Kazakhstan is one of the world’s major coal-producing countries, and coal continues to play an important role in power generation, heating, and industrial production. However, the long-term value of coal resources depends not only on the amount of coal available, but also on a detailed understanding of its quality, mineral composition, trace elements, and potential environmental and industrial implications.

A new study titled “Evaluating Coal Quality and Trace Elements of the Karagandy Coal Formation (Kazakhstan): Implications for Resource Utilization and Industry” provides one of the first detailed comparisons of coal samples from the Saradyr and Bogatyr mines within the Karagandy Coal Formation. The study was conducted by researchers from Nazarbayev University, the Institute of Geological Sciences named after K.I. Satpayev, the University of Iceland, and Ain Shams University.

The research team analyzed 15 coal samples using a combination of laboratory methods, including proximate and ultimate analyses, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. This comprehensive approach allowed the researchers to examine not only coal quality, but also the distribution of inorganic components and trace elements.

Beyond geological interpretation, the study has practical implications for Kazakhstan’s coal industry. The high silica and alumina contents, together with quartz–kaolinite dominance, suggest that coal ash from the Karagandy Coal Formation may have potential for use in geopolymers, ceramics, zeolite synthesis, construction materials, and other value-added applications. This could support more sustainable and economically valuable use of coal-derived materials.

The authors note that further research, including petrographic, palynological, and roof-and-floor rock studies, could provide additional insights into the formation history, paleoclimate, and industrial potential of these coal deposits.

• The study analyzed 15 coal samples from the Saradyr and Bogatyr mines in Northeast Kazakhstan.
• The coals are dominated by quartz and clay minerals, especially kaolinite, smectite, and illite.
• The average ash yield was 24.1%, while total sulfur content was low, averaging 0.7%.
• Coal ash showed high levels of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃, reflecting quartz–clay mineral dominance.
• A total of 24 trace elements were identified; most were depleted compared with world hard coal averages.
• Samarium was slightly enriched, while lutetium remained within normal concentration levels.
• The results indicate deposition in freshwater-influenced terrestrial, wetland, lacustrine, and fluvial-deltaic environments.
• The coal ash may have potential for industrial use in geopolymers, ceramics, zeolites, and construction materials.

Detailed coal quality assessment is essential for responsible resource management, industrial planning, and environmental evaluation. For Kazakhstan, where coal remains a strategically important resource, understanding the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of major coal formations can support more efficient utilization and reduce environmental risks.

This study contributes to regional coal resource assessment and highlights opportunities for value-added use of coal-derived materials, helping connect traditional resource extraction with more sustainable industrial applications.

Article title: Evaluating Coal Quality and Trace Elements of the Karagandy Coal Formation (Kazakhstan): Implications for Resource Utilization and Industry
Journal: Resources
Publication date: 25 December 2025
DOI: 10.3390/resources15010005
Authors: Medet Junussov, Geroy Zh. Zholtayev, Ahmed H. Moghazi, Yerzhan Nurmakanov, Mohamed Abdelnaby Oraby, Zamzagul T. Umarbekova, Moldir A. Mashrapova, Kuanysh Togizov
Affiliations: Nazarbayev University; Institute of Geological Sciences named after K.I. Satpayev; University of Iceland; Ain Shams University