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American Journal of  
Geospatial Technology (AJGT)

Investigation of  Geological Characteristics and Quality of  Shurabak Pul-E-Khumri Coal 
Mine in Baghlan Province

Habibi Ghulam Jilani1*, Rezazadeh Farid Ahmad1, Osmani Yoldash1

Volume 3 Issue 1, Year 2024
ISSN: 2833-8006 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajgt.v3i1.3760
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajgt

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: September 08, 2024

Accepted: October 14, 2024

Published: November 30, 2024

The main purpose of  this study is to study and evaluate the quality of  coal in this region 
and determine its exploitation potential as an energy source. In this study, bomb calorim-
eter, dustiness test, and moisture content test experiment were used. So, in this article, the 
researchers used three articles and four books. Five coal samples were collected from Shura-
bak region and each of  them was analyzed using laboratory analysis methods to determine 
the quality. The results of  the analysis showed that these coals are placed in the category of  
high quality coals due to their physical and chemical characteristics. The studies show that 
the region’s coals have a heating value between 4150 and 4545 kcal, an ash percentage of  38 
to 44%, a gas percentage of  22 to 28%, and humidity between 0.32 and 0.40%. These values 
indicate the appropriate quality of  coal in the region, which can be used in various industries.
Since the brine coal is located in layers of  sedimentary rocks including sandstones, conglom-
erates, argillites, siltstones and carbonate-dolomite, the need for deeper studies to better 
understand these resources and facilitate their optimal exploitation increases. This research 
provides a foundation for future studies and practical use of  this valuable source of  energy.

Keywords
Analysis, Anthracite, Exploration, 
Peat and Laboratory Method

1 Department of  Geology and Mine, Sar-e-pul Higher Education Institute, Afghanistan
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: gh.jilani.habibi@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION 
Underground mines, as one of  the most basic natural 
resources, are considered a national wealth and an 
important part of  the economic infrastructure of  
countries. The importance of  these mines is undeniable, 
especially in countries that depend on the development 
of  their natural resources. These mines play a key role 
in the production of  raw materials and the supply of  
energy needed by industries. For this reason, the correct 
and scientific exploitation of  these resources can directly 
affect the growth and development of  the national 
economy and cause the prosperity of  various industries. 
In fact, underground mines not only play a role in creating 
job opportunities and increasing industrial production, 
but they can also help develop new technologies and 
improve industrial infrastructure.
Coal is one of  the most important minerals extracted 
from underground mines and plays a vital role in the 
global energy supply. This valuable material is a type of  
sedimentary rock that is formed by the decomposition 
of  plant remains in the depths of  the earth under high 
pressure and heat. The process of  coal formation is a 
long and complex process that takes place over millions 
of  years. This material consists of  complex compounds, 
the largest percentage of  which is carbon (Rezazadeh, 
2012).
Also, water and components of  copper materials also play 
a role in the composition of  coal. The presence of  a large 
amount of  vegetable matter is absolutely necessary in the 
process of  coal formation. These plant materials usually 
accumulate in swampy and humid environments such as 
peat lakes. In different geological periods, especially since 

the beginning of  the Dionine period, organic or plant 
materials have been accumulated in these environments 
without access to sufficient oxygen. These conditions 
lead to the incomplete decomposition of  plant material 
and finally the formation of  peat, which is the initial stage 
of  coal formation. In the absence of  oxygen and with the 
passage of  time and under high pressure and heat, this 
peat turns into coal (Rezazadeh, 2012).
Coal is formed when decaying plant remains accumulate 
faster than bacterial decomposition. Suitable conditions 
for this process are usually provided in swamps and 
humid environments that have little oxygen. In these 
environments, stagnant water and lack of  oxygen 
prevent the complete decomposition of  plant materials 
by microorganisms. The activity of  bacteria in these 
conditions is such that plant remains to undergo 
incomplete decomposition and gradually turn into a 
mass of  organic matter called “peat.” Peat, as the raw 
material for coal formation, compacts over time under 
the pressure of  subsequent sediments.
When peat is buried under heavier sedimentary layers, 
due to high pressure and heat, it undergoes compression 
and contraction, and the water and gases in it are released. 
This process, which takes place over millions of  years, 
gradually turns peat into coal. At this stage, coal with 
different qualities is formed depending on the amount of  
pressure and heat applied to it (Mikhailov, 1967).
When a 20-meter-thick layer of  peat is placed under 
the one-kilometer-thick sediments and is under severe 
pressure from these sediments, the peat turns into brown 
coal (lignite) with an approximate thickness of  4 meters. 
If  plant remains are buried at a greater depth, say 3 km, 



