BLUE GEM COAL, SOUTHEASTERN KENTUCKY: A PRIME RESOURCE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SILICON METALS AND ANODE COKE FOR ALUMINUM

The Middle Pennsylvanian Blue Gem coalbed in southeastern Kentucky, particularly in portions of Knox and Whitley counties, is noted for having a very low ash content, in places below 1% on a whole seam basis. Further, the ash fusion temperature is very low owing to the paucity of silicates and dominance of siderite in the mineral assemblage. As such, the thin coal, with thicknesses 24 inches (61 cm) or less, has been mined extensively for use in steam generation in wet-bottom boilers.

The low-ash, low-S Blue Gem coal has also been the primary source of coal for the production of silicon metals. Much of the silicon metals industry is based in Scandinavia. One objective of our state-funded project is to examine the feasibility of basing at least a portion of the industry closer to the coal source. We will also examine the feasibility of using Blue Gem coal in the production of anode coke for the production of aluminum. A large aluminum industry already exists in the commonwealth, and the use of local coal in the process would serve to concentrate even more of the industry in Kentucky.