Trace Elements in West Virginia Coals

Stratigraphic Distribution of Nickel (Ni)

The stratigraphic distribution of Nickel (Ni) shows moderate variation in the coal beds of West Virginia. Lower Kanawha, New River and Pocahontas Formation coals consistently contained less than 20 ppm whole coal nickel with a gradual increase in Ni content in upper Kanawha Formation coals. The Upper, Middle and Lower Kittanning coals of the Allegheny Group exhibit the highest nickel contents, Monongahela Group coals contain low Ni abundances, and high ash coals of the Dunkard Group are high in nickel. Isolated high values in Sewell B and Upper Mercer coals are unexplained (see cautionary note page).

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Page last revised: March 2, 2002

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