Evaluation of coal preparation plant refuse areas in kentucky as a new energy resource

Cortland F. Eble, Stephen F. Greb, James C. Hower

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The demand for, and use of, coal in the United States is projected to increase as our energy consumption increases. In addition to conventional coal resources, unconventional resources, mainly in the form of preparation (or beneficiation) plant refuse, are beginning to be recognized and utilized, especially with the expansion of clean coal technologies. These newer technologies, which include gasification and fluidized bed combustion, can readily use preparation plant waste, especially the byproduct material from older (pre-1990) facilities. Older plants were not able to separate the coal from the non-coal (rock) fraction as efficiently as newer plants can, and hence the waste product ended up containing a relatively high percentage of coal (in some cases up to 40%). Kentucky has an abundance of abandoned preparation plant waste areas given the long history of coal mining in the Commonwealth. These areas represent an energy resource that requires further evaluation. The exploitation of older preparation plant refuse areas could significantly extend the amount of coal resources that remain in Kentucky. Re-mining of these areas could also be environmentally beneficial as preparation plant waste is often unsightly, and potentially damaging to streams and groundwater. Re-mining would also provide additional jobs in the mining and transportation sectors.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication25th Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, PCC - Proceedings
StatePublished - 2008
Event25th Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, PCC - Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Duration: Sep 29 2008Oct 2 2008

Publication series

Name25th Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, PCC - Proceedings

Conference

Conference25th Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, PCC
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPittsburgh, PA
Period9/29/0810/2/08

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Environmental Engineering

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