Metal-containing coals of the East Donetsk Basin: regularities of formation and integrated-use prospects

We consider the regularities of formation and prospects for the integrated use of fossil coals of two conjugate lithogeodynamic groups: East Donetsk Basin group of coal-bearing deposits of suprarift genesis and platform group of coals of the southern slope of the Voronezh anteclise. The paleogeographic and lithologo-geochemical environments of formation of coal deposits in the Millerovo coal-bearing district and in the northeastern folded area of the Donetsk Basin are analyzed. The geochemical characteristics of coals with high contents of trace elements and their localization in the coal-bearing series (at the sites with hydrocarbon fluidization of coal seams) are discussed. We also assess the prospects for using coals and products of their conversion and burning as a specific mineral raw material containing nonferrous, rare, and noble metals.