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JTM

CLEAT DISTRIBUTION CONTROLS ON THE SULPHUR


CONTENT OF THE MIOCENE COAL SEAM IN THE PALARAN
AND BUSUI AREAS, EAST KALIMANTAN
by:
Bambang Kuncoro Prasongko*, Sudarto Notosiswoyo**
Komang Anggayana**, Chalid Idham Abdullah***
Abstract

Sulphur contents within coal seam are important to be known because it is closely related to the coal mining industries
from upstream to the downstream. In fact in nature, the value and distribution pattern of sulphur content can be highly
various, can fluctuate vertically and laterally and in distance near even if. Therefore, factors that constrain sulphur
contents that are abundance in coal seam is important to be know and well understood.

The cleat characterisrics is one of the main factor that influence the abundance of sulphur content in coal seams. It is
proved by, (a) the average value of cleat frequency highest, spacing of cleat and the close distance cleat to the fault
zone, fold steep flank, and at the fold slopes flank, (b) cleat characteristics with having highest total sulphur and pyritic
content is at the fault zone (total sulphur 2,26-3,60% and pyritic sulphur 0,40-0,64%), the lower content is at the fold
steep flank (total sulphur 0,97-3,43% and pyritic sulphur 0,11-0,44%), and at the fold slopes flank or non fault zone
(total sulphur 0,44-0,61% and pyritic sulphur 0,08-0,10%), (c) the correlation between cleat frequency and pyritic
sulphur content are positive, that is namely at the fault zone R=0,86-0,88, at the fold steep flank R2=0,81-0,84, while at
the fold slopes flank or non fault zone R=0,63-0,68.

Although the influence of cleat characteristics with having a sulphur contents been proved, there are other factors
causing the abundance of sulphur content in coal seams, that are wall rock and coal depositional environment. So that
comprehensive characteristics of sulphur content in the coal seams, at the wall rock condition and coal depositional
environment are important requirement to be further studied.

Keywords: cleat characteristics, total sulphur, pyritic sulphur.

*
Dynamic Geology Research Group, UPN “Veteran” Yogyakarta.
**
Earth Resources Exploration Research Group, FTTM-ITB.
***
Geology Research Group, FITB-ITB.
I. INTRODUCTION is planned based on the exploration result. Coal
exploration should give representative distribution
The occurrence of sulphur in coal seam should be of sulphur content.
considered in coal mining industries, during the
exploration stage, mine planning, trading, In fact, the distribution of sulfur within coal seam
utilization, and environment. Therefore, the data could vary, either vertically or laterally, even in a
of sulphur content in coal is indispensable in coal close distance (Meyers, 1982; Ward, 1984;
market system. The international market will give Kuncoro, 1998; Thomas, 2005). Such condition
a tolerance to low sulphur content of coal, for was caused by the geological process within the
example the electric power station and steel sedimentary basin, which occurred during and
factory or metallurgy (coke) requires a low after the formation of the coal seam. In order to
sulphur coal content. Sulphur content within coal get the best result of the sulphur content
is an unwanted discarded matter, because of their distribution in the whole seam, a representative
contributions to air pollution (SOx) in the most of and genetic-based sampling method was
coal powered electric generation plant. performed.

For that reasons sulphur content is important to be Cleats are natural fractures in the coal seams,
known. Nevertheless, coal mining products need consist of face cleat and butt cleat (Laubach et al.,
precisely sulphur content data for a requirement of 1998). According to the previous researchers,
coal washery or ROM blending. Mining operation cleats was developed in different periods in the

Journal of JTM Vol. XIV No.3/2007 145


coal formation with of various mechanisms, like Theoretically, the influence of cleat characteristics
dehydration process or desiccation, towards sulphur content within coal seam has
devolatilization, coal rank, coal thickness, maceral been known, but it was not obviously explained
content, coal lithotype, coal environment, thermal yet. This study is aimed to understand the
contraction, tectonics, geological structure, and influence of cleat characteristics to sulphur
mining activity (Ward, 1984; Jeremic, 1985; Paul, content in the steep position and slope flank of an
2003; Laubach et al, 1998; Frodsham and Gayer, asymmetry fold. Spatial distribution of sulphur
1999; Nelson, 2002; Rodrigues et al, 2003; Paul, content in the coal seam, will be discussed based
2003). One of the factor of cleat formation is as on the control of geologic structure and cleat
geologic structure. Optimal orientation of cleat is characteristics with coal sampling technique
a strike line towards horizontal stress maximum or considered the genetic interval.
influenced by regional compressive stress
(Frodsham, 1999; Simon, 2000; Steven, 2003;
Paul, 2003; Ryan, 2003). II. METHODE AND DATA

