Beneficiation and Characterization Techniques of Coal in the Western region of Tarcha Zuria Wereda
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Date
2025-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Coal stands as the most plentiful and extensively found fossil fuel. Thanks to advanced methods,
it can be extracted, moved, and stored efficiently and economically. The global trade of coal is
experiencing consistent growth, accompanied by intense competition regarding supply and
pricing. Nevertheless, the future commercial viability of coal hinges on its environmental
sustainability, particularly on the ability of the power generation sector to minimize sulfur and
other harmful emissions. This research examines the extraction methods employed at the Tarcha
coal deposit located in Tercha Zuria Wereda, Southern Ethiopia. It utilizes a wet extraction
technique to evaluate flotation responses and optimize key factors such as yield percentage and
ash content. The primary goal of the study is to enhance the quality of coal by refining flotation
processes and minimizing impurities. Laboratory experiments are conducted with varying
particle sizes and different ratios of collector to frother in the froth flotation process. The results
indicate that the highest coal recovery yields are achieved at a collector-to-frother ratio of 8:4,
while also assessing how these variables affect ash content. The data reveal a clear trend of
increasing ash content as particle size decreases, highlighting the importance of maintaining
specific parameter ranges to optimize yield. Ultimately, this project offers valuable insights that
could support local mining operations, particularly the ET-Mining Development Company,
which is actively involved in job creation and community development initiatives. The outcomes
of this study may also aid Ethiopia in meeting its domestic coal needs, potentially decreasing its
dependence on imported coal as the nation advances its coal resource development.
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Keywords
Froth flotation, Particle size, Ash content, Coal deposit, Collector, Frother