Maceral and biomarker composition of lignite lithotypes – implications on palaeoenvironment and grindability properties

Abstract

Maceral and biomarker composition of different lignite lithotypes: matrix-coal, pale yellow xylite-rich coal, dark yellow xylite-rich coal, brown xylite-rich coal, mineral-rich coal and dopplerite originating from the Upper Miocene (“Pontian”) Kostolac Basin, Serbia was studied in detail. The objective was to establish the sources of organic matter and to determine palaeoenvironmental conditions which resulted in formation of different lignite lithotypes. Moreover, the influence of lignite lithotypes on grindability properties has also been assessed. Mineral-rich coal was formed in topogenous fresh water peat mire with open water areas. Formation of matrix coal was performed in reed march. The peatification of pale yellow- and dark yellow xylite proceeded in dry forest swamp. Brown xylite was formed in wet forest swamp, whereas dopplerite could have formed during transition of wet forest swamp into bush mire. Contents of liptinites, inertinites, gelinite, mineral matter, sesquiterpenoids, hopanoids and n-alkanes have positive impact on Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI), whereas total huminites, telohuminite and total organic carbon content, as well as retene/2-methyl, 1-(4’-methylpentyl), 6-isopropylnaphthalene ratio exhibited negative influence on HGI.