Tectonics lead to the cleat generation within the The research object is coal seam situated in the
coal seam, which will introduce permeability to slope and steep flank of an asymmetry fold which
the coal seam. Cleat distribution has an important is included in the fault and non fault zones. The
role in the formation of secondary sulphur data situated in non fault zone and fold slopes
minerals (pyrite), which were formed through flank is assumed that the coal seam has been
crystallization of dissolved sulfat and ferric ions slightly affected by structure disturbance. The
in the groundwater flowing from one place to observation objects are cleat characteristics in
another through the cleat system. The epigenetic coal seams. Determination of observation points
mineral pyrites formation is very influenced by are based on the genetic and spatial distribution of
primary sulphur that is reduction, iron cation, and cleat observation points should represent the
take place that is suited for that type of the position of slopes and steep flank asymmetry fold,
formation (Casagrande et. al., 1977). Therefore, in fault and non fault zones. Coal sampling is
factors that control the abundance of sulphur conducted by channeling with thick separation
content in the coal seams is indispensable to be technique based on cleat characteristics.
known.
Measurements of cleats in slopes, steep flank, and
Characteristics of cleat are closely related to the fault zone at the Palaran Anticline and Busui
sulphur content in coal seams, because they often Syncline obtained 22 and 18 data respectively.
contain pollutant epigenetic mineral pyrites and Coal sampling in slopes flank, steep flank, and
marcasite with including clastic materials sulphide fault zone at the Palaran Anticline and Busui
or sulphate types (Ward, 1984; Jeremic, 1985; Syncline obtained 33 and 26 samples respectively.
Diessel, 1992; Demchuk, 1992; Suits and Arthur, Samples are divided into two parts, i.e., for
2000; Turnera and Richardson, 2004). Hence, it archives and laboratory tests. Each sample for test
appears that there is a relationship between cleat is divided into three parts, i.e, test for pyritic
characteristics controlled by fold structure and sulphur and total sulphur, coal petrography, and
fault towards pyritic sulphur content and total SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope). Chemistry
sulphur. test is conducted to detect total sulphur content,
sulphate sulphur, pyritic sulphur, and organic
Several unpublished exploration reports, declared sulphur. Observation and micro photography of
that sulphur content of the Miocene coal along the petrography of coal are conducted to determine
Mahakam River, Sanga-sanga River, Bambangan the composition of macerals and pyrite. In
River, Penajam, Pasir to Busui areas at East addition observation and microphotography of
Borneo is approximately 0.16% to 1.92%. SEM are conducted to determine the morphology,
According to Wahyu et al. (2003), the sulphur surface structure, characteristic micro-cleat, and
content of coal seam of the Balikpapan pyrite.
Formation, in the Mahakam River, East
Kalimantan ranges from 0.13% to 2.89%. Based
on the preliminary study done by Kuncoro et al. III. GEOLOGY
(2006), the Balikpapan and Warukin Formations,
have sulphur content in coal ranges from 0,24% to Palaran and Busui areas are located in Kutai
8.85%. This data is based on the random sampling Basin, East Kalimantan. Supriatna et al. (1995)
position, such as thickness interval, but it is not addressed that coal in Palaran area belongs to the
based cleat characteristics. Balikpapan Formation (Mid Miocene-Plio
Pliocene). Hidayat and Umar (1994) noted that

