Current state and prospects of additional extraction of rare metals and rare earth elements in coal deposits

Purpose. To determine the status and prospects of associated rare earth elements extraction in coal deposits of Western Donbas Methods. The study was based on a comprehensive analysis of geological and economic data on Western Donbas, literature sources, and statistics on the distribution of rare and rare metals earth elements (REEs) in coal seams. Particular attention is paid to the petrographic composition of coal, depths of occurrence, germanium content in ash and technogenic waste. Findings. The article analyzes the mining and geological conditions of rare earth elements occurrence in the coal seams of the Western Donbas. It is established that the associated extraction of REE from coal raw materials is technologically possible and expedient. The potential of the REE resource base of the world and Ukraine is estimated. Schemes of REE distribution in coal seams of different thicknesses and roof rocks have been developed, and priority zones for the extraction of mineral raw materials have been identified. The geochemical patterns of germanium distribution in coal seams of the Dniprovska mine (Western Donbas) were analyzed separately. The results of three independent studies analyzing the correlations between Ge content and ash content, seam thickness, and content of associated elements are summarized, which allowed us to propose separate mining of coal and mineral raw materials with an increased REE concentration. Originality. The regularities of distribution of rare earth elements along the thickness of the coal seam and its roof, in particular germanium – Ge, which is concentrated in the roof and at the contact of the coal seam, have been established. A zone of increased REE concentration in the range of 0.15–0.2 m was identified. The direction of substantiation of rational systems for the preparation and development of coal seams, taking into account the associated production of REE, has been established. Practical significance. It is proposed to use the associated REE production in the planning of mining operations. It is recommended to use the study to extend the operation of mines during the post-mining period or the life of mines approaching closure.