Coal deposits as promising sources of rare metals for alternative power and energy-efficient technologies

This paper presents data on widespread abnormal accumulations in coal deposits of some rare metal(loid)s (Ge, Ga, Se, Li and REE + Y), which play a key role in energy-efficient technologies and alternative power development. It is shown that enrichment of these metal(loid)s may occur in coal seams in host- and basement-rocks of coal basins at comparable concentrations to those in conventional ores. Genesis of high concentrations of the rare metal(loid)s and their modes of occurrence in coal basins are reviewed. Moreover, utilization prospects of these metal(loid)s as byproduct coal deposits are evaluated. The extraction of these metal(loid) resources during coal exploitation and utilization would not only increase beneficial use of coal deposits themselves but also promote humanity’s further movement on the “green road”.

► There are many coal deposits worldwide with high content Ge, Ga, Se, Li, and REY. ► The rare metals are concentrated both coals and host- and basement-rocks. ► Genesis of the metal accumulations and their mode of occurrence may be different. ► Recovery of the metals from coal deposits is new way for clean energy development.