146 Journal of JTM Vol. XIV No.3/2007


coal in Busui belongs to the Warukin Formation 4.2. Cleat Characteristics and Sulphur Content
(Mid Miocene) in the Pasir Basin (Fig. 1). The average frequency of cleat, spacing of cleats,
dominant spacing of cleats, total sulphur and
Study area is consist of the asymmetry Palaran pyritic sulphur in the slope flank or non fault
Anticline (part of the Samarinda Anticlinorium) zone, steep flank, and fault zone at the Palaran
and asymmetry Busui Syncline. The Palaran Anticline and Busui Syncline were showed in
Anticline plunge to the southwest. Strike and dip Table 1.
of slopes flank is N190-250oE/9-15o and the steep
flank is N10-40oE/20-47o, and normal fault is Epigenetic pyritic mineral on the surface plane of
N54oE/67o. The asymmetry Busui Syncline has Palaran and Busui Faults occured locally, but
strike and dip of N330-340ºE/10-14º at slopes widely distributed (Fig. 3).
flank, N170-200ºe/61-68º at steep flanks, and
N147o/74o at normal fault. Based on the coal petrography data of coal
samples at the Palaran Anticline, at the flank
The coal seam in Palaran and Busui areas are slopes or non fault zone shows that epigenetic
associated with sandstone rock unit. The lithology pyritic mineral fills crack, at the steep flank is
in Palaran are: grey sandstone, fine-coarse rather widespread, while the distribution at the
grained, contact erosional; intercalated with fault zone is slightly oriented (Fig. 4).
claystone, and siltstone; cross and parallel
laminations; interbedded carbonaceous shale and The result of coal petrography of coal samples at
coal; resin and iron oxided are present. They were the Syncline Busui shows that epigenetic pyrite
deposited in an upper delta plain environment. minerals at the slopes flank/non fault zone are
The lithology in Busui are: grey sandstone, fine- widespread, and at the steep flank are gatherred
medium grained, carbonaceous laminae; and partly widespread, while at the fault zone they
interbedded claystone, siltstone, coal; streaks of are widespread and rather oriented (Fig. 5).
carbon and iron oxide are present. They were
deposited in a transitional lower delta plain Based on the SEM method of the coal samples in
environment. the Palaran Anticline (Fig. 6), at the slope flank or
non fault zone shows that the cleat plane does not
contain epigenetic pyrites minerals, while at the
IV. RESULTS steep flank, cleat plane contains epigenetic pyrite
minerals, and at the fault zone, the framboidal
4.1. Systematic Cleat epigenetic pyrite minerals fills an area intersected
Kuncoro et al. (2007) identified that cleats in by cleats.
Palaran and Busui are systematic cleat, were
controlled by fold and fault structures or regional The SEM result at the Busui Syncline (Fig. 7),
compressive stress (Fig. 2). They are indicated by situated at the slope flank/non fault zone shows
(a) the cleat orientation that is parallel to the that the cleat plane does not contain epigenetic
primary fold stress; (b) in fault zone, the cleat pyrite minerals. The epigenetic framboidal of
orientation slightly deviates from a major pattern pyrite minerals are present at the steep flank are
in fold because it is controlled by fault; (c) the distributed in the area intersected by cleats, and
relationship between cleat characteristics on the the epigenetic framboidal of pyrite minerals are
surface of fold flanks and vertical points are present at the fault zone fills the cleat along crack.
represent the position of slopes and steep flank
asymmetry fold and fault zone which shows Based on the SEM analysis, the physical
uniformity connection and spatial correlation; (d) characteristics of micro-cleats at the Palaran Fault
frequency of cleats is highest at the fault zone and Zone (Fig. 8), shows face and butt cleats, with
fold steep flank, and it is lowest at the non fault length of 50-400 microns, width of aperture is
zone or fold slopes flank; (e) the coal 0,5-10 microns. About 90% aperture of micro-
characteristics at the fault zone is more cleats are open tension, partly, contained by pyrite
fragmented and the cleat spacing is the denser minerals, alumina sulphur and iron oxide.
since it has been affected by strong folding, Physical characteristics of micro-cleats at the
faulting, and fracturing processes. At the fold Busui Fault Zone (see Fig 9), shows face and butt
steep flank, coal fragmented and spacing cleat are cleats, with length of 500-900 microns, width of
high due to a strong folding, while at the slope aperture is 1-10 microns. About 95% aperture of
flank or non fault zone, coal is not fragmented and micro-cleats are open tension, partly, contained by
the cleat spacing is less dense due to weak folding pyrite minerals, alumina sulphur, iron oxide, and
process. molybdenite.