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then the 2 m thick peat will be converted into higher 
quality coal. At great depths, about 6 km, and in high heat, 
the 20-meter peat turns into anthracite, with a thickness 
of  1.5 meters.
The amount of  carbon in coal varies between 75 and 95 
percent, depending on its type (type and quality). This 
amount of  carbon is one of  the determining factors in 
the quality of  coal. Also, the moisture in coal can reach 
up to 12%, which depends on the type and conditions of  
coal formation (Sahak, 2012).
Coal is one of  the most important sources of  non-
renewable energy, which has been used for more than 
two thousand years. This mineral has been used since 
ancient times due to its high energy production capacity, 
especially in industries such as cement and electricity 
production. Afghanistan is one of  the countries that is 
rich in natural resources, especially coal. However, until 
now comprehensive and comprehensive geological 
and mineral studies have not been conducted on these 
deposits, and many of  Afghanistan’s mineral resources 
have not yet been fully explored.
Based on preliminary geological studies conducted with 
the cooperation of  domestic and foreign experts, two 
large coal fields have been identified in Afghanistan: The 
East-Southeast mining field and the Northeast-Southwest 
mining field. The east-southeast area has not been studied 
in detail and widely yet. Preliminary research shows that 
the exploitation of  the coal reserves of  this area is not 
economical at the moment due to the quantitative and 
qualitative limitations and the current conditions.
On the other hand, the northeast-southwest mining 
area, which starts as a continuous mining belt from 
Badakhshan province in the northeast of  Afghanistan 
and passes through the provinces of  Takhar, Kunduz, 
Baghlan, Bamyan, Ghor, Samangan, Balkh, Saripul, 
Jawzjan, Faryab and Badghis ends at Sabzak coal mine 
in Herat province, it is considered one of  the most 
important coal-rich areas of  the country. This mineral 
strip has significant capacities for industrial exploitation 
and further studies in this area can help the economic 
and industrial development of  the country (Rezazadeh, 
2015, p 1).

LITRATURE REVIEW
The identification and mitigation of  adverse geologic 
conditions are critical to the safety and productivity of  
underground coal mining operations. To anticipate and 
mitigate adverse geologic conditions, a formal method to 
evaluate geotechnical factors must be established. Each 
mine is unique and has its own separate approach for 
defining what an adverse geological condition consists 
of. The collection of  geologic data is a first critical step 
to creating a geological database to map these hazards 
efficiently and effectively. Many considerations must be 
taken into account, such as lithology of  immediate roof  
and floor strata, seam height, gas and oil wells, faults, 
depressions in the mine floor (water) and increases in floor 
elevation (gas), overburden, streams and horizontal stress 

directions, amongst many other factors (Mikhailov, 1967).
The first work done by the research group in northern 
Afghanistan, especially in Pul-e-Khumri district, was 
at the beginning of  the 19th century by Gersbach. By 
Lord in 1886 and by Barry Coate in 1880, only brief  
information about the stratigraphy of  the Hindu Kush 
region was identified. The stratigraphy of  the Hindu 
Kush region of  the north, which is the coal of  Permian 
and Triassic sediments, was conducted in 1935 and 
research on tectonic stratigraphy was also predicted. In 
1937, Girg studied Pul-e-Khumri and Khulm areas in his 
research essay and considered Sedimentary Stone in 1941, 
photographing coal mines, and later studied by Ghulam 
Ali Khan, a member of  the Board of  Characteristics of  
Shurabak, Karkar and Ashpeshteh Coal Mines. In 1962-
1965, geological mapping was carried out in the coal-rich 
areas of  Afghanistan for the order of  1: 200,000 maps by 
Mikhailov, while Mikhailov of  the Charcoal Area of  Pul-
e-Khumri (Shurabak, KarKar, Doodkash and Ahndara) 
considered the geological maps of  the area on a scale of  
1:5000 and divided Miso-Cenozoic into upper Jurassic 
and Triassic (Sahak, 2012). 

