaceous-Cenozoic-age coals from the Anambra Basin in
the Lower Benue Trough of Nigeria is presented and discussed in the paleodepositional settings
of the coal within Lower Benue Trough. The Anambra Basin is a failed arm of the triple junction
of an inland sedimentary basin that extends in a NE-SW direction from the Gulf of Guinea in
the south, to the Chad Basin in the north. A total of thirteen (13) coal samples were obtained
from 12 coal localities in the Anambra Basin, Lower Benue Trough (LBT). The proximate analysis
was conducted on the coal samples using a Perkin Elmer Thermogravimetric Analyzer following
the procedure of ASTM D3172-13 (2013). Ultimate analysis was undertaken at Bureau Veritas,
Centurion, South Africa, following SANS 17247 (2006) and ISO 17247 (2005). The data indicates
the coal samples have a high volatile matter content, low ash yield, and high calorific value
(28.39 MJ/Kg, areal average). Similarly, the sulphur values are generally low with an
aerialaverage of 1.08 %.The vegetal matter is dominated by vitrinite, with an areal average of
48.7% by volume (mineral matter free). Petrographic analysis (macerals composition) and the
thermal gravimetric analyser were conducted on the coal samples to examine the coal
composite The results obtained from the coal composition and combustion behaviour pattern,
it revealed that all the coals within the Anambra Basin can be used for electric power generation.