Journal of JTM Vol. XIV No.3/2007 147


V. DISCUSSION the correlation coefficient of R=0,63 to R=0,06
(Fig. 11). The influence of cleat frequency
Based on the field and laboratory data, towards pyritic and total sulphur content at the
characteristic of cleats in the coal seams are steep flank of Palaran Anticline is shown by the
known, such as the highest frequency the most correlation coefficient of R=0,84 to R=0,41 (Fig.
dense spacing of cleat close to fault zone, while at 12), while at the steep flank of Busui Syncline is
the fold steep flank and fold slopes flank or non shown by the correlation coefficient of R=0,81 to
fault zone shows the contrary condition. Cleat R=0,55 (Fig. 13). Influence of cleat frequency
characteristics are difference due to the geological towards pyritic sulphur and total sulphur content
processes after the beginning of the formation of at the Palaran Fault Zone is shown by the
cleat. The intensity of folding, faulting, and correlation coefficient of R= 0,88 to R= 0,48 (Fig.
fracturing is different, as found at the steep flank 14), while at Busui Fault Zone is shown by the
and non fault zone or slope flank (Fig. 9). So it is correlation coefficient of R=0,87 to R=0, 90 (Fig.
clear that cleat characteristics controlled by 15).
geologic structure, depends on the position at the
fault zone, fold steep flank, and fold slope flank or The increasing of cleat frequencies within the coal
non fault zone. seams is positively related to increasing the total
sulphur and pyritic sulphur. The relationship
Based on the field and laboratory data, the between cleat frequency and pyritic sulphur
average of total sulphur and pyritic sulphur content has positive correlation, that is at the fault
content is highest at the fault zone, as well as at zone R=0,88-0,87, at the steep flank of fold
the fold steep flank, while it is lowest at the fold R=0,84-0,81, while at the slopes flank of fold or
slopes flank. This condition occurs, due to the non fault zone R=0,68-0,63. The relationship
pyritic sulphur or mineral of epigenetic pyrite was between cleat frequency and total sulphur content
derived from the inorganic sulphur reacted into lower than relationship between cleat frequency
iron pyrites or marcasite (FeS2) that subsequently and pyritic sulphur. This condition occurs, due to
filled cleat in the coal. The process was reacted by the sulphur total still contains organic and
dissolved cations. Fe ions were brought into the sulphate sulphur and the pyritic sulphur is
coal by current groundwater through the cleat epigenetic pyrite mineral controlled by geologic
planes. Furthermore it reacted with sulphur and structure.
resulted in reduction into pyrite crystal. This
condition is indicated by the presence of Although the influence of cleat characteristics
epigenetic pyrites that accumulated to form layer towards sulphur content has been proved in this
filling at the surface of cleat planes or fault research there are some factors which caused the
planes. Some pyrite are shaped fine crystals called abundance of sulphur content in the coal seams,
as framboids pyrite. Framboidal pyrites are those are wall rock condition and coal
interpreted as a reduction result of sulphur by depositional environment.
groundwater which contained of iron ions. The
cleats frequency is a function of permeability at
the coal seam and an important role as a path way VI. CONCLUSIONS
of flow and the accumulation of polysulphide
solution which may react with FeS or Fe3S4 to be The occurrence of cleat could influence the
pyrite minerals. sulphur content within coal seams, especially
epigenetic pyrite which is controlled by geologic
The sulphur content at Palaran Anticline and structure, depends on some parameters as follow:
Busui Syncline are different. It is caused by The highest of cleat frequency is, spacing of
folding intensity at Busui Syncline is stronger cleat, and dominant spacing cleat at the fault
than at the Palaran Anticline. This is showned by zone, at the steep flank of fold, while at the
the dip angle of coal seam in Busui Syncline at slopes flank of fold or non fault zone, these
the steep flank is 61-68o, while at the Palaran variables are lowest.
Anticline is 20-47o. The intensity is different The cleat characteristics influenced the content
because the dissimilarity of cleat frequency is of sulphur at the slopes flank of fold or non
followed by variety of sulphur content. fault zone, steep flank of fold, and fault zone
are different. It is shown by highest content of
The influence of cleat frequency towards pyritic pyritics at the fault zone (total sulphur 2,26-
and total sulphur content at the slope flank of 3,43% and pyritic sulphur 0,40-0,64%)
Palaran Anticline is shown by the correlation followed by the steep flank of fold (total
coefficient of R=0,68 to R=0,34 (Fig. 10), while sulphur 0,97-3,60% and pyritic sulphur 0,11-
at the slope flank of Busui Syncline is shown by

