Abstract
Three analytical techniques (ASTM, FNAA and INAA) have been used to determine the major elemental composition, the percentage concentrations of Si, Fe, Al, as well as the concentrations of the trace elements Ca, K, Cl, Mg, Na and Ti of coals from seven major deposits in Nigeria. The results show that Nigerian coals are of weak or noncoking grades with low sulphur and high hydrogen contents. The coals possess properties which make them suitable feedstocks in gasification processes. They may also be used as blends with coking coals for sintering. Their potentials in the production of form coke in metallurgical and domestic applications, in addition to their suitability as thermal coals for electricity generation and steam raising in industries, provide incentives for their utilization.