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Three primary categories of  methologies were employed 
in the writing of  the article: laboratory, field, and library 
methods. The laboratory conducted a number of  
experiment in addition to fieldwork and library research. 
Several tools were employed in this sector to assess the 
quality of  the coal: Using a bomb calorimeter, one may 
measure the energy generated combustion and ascertain 
the calorific value of  coal.

Dust Test
To determine the quantity of  dust generated throughout 
the coal mining and utilization process.
The moisture content of  coal sample is measured using 
a moisture test, which has a significant impact of  coal’s 
performance and quality.
By using these techniques, we were able to get a thorough 
and precise grasp of  the coal quality and geological features.
In the field research of  Shurabak coal region, there 
are many tools such as GPS to determine the exact 
geographical location, measuring tape or measuring tape 
to accurately measure distances, hammer and pen to 
extract samples, journal to record observations, camera 
for visual documentation, loupe to see the details of  
minerals and a mountain compass has been used to 
measure the directions and slopes of  the layers. This set 
of  tools helped to collect accurate information and field 
sampling.
In the laboratory department, the samples were carefully 
numbered and recorded, and each sample was carefully 
examined and analyzed under advanced devices. At this 
stage, five main samples of  minerals have been extracted, 
analyzed and checked with specialized devices. The 
results obtained from these five samples were compared, 
which shows the agreement of  the results and confirms 



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Am. J. Geo Spat. Technol. 3(1) 110-115, 2024

the accuracy and correctness of  the tests performed. This 
matching of  the results shows the accurate performance 
of  the devices and the correctness of  the methods used 
in the research process.
Finally, the findings from these three stages are 
comprehensively analyzed and the final results not only 
show the clarity and accuracy of  this research, but also 
provide solid scientific foundations for future studies.

Field Research 
Shurabak coal mining area is located in the eastern part of  
Pul-e-Khumri city, Baghlan province and at a distance of  
12 km from it. In fact, this area is the continuation of  the 
coal layers of  Karker and Chimney mining areas, and it is 
located in the south of  Chimney mining area. Shurabak is 
located in the eastern arm of  the Pul-e-Khumri anticline 
and geomorphologically, it appears to be a monocline 

structure. The adjacent and host rocks of  the coal beds 
in this area include sandstones, conglomerates, ergolites, 
siltstones, and carbonate-dolomite rocks.
The extension of  coal layers is from northeast to southwest 
and the slope of  these layers is (20) degrees. The coal 
of  this area is powdery and has a shiny black color. The 

type of  coal available in this area is (Bituminous, Sub-
Bituminous). Geological studies and preliminary surveys 
of  this area have been carried out by the technical team 
of  the company, but the exploration and exploitation of  
this mining area has not started yet.

Figure 1: Shurabak coal mining area of  Pul-e-Khumri, Baghlan province

Figure 2: Longitudinal section of  Shurabak mining area



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Operational-Exploratory Programs
As mentioned before, Shurabak coal mining area has only 
been subjected to geological studies and prospecting. 
Hence, it requires conducting exploratory operations. 
Taking into account the geological conditions, exploration 
operations will be designed and implemented in Shurabak 
coal mining area with exploratory excavations. In the coal 
layers, exploratory excavations are planned parallel to 
each other at a certain distance, which is shown in the 
following diagram:

Description of  Sample Number (1)
The sample taken under analysis is coal and it is 
considered among the coals with good heating that has 
been subjected to analysis. Considering that the target 
sample has impurities and idle elements, its ash yield 
reaches (44) percent, and its heating is 4150 kcal.
The coal of  the salt-water mining area is powdery and 
has a polished black color. The nature of  its coal is 
Bituminous, Sub Bituminous. The thickness of  coal 
layers in the area is (2) meters.

Figure 3: Schematic of  planar ledges of  Shurabak 
mining area

Laboratory Research Procedures
For the laboratory study, the samples have been taken 
according to the specific geological profile, packed and 
transferred to the laboratories for further studies. To 
determine the quality of  the samples, laboratory methods 
are usually used and the samples are subjected to the 
analysis device to determine the percentage of  purity and 
quality of  the coal included in the samples.

