The occurrence features and prospect forecast of Jurassic coal-bearing measures in Altay area, Xinjiang

Altay area in northern Xinjiang has high development degree of metal mineral resources, however, coal resources in the area have been less investigated and developed. Study of the coal-bearing characteristics in this area is of great significance. On the basis of regional geology, mineral geology (mainly coal), collected remote sensing and geophysical data, and geological survey for major coal-bearing areas, the authors carried out a general study on the occurrence characteristics of Jurassic coal-bearing measures in Altay area, discussed in brief the distribution and coal occurrence characteristics of the Jurassic coal-bearing measures in different tectonic units. The results of the study indicated that all Jurassic coal measures are located in Junggar plate, coal-bearing basins are large inland depression basins and small intermountain fault subsidence (depression) residual basin, and coal-forming environments in inland depression basins are better than those in intermountain fault subsidence residual basin. Finally, six (prospective) coal-bearing areas were delineated, providing valuable technical reference for future coal resources survey in Altay area.