Publisher © Czech Geological Survey, ISSN: 2336-5757 (online), 0514-8057 (print)
Evaluation of black shales as a source of energy and environmental impacts of their possible combustion in Burkina Faso (west Africa): results of the project in 2002 and final recommendations
Abstract
In 2002, Czech Geological Survey in Prague carried out a project entitled "Evaluation of black shales as a source of energy in Burkina Faso and environmental impacts of their possible combustion". This two-year project was a part of the Czech Technical Assistance Program to developing countries. The project was implemented jointly with the University of Ouaga-dougou. The study was focused on the evaluation of black shales as a source of energy and graphite at Gan locality in sw. part of Burkina Faso. The results of coal petrographic and X-Ray diffraction studies indicate two types of organic matter. The first type is represented by low altered organic matter corresponding to antracite. Based on technological properties, these facies can be considered as a potential raw material for combustion. The second type of organic matter is represented by relatively highly altered organic matter which corresponds to semigraphite. Based on the results of flotation tests, these black shales could become a source of 'amorphous' graphite suitable for foundry industry. A new geological map (1:10 000) was prepared and a total amount of reserves in the category of inferred reserves was calculated.
