Metal content of Cenozoic coals in the Russian Far East

The article summarizes the results of research by the VSEGEI—the Karpinsky Institute on the metal content of Cenozoic coals from a number of deposits in the Far East, based on the analysis of a large array of samples of coals and host rocks by modern quantitative methods for measuring the contents of chemical elements (more than 700 samples per more than 30 elements). The analysis of higher concentrations of rare, rare earth and metals as function of geological and paleogeographic surroundings, and mineragenic specialization of coal formation zones is required to determine indicators for the predictive prospecting of rare-metal mineralization of coals. In this case, it is necessary to take into account: decomposition degree of the organic matter of coals (some accompanying elements are rather coalphilic—Ge, Sb, W, Moa); small thickness of coal beds; considerable correlation with the organic matter or ash content of coals and in-between the elements (affinity of higher concentrations to the organic matter or clastogene ash, presence of accompanying elements). Based on the authors’ approach to the assessment of commercial concentrations, it is found that coal acts not only as a solid fuel, but also as an unconventional source of a number of strategic (critical) metals, which enhances investment attractiveness of coal reserves in the yet undistributed subsoil resources, and increases resources of rare metals for industries. The article presents the main results of the research of Ge and accompanying rare metals, rare earths and radioactive elements—uranium and thorium, and the data on noble metals. The levels of potentially commercial concentrations of associate trace elements in coals are estimated, and the main conditions for their formation and the criteria for their prediction are described. A predictive metallogenic map of coals of the Russian Far East is presented. The calculated results on the resource appraisal and on the geological and economic assessment of valuable metals contained in coal reserves of the undistributed subsoil resources in the Russian Federation are given.The study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation, Project No. 23-27-00479, https://rscf.ru/project/23-27-00479/.