148 Journal of JTM Vol. XIV No.3/2007


0,44%), and at the slopes flank of fold or non 6. Jeremic, M.L., 1985, Strata Mechanics in
fault zone (total sulphur 0,44-0,61% and Coal Mining, A.A. Balkema Rotterdam.
pyritic sulphur 0,08-0,10%). 7. Kuncoro P.B., 1998, Kendali geologi
The relationship between cleat frequency and terhadap aspek geometri dan kualitas
pyritic sulphur content has positive batubara untuk menentukan model eksplorasi
correlation, that is at the fault zone R=0,86- batubara di Bengkulu: Tesis Magister, ITB,
0,88, at the steep flank of fold R=0,81-0,84, Bandung, p. 98.
while at the slopes flank of fold or non fault 8. Kuncoro P.B., S. Notosiswoyo, K.
zone R=0,63-0,68. Anggayana, 2006, Studi awal: Kandungan
Although cleat characteristics influence the sulfur pada lapisan batubara yang terlipat dan
sulphur content, there are some factors causes tersesarkan di Kalimantan Timur dan Selatan,
the abundance of sulphur content in coal Jurnal Ilmu Kebumian Teknologi Mineral,
seams, i.e. is wall rock condition and coal Fakultas Teknologi Mineral UPN “Veteran”
depositional environment. So that the Yogyakarta, Vol.19, Nomor 2, p. 100-108.
relationship between wall rock condition and 9. Kuncoro P.B., S. Notosiswoyo, K.
coal depositional environment towards sulphur Anggayana, 2007, Karakteristik cleat pada
content in coal seams, is indispensable. lapisan batubara yang terlipat dan tersesarkan
di daerah Palaran dan Busui, Kalimantan
Timur, Jurnal Geoaplika, Kelompok Keahlian
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Geologi Terapan, Fakultas Ilmu Kebumian
dan Teknologi , ITB, Vol. 2, Nomor 2
We would like to thank Mr. Sambudi that gave 10. Laubach S.E., R.A. Marrett, J.E. Olson, A.R.
permission to the first author for sampling and observe Scott, 1998, Characteristics and origins of
in his concession. Sincere thanks must be extended to coal cleat: A review: International Journal of
Dr. Hermes Panggabean from GRDC for thoughtful Coal Geology 35, p 175–207.
comment dan practical advice at the early research to 11. Meyers R.A., 1982, Coal Structure:
the first author. We also thank Mrs. Sam P. Dewi and
Academic Press, Inc., New York, USA, 340
Mr. Rusdi from GRDC for permission to using SEM,
Mr. Wikanda for preparation and guidance SEM, Mrs. p.
Nining S Ningrum for guidance coal petrography. 12. Nelson C.R., 2002, Cleat property trends in
Finally, the author also would like to thank Mr. Made San Juan Basin Fruitland Formation coalbed
Wirawan and Mr. Indro Apriyono for drafting the reservoirs: Rocky Mountain Section Meeting
figures. This work was supported, in part, by BPPS and Technical Program.
ITB. 13. Paul C.L., 2003, Coalbed methane potential
in the Appalachian states of
Pennsylvania,West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio,
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Sutton, N., 1977, Sulfur in peat-forming cleats.htm.
systems of the Okefenokee Swamp and 14. Rodrigues C., C. Laiginhas, M. Fernandes,
Florida Everglades: origins of sulfur in coal: and M.J.L. Sousa, 2003, The Role of Coal
Geochimica et Cosmochimica 44. Cleat System in Coalbed Methane
2. Demchuk, T.B., 1992, Epigenetic pyrite in a Prospecting/Exploring: A New Approach,
low sulphur, sub bituminous coal from The Geology of Gas Reservoirs:
Central Alberta Plains: International Journal Conventional and Unconventional, AAPG
of Coal Geology 21, Elsevier. International Conference and Exhibition
3. Diessel C.F.K., 1992, Coal bearing Technical Program.
depositional systems, Springer-Verlag Berlin 15. Ryan, B., 2003, Cleat Development in Some
Heidelberg, 721 p. British Columbia Coals, New Ventures
4. Frodsham K., and Gayer R.A., 1999, The Branch, Geological Fieldwork 2002, Paper
impact of tectonic deformation upon coal 2003-1, British Columbia Geological Survey.
seams in the South Wales coalfield, UK: 16. Simon, G., 2000, The Structural Evolution
International Journal of Coal Geology 38, p and Coal-Bed Methane Potential of The Ween
297-332. Trough, Cooper Basin, South Australia,
5. Hidayat S dan Umar I, 1994, Peta Geologi Honours Degree, University of Adelaide.
Lembar Balikpapan, Kalimantan, Pusat 17. Steven S.N. and Arthur M.A, 2000, Sulfur
Penelitian dan Pengembangan Geologi, digenesis and partitioning in Holocene Peru
Bandung. Shelf and Upper slope sediments: Chemical

