Status and prospect of research for three type coal-associated rare earth resources in coal measures in Shanxi Province

For further exploration and exploitation of the new kind of mineral resources, the content and occurrence of coal-associated rare earth, rare metals and rare-scattered elements in Shanxi Province were analyzed on the basis of previous research. According to analysis of the distribution characteristics of coal resources in Shanxi, the prospecting potentiality of coal-associated mineral resources was discussed. The results show that the coal measures in Pingshuo mine in Ningwu coalfield are a super large deposit of coal-associated lithium, and coal producing base in northern part of Shanxi Province and local mines in Xishan coalfield may also have the accompanying lithium metallogenic potential. The north of Ningwu coalfield, north of Datong coalfield, north of Hedong coalfield and the local area of Xishan coalfield have accompanying gallium metallogenic potential. There is certain industrial development and utilization value of rare earth elements in Qinshui coalfield and Shanxi Formation in Xishan coalfield. The present study shows that no other elements in coal can achieved the industrial utilization level in all the six coalfields of Shanxi Province. This research has significance to guide the exploitation of mineral resources, sustainable development of coal resources and efficient utilization of fly ash in coal industry of Shanxi Province.