Status and development prospect of the coal-based graphite resources in Fujian Province

The coal-based graphite of Fujian Province occurs in the coal-bearing strata of the Middle Permian Tongziyan Formation, is formed by the further metamorphism of the anthracite of the Tongziyan Formation under high temperature and pressure, and belongs to the aphanitic graphite. By investigating the distribution characteristics of coal-based graphite in Fujian Province, it was found that most of the coal-based graphite mines and exploration areas are in an unmined or stopped state, and production and sale in most mining areas are in the form of coal mining, causing resources waste. In order to rationally develop and use coal-based graphite resources, based on interlayer spacing d₀₀₂ and Raman parameter R₂, a classification of meta-anthracite of different rank and coal-based graphite is proposed. Combined with the control action of regional tectonics, Datian-Zhangping and Yong'an-Anxi metallogenic belts were divided. On the basis of measured data and the exploration data over the years, five prospective areas, i.e., Yong'an-Chang'ao, Yong'an Xiagaizhu-Fubi-Tangxiayang, Datianqiongkou-Xiaoxiyang-Yong'an Eagle Mountain, Zhangping Kekeng-Wushige, Zhangping Wukeng-Hua'an Futian, were predicted. The predictive resources of coal-based graphite are 81.96 million tons, showing good development prospects. At the same time, series of suggestions were put forward to realize the coordination of Fujian graphite industrial structure, the advancement of technology, the serialization of products and the integrity of the value chain.