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Geology, Isotope Geoscience, Vol. 163, Northeast England, International Journal of
Elsevier. Coal Geology 60 (2004) 169–196, Elsevier.
18. Supriatna S., Sukardi R., Rustandi E., 1995, 21. Wahyu G., Dharma S., Sidarto, Bambang H.,
Peta Geologi Lembar Samarinda, dan Suyoko, 2003, Geologi Cekungan Kutai
Kalimantan, Pusat Penelitian dan Kalimantan Timur Hubungannya Dengan
Pengembangan Geologi, Bandung. Keterdapatan Batubara, Departemen Energi
19. Thomas, L., 2005, Coal Geology: John Wiley dan Sumberdaya Mineral Badan Litbang
& Sons Ltd. The Atrium. Southern Gate. Energi dan Sumberdaya Mineral, Pusat
Chichester, West Sussex P019 8SQ, England. Penelitian dan Pengembangan Geologi,
20. Turnera B.R. and D. Richardson, 2004. Bandung
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coal seams in the Northumberland Coalfield, Technology, Blackwell Scientific
Publications, Singapore

Figure 1. Stratigraphy at Palaran in Kutai Basin and Busui in Pasir Basin


(modified from Supriatna, et al. 1995 and Hidayat & Umar, 1994)

150 Journal of JTM Vol. XIV No.3/2007


Figure 2. Orientations of cleats at fold flanks of the Palaran Anticline (left) and Busui syncline (right),
show that cleats are parallel to the principal fold stress/maximum stress (relatively E-W).

Table 1. Cleat characteristics and sulphur content.


PALARAN ANTICLINE BUSUI SYNCLINE
Cleat and sulphur content Slope Steep Fault Slope Steep Fault
flank flank zone flank flank zone
Average of cleat frequency1> 19,5 19,71 24,33 19,5 20,86 23,4
Range of spacing of cleats2> 1-12 cm 1-10 cm 1-3 cm 1-10 cm 1-5 cm 1-3 cm
Range of dominant spacing3> 1,5-2 1-2 cm 1 cm 2-3 cm 1-2 cm 1 cm
cm
Average of total sulphur4> 0,44% 0,97% 2,26% 0,61% 3,43% 3,60%
Average of pyritic sulphur4> 0,10% 0,11% 0,40% 0,07% 0,44% 0,64%
Note: 1) number of cleat plane on the same sampling area; 2) nearest distance between two cleat plane; 3)
dominant presence of cleat plane; 4) based on chemical testing.

Py epi

Py epi

Figure 3. Pyrites epigenetic on the fault plane surface at Palaran (left) and Busui (right).

