New data on the geochemistry of coals from the Raichikhinskoe and Yerkovetskoe lignite deposits in the Amur Oblast.

The coals from the Raichikhinskoe (North-Eastern open pit) and Yerkovetskoe (Yerkovetsky open pit) coal deposits in the Amur Oblast were studied. Based on the results of analytical studies, the content of rare metals, including trace and precious metals in coals and rock interlayers was estimated. The concentration of some rare elements in lignite was found to be higher than the Clarke content. The content of strontium and the sum of REE+Y+Sc in lignite ash of the North-Eastern open pit of the Raichikhinsky deposit were at the level of the minimum commercial content. Increased concentrations of lithophile elements in the coals of the studied deposits and the features of the geological structure of the area suggest their accumulation in the coals as a result of the run off mainly from the acidic (granite) flanks of the Zeya-Bureya Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]