Automatic Oxygen Bomb Calorimeter
This automatic calorimeter device is used to determine 
the calorific value (Calorific Value) or the thermal quality 
of  coal (by exploding a certain amount of  it) in units 
(Cal/gr).
It is worth mentioning that G.C.V or Gross Calorific Value 
is the amount of  total calories, i.e. the total calorific value 
of  coal, which is automatically measured and measured 
by this device and the final result appears on the screen.
The explosion of  one gram of  coal sample (in the form 
of  a tablet) takes place in a special device called a bomb, 
which is placed in distilled water, the information of  
which is included in table (1).
The device is equipped with a distilled water tank and it 
is used to cool and balance the temperature of  the blast 
area, and it is also a UPS bottle stand and a computer 
stand that reveals information in digital form, as well as 
an O2 oxygen balloon. It connects to it.

Figure 4: Automatic calorimeter machine for 
determining the thermal quality of  coal

Table 1: Characteristics of  the Shurabak coal sample 
and its heating rate 
Sample 
number

1 Moisture 
percentage

0.36

Gas 
percentage

22.00 Ash 
percentage

44.00

Time 
analysis

2023/09/25 Height 
above sea 
level

1066 m

Heating 4150 kcal Coordinates N=35˚59ʹ 42 ̋
E=68˚46ʹ 40 ̋

Description of  Sample Number (2)
The sample taken under analysis is coal and it is 
considered among the coals with good heating that has 
been subjected to analysis. Considering that the sample 
in question has impurities and idle elements, its ash yield 
reaches (41.5) percent, and its heating is 4320 kcal. 
The coal of  the salt-water mining area is powdery and 
has a polished black color. The nature of  its coal is 
Bituminous, Sub Bituminous. The thickness of  the coal-
bearing layers of  the area is (2) meters and the inclination 
of  its layers is (20) degrees.



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Description of  Sample Number (3)
The sample taken under analysis is coal and it is 
considered among the coals with good heating that has 
been subjected to analysis. Considering that the sample 
in question has impurities and idle elements, its ash yield 
reaches (38) percent, and its heating is 4540 kcal.

Description of  Sample Number (5)
The sample taken under analysis is coal and it is 
considered among the coals with good heating that has 
been subjected to analysis. Considering that the target 
sample has impurities and idle elements, its ash yield 
reaches (38.5) percent, and its heating is 4545 kcal.
The coal of  the salt-water mining area is powdery and 
has a polished black color. The nature of  its coal is 
Bituminous, Sub Bituminous. The thickness of  the coal-
bearing layers of  the area is (2) meters and the inclination 
of  its layers is (20) degrees.

Table 2: Characteristics of  the Shurabak coal sample 
and its heating rate 
Sample 
number

2 Moisture 
percentage

0.32

Gas 
percentage

24.00 Ash 
percentage

41.50

Time 
analysis

2023/09/25 Height 
above sea 
level

1065 m

Heating 4320 kcal Coordinates N=35˚ 59ʹ 41 ̋
E=68˚ 46ʹ 40 ̋

Table 3: Characteristics of  the Shurabak coal sample 
and its heating rate
Sample 
number

3 Moisture 
percentage

0.40

Gas 
percentage

28.00 Ash 
percentage

38.00

Time 
analysis

2023/09/25 Height 
above sea 
level

1066 m

Heating 4540 kcal Coordinates N=35˚ 59ʹ 42 ̋
E=68˚ 46ʹ 40 ̋

Table 5: Characteristics of  the Shurabak coal sample 
and its heating rate
Sample 
number

5 Moisture 
percentage

0.38

Gas 
percentage

25.00 Ash 
percentage

38.50

Time 
analysis

2023/09/25 Height 
above sea 
level

1064 m

Heating 4545 kcal Coordinates N=35˚ 59ʹ 41 ̋
E=68˚ 46ʹ 41 ̋

Description of  Sample Number (4)
The sample taken under analysis is coal and it is 
considered among the coals with good heating that has 
been subjected to analysis. Considering that the sample 
in question has impurities and idle elements, its ash yield 
reaches (40) percent, and its heating is 4410 kcal.
The coal of  the salt-water mining area is powdery and 
has a polished black color. The nature of  its coal is 
Bituminous, Sub Bituminous. The thickness of  coal 
layers in the area is (2) meters.