Journal of JTM Vol. XIV No.3/2007 151


Figure 4. Epigenetic pyritic minerals at the Palaran Anticline: flank slope or non fault zone (left),
steep flank (center), and fault zone (right).

Figure 5. Epigenetic pyritic minerals at the Busui Syncline: flank slope or non fault zone (left),
steep flank (center), and fault zone (right).

Figure 6. Coal showing micro-cleat by SEM at the Palaran Anticline: slope flank/non
fault zone (left), steep flank (center), and at fault zone (right).

Framb.py Framb. py

Figure 7. Frambiodal epigenetic pyrite minerals using SEM, in the sample from at the Busui Syncline:
slope flank/non fault zone (left), steep flank (center), and at fault zone (right).

152 Journal of JTM Vol. XIV No.3/2007


Figure 8. Physical characteristics of micro-cleats in coal samples
from the Palaran Fault Zone (top) and Busui Fault Zone (bottom).

Figure 9. Physical cleats in coal seams at the fault zone that fragmented (left), at the steep flank
it is rather fragmented (center), and at the non fault zone or slopes flank it is not fragmented (right).

0.35 0.9
y = 0.07x - 1.28 y = 0.08x - 1.13
0.3 0.8
R = 0.68 R = 0.34
0.7
0.25
Pyritic sulphur

0.6
Total sulphur

0.2 0.5
0.15 0.4
0.1 0.3
0.2
0.05
0.1
0 0
0 5 10 15 20 25 17 18 19 20 21 22
Cleat frequency Cleat frequency

Figure 10. Scatter diagram of cleat frequency and sulphur content at the slope flank of Palaran Anticline.

Journal of JTM Vol. XIV No.3/2007 153


1.2
0.14 y = 0.07x - 0.77
y = 0.02x - 0.29 1
0.12
R = 0.63 R = 0.06
0.1 0.8

Total sulphur
Pyritic sulphur 0.08 0.6
0.06
0.4
0.04
0.2
0.02
0 0
17 18 19 20 21 22 17 18 19 20 21 22
Cleat frequency Cleat frequency

Figure 11. Scatter diagram of cleat frequency and sulphur content at the slopes flank of Busui Syncline.

0.09 2
y = 0.01x - 0.17 y = 0.12x - 1.36
0.08 1.8
R = 0.84 R = 0.41
0.07 1.6
1.4
Pyritic sulphur

0.06

Total sulphur
1.2
0.05
1
0.04
0.8
0.03 0.6
0.02 0.4
0.01 0.2
0 0
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25
Cleat frequency Cleat frequency

Figure 12. Scatter diagram of cleat frequency and sulphur content at the steep flank of Palaran Anticline.

3 10
y = 1.62x - 30.42
y = 0.52x - 10.09 9
2.5 R = 0.55
8
R = 0.81 7
Pyritic sulphur

2
Total sulphur

6
1.5 5
4
1 3
2
0.5
1
0 0
0 10 20 30 0 10 20 30
Cleat frequency Cleat frequency

Figure 13. Scatter diagram of cleat frequency and sulphur content at the steep flank of Busui Syncline.

1 4
y = 0.19x - 4.22 y = 0.38x - 6.85
0.9 3.5
R = 0.88
0.8 R = 0.48
3
Pyritic sulphur

0.7
Total sulphur

0.6 2.5
0.5 2
0.4 1.5
0.3
1
0.2
0.1 0.5
0 0
0 10 20 30 0 10 20 30
Cleat frequency Cleat frequency

Figure 14. Scatter diagram of cleat frequency and sulphur content at the Palaran Fault Zone.

154 Journal of JTM Vol. XIV No.3/2007


1 10
y = 0.28x - 6.15 y = 2.94x - 65.34
0.9 9
R = 0.87 R = 0.90
0.8 8
0.7

Pyritic sulphur
7

Total sulphur
0.6 6
0.5 5
0.4 4
0.3 3
0.2 2
0.1 1
0 0
21 22 23 24 25 26 21 22 23 24 25 26
Cleat frequency Cleat frequency

Figure 15. Scatter diagram of cleat frequency and sulphur content at the Busui Fault Zone.

Journal of JTM Vol. XIV No.3/2007 155

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