Research Article
Physicochemical Characterization of Shela Coal from the Kindo-didaye Area, Southern Ethiopia: Implications for Beneficiation and Sustainable Utilization
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
85-94
Received:
29 September 2026
Accepted:
9 October 2026
Published:
28 October 2026
Abstract: The Shela coal occurrence in the Kindo-Didaye area of southern Ethiopia is a coal-bearing locality for which deposit-scale information on physicochemical quality and processing requirements remains limited. This study evaluates the proximate composition, calorific value, sulfur content, and Hardgrove Grindability Index of five coal samples collected from exposed coal seams. Moisture, volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon contents were 1.21–1.99%, 15.45–26.37%, 28.19–71.26%, and 11.21–44.23%, respectively. Gross calorific values ranged from 2388.02 to 9801.32 Btu/lb (1326.68–5445.18 kcal/kg), sulfur from <0.02 to 2.93%, and HGI from 53.6 to 66.0. Samples S2 and S4 contained substantially less ash and higher fixed carbon and calorific value than S1, S3, and S5, demonstrating strong within-occurrence variability. Ash is the principal quality constraint in several samples, whereas the sulfur concentration in S2 requires particular attention during utilization. The calorific-value range provides a preliminary indication of rank variability, but definitive ASTM D388 rank assignment should not be made from the available data alone because the required mineral-matter-free and basis conversions were not fully established. The results support selective mining, additional washability and mineralogical investigation, and targeted beneficiation before industrial utilization. The study provides a baseline for sustainable evaluation of the Shela coal resource by linking coal quality, processing requirements, energy value, and environmental considerations.
Abstract: The Shela coal occurrence in the Kindo-Didaye area of southern Ethiopia is a coal-bearing locality for which deposit-scale information on physicochemical quality and processing requirements remains limited. This study evaluates the proximate composition, calorific value, sulfur content, and Hardgrove Grindability Index of five coal samples collecte...
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Research Article
Physiochemical Characterization of the Asedo Feldspar Deposit, Mozambique Belt, Southern Ethiopia: Implications for Ceramic and Glass Industries
Yonas Hordofa Ferada*
,
Kisa Workineh Yadate
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
95-108
Received:
12 October 2026
Accepted:
21 October 2026
Published:
31 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajac.20261405.12
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Abstract: This study evaluates the industrial viability of the newly identified Asedo feldspar deposit, hosted within Neoproterozoic pegmatites of the Mozambique Belt in southern Ethiopia. Geochemical analysis of ten feldspar samples reveals a major oxide composition averaging 69.02 wt.% SiO2, 21.19 wt.% Al2O3, 4.04 wt.% Na2O, 3.10 wt.% K2O, 2.96 wt.% CaO, 0.31 wt.% Fe2O3, and 0.11 wt.% MgO, with a low Loss on Ignition (LOI) of 0.43 wt.%, reflecting high mineralogical purity. However, significant compositional variability exists among samples, with Na2O/K2O ratios ranging from 0.29 to 6.15, indicating both potassic and sodic domains within the pegmatite. Physical property measurements demonstrate an average bulk density of 2.63 g/cm3, apparent porosity of 0.80%, and water absorption of 0.31%, indicating a dense, impermeable material suitable for ceramic and glass production. Minor impurities, including Fe2O3 (0.31 wt.%), are amenable to reduction through conventional beneficiation. resource estimation suggests an in-situ exploration target of approximately 46.9 million tonnes over an area of 1.5 km2 with an average thickness of 12 m. These results confirm the deposit’s potential as a reliable source of raw materials for local industries. The Asedo deposit represents a promising domestic industrial mineral resource capable of supporting Ethiopia’s expanding ceramic and glass sectors, thereby reducing import dependency and contributing to sustainable industrial development.
Abstract: This study evaluates the industrial viability of the newly identified Asedo feldspar deposit, hosted within Neoproterozoic pegmatites of the Mozambique Belt in southern Ethiopia. Geochemical analysis of ten feldspar samples reveals a major oxide composition averaging 69.02 wt.% SiO2, 21.19 wt.% Al2O3, 4.04 wt.% Na2O, 3.10 wt.% K2O, 2.96 wt.% CaO, 0...
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