Table 4: Characteristics of  the Shurabak coal sample 
and its heating rate
Sample 
number

4 Moisture 
percentage

0.34

Gas 
percentage

26.00 Ash 
percentage

40.00

Time 
analysis

2023/09/25 Height 
above sea 
level

1067 m

Heating 4410 kcal Coordinates N=35  ̊59  ́42 ̋
E=68˚ 46ʹ 40 ̋

The collected samples have been studied under the 
analysis device, as can be seen, in the evaluated samples, 
the ash percentage is generally higher.
On the other hand, looking at the results of  the coal 
quality study, it can be seen that all the studies will present 
the same result. If  it can be seen from the studied sample 
that its heating is good.
Therefore, it is clear from the comparison of  the study of  
the analysis method that Shurabak coal in Pul-e-Khumri 
area of  Baghlan province is one of  the coals that have 
different percentages of  gases in its composition.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 
Conducting comprehensive and detailed studies is very 
important for investigating, analyzing, and evaluating coal 
and nearby stones. Therefore, samples were taken from 
the target area and studied carefully.
This article deals with the analysis and review of  coal 
samples, in which the results of  laboratory analyzes 
are presented in detail. The mentioned samples are 
considered as one of  the most important and valuable 
samples in laboratory studies and were collected from the 
range of  coal expansion.
Using analytical methods, the quality of  coal in Shurabak 
area has been studied. The results show that the average 
heating of  the samples is 4393 kcal, its gray percentage is 
40.4, its gas percentage is 25 and its moisture percentage 
is 0.36.
The total results obtained from these laboratory studies 
clearly show a strong correlation and adaptation among 
the different results, which confirms the accuracy and 
correctness of  the analyzes performed.



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CONCLUSION
Shurabak coal mine is a key source of  high quality coal in 
Afghanistan, which is associated with various geological 
formations including sandstones, conglomerates and 
carbonate-dolomite rocks.
Samples from the Shurabak area show strong heating 
values: sample 1 provides 4150 kcal with 44% ash and 
22% gas, while sample 2 provides 4320 kcal with 41.5% 
ash and 24% gas. This indicates that the coal of  the region 
has excellent thermal and chemical properties, making it 
suitable for industrial applications.
Physically, the coal is fine, black and shiny, showing 
high purity, with a layer thickness of  about 2 meters, 
facilitating easy extraction. It is especially suitable for 
supplying energy to cement factories, especially Ghori 
Cement Factory.
Considering the high potential of  Shurabak coal, it 
is required to investigate the area with deep geological 
studies and more detailed explorations. These researches 
can help identify new reserves and convert possible 
reserves into definite reserves. Also, the technical and 
technical exploitation of  Shurabak coal should be 
evaluated more carefully in order to use the maximum 
capacities available in this region.

Novelty of  Research
From the laboratory study, it is seen that, in addition 
to coal, the rocks around this area include sandstones, 
conglomerates, ergolites, siltstones, and carbonate-
dolomite rocks, which are rich in geology. 
Since the samples taken from Shurabak area have 
grossities and the results are as follows:
Sample (1): heating 4150 kcal, ash percentage 44%, gas 
percentage 22% and humidity 0.36%.
Sample (2): heating 4320 kcal, ash percentage 41.5%, gas 
percentage 24% and humidity 0.32%.

Contribution
The total results obtained from these laboratory studies 
clearly show a strong correlation and adaptation among 
the different results, which confirms the accuracy 
and correctness of  the analyzes performed. Shurabak 
coal mine, is one of  the important sources of  coal in 
Afghanistan, which has a significant quality. From the 

field study, it can be seen that Pul-e-khumri brine coal is 
one of  the materials with suitable heating for supplying 
energy to cement factories. In addition to coal, there are 
sandstones, conglomerates, ergolites, silty stones and 
carbonate-dolomite stones in this area, which can be used 
as building materials.

Limitation
For writing this article, the researchers faced some 
challenges such as; in our Higher Education Institute we 
do not have standard library in Geology and Mine field, 
as well as we do not have developed laboratory. And it 
is mentionable that, in our university as a researcher we 
do not have financial independence. Besides this, in this 
research the researchers used library method, we utilized 
books, reports, and magazines available in the libraries 
of  Jawzjan University and Saripul Higher Education 
Institution.

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SanFilipo, J. R., Bolm, K. S., ... & Stettner, W. R. 
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Mikhailov, K. Ya. (1967). Report on geological surveying and 
prospecting for coal at scale 1:200,000 (Sheets 222–C, 
502–D, 503–B; part of  Sheets 221–F, 222–D, 222–F, 
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Rezazadeh, F. A. (2012). The legality of  the expansion 
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Rezazadeh, F. A. (2015). Coal-rich areas of  Afghanistan 
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Rezazadeh, F. A. (2012). Analysis of  the law of  coal 
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