Editorial for Special Issue “Mineralization Mechanism and Geochemical Characteristics of Coals and Associated Minerals”
1
College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
2
School of Resource and Geoscience, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Minerals 2026, 16(1), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010113
Submission received: 12 December 2025
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Accepted: 17 January 2026
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Published: 22 January 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralization Mechanism and Geochemical Characteristics of Coals and Associated Minerals)
Coal and its associated minerals are vital geological resources, holding significant value for both energy security and the supply of strategic materials [1]. Amid the global energy transition and the rising demand for critical metals (e.g., lithium, gallium, germanium) in new energy technologies, investigating the mineralization mechanisms and geochemical characteristics of coal measures has become a key focus in coal geology and resource exploration [2,3]. Traditional coal research has long centered on its energy potential, leaving the wealth of opportunities in coal-associated minerals relatively underexplored [4]. The enrichment of critical elements is governed by the complex interactions of tectonic activity, sedimentary environments, magmatic processes, and fluid migration, yet many aspects of these dynamics remain unclear [5,6].
To address these knowledge gaps, this Special Issue of Minerals brings together cutting-edge research on the mineralization mechanisms, geochemical behaviors, enrichment patterns, and exploration technologies of coals and associated minerals, focusing on four core themes: (1) enrichment mechanisms of strategic metals (lithium) in coal measures; (2) geochemical characteristics of trace elements and composite metallogenic models; (3) porosity evolution of coal seams and coalbed methane (CBM) enrichment; and (4) magmatic intrusion effects on multi-mineral synergetic enrichment. These studies integrate advanced analytical approaches (e.g., in situ LA-ICP-MS, fluid inclusion microthermometry) and cross-scale research perspectives [7], offering valuable insights for both theoretical advancement and practical exploration.
Three articles in this Special Issue focus on lithium-related research.
Zhang et al. (Contribution 1) examined lithium-rich layers in the Xian’an Coalfield, Guangxi Province, identifying abnormal lithium enrichment with heterogeneous distribution. They delineated key stages of lithium accumulation linked to terrigenous and volcaniclastic inputs, as well as fluid–rock interactions.
Qin et al. (Contribution 2) explored microscale differences in lithium enrichment between coal and intercalated parting layers in the No. 6 coal measure of the Haerwusu Mine, Ordos Basin. Their studies reveal distinct host minerals and lithium isotope signatures that reflect different genetic processes.
Li et al. (Contribution 3) proposed a practical cooperative exploration model for coal–lithium deposits, using the Haerwusu Coal-Lithium Deposit as a case study, and optimized exploration strategies based on lithium distribution characteristics.
Trace elements in coal record the geological processes of coal formation (e.g., provenance, sedimentary environment, metamorphism) and often include economically valuable critical metals (e.g., Ga, Ge, Ni, Co) [1]. Two articles focus on the geochemistry of trace elements in coals.
Sun et al. (Contribution 4) studied Carboniferous–Permian coal from the western margin of the Ordos Basin, noting significant enrichment of lithium and gallium relative to global hard coals, and established a composite genetic model involving terrigenous supply, fault structures, hydrothermal activities, and coal metamorphism.
Wang et al. (Contribution 5) investigated Middle Jurassic coals from the Dananhu Mine, Turpan-Hami Basin, highlighting the influence of sediment sources and depositional environments on critical metal concentrations, with certain elements in coal ash meeting economic cut-off grades.
Two articles address the porosity characteristics of coal seams and CBM enrichment patterns.
Yuan et al. (Contribution 6) analyzed coal seams in the Xishanyao Formation of the western Southern Junggar Basin, finding that porosity varies with degree of coalification and maceral composition. Clay mineral content exerts a notable influence on seepage pore development.
Li et al. (Contribution 7) studied CBM enrichment in a typical low-rank coal-bearing basin in northwestern China, proposing two enrichment models (slope zone enrichment and fault-hydraulic plugging enrichment) based on sedimentary, reservoir, sealing, and hydrogeological conditions.
Magmatic activity plays a pivotal role in coal measure mineralization by providing heat, fluids, and material sources that modify coal rank, drive hydrocarbon generation, and promote the enrichment of CBM, shale gas, and metallic minerals [8,9].
Yin et al. (Contribution 8) focused on Yanshanian magmatic intrusions in the eastern margin of the North China Craton, investigating their impacts on the enrichment of CBM, shale gas, and iron ore. The study revealed that magmatic intrusions significantly altered coal ranks and gas generation potential. Different intrusion styles were observed to exert varying effects on shale gas enrichment, and a close genetic link between magmatic activity and multi-mineral accumulation was established.
This Special Issue presents the latest advancements in understanding the mineralization mechanisms and geochemical characteristics of coals and their associated minerals.
Looking ahead, future research should prioritize three key directions: (1) Unraveling microscale element migration and mineralization mechanisms using high-resolution in situ techniques [10]; (2) Exploring the synergistic development potential of multi-resources (coal + critical metals + gaseous minerals) in deep coal measures [11,12]; and (3) Enhancing the application of machine learning and geophysical inversion in resource exploration to improve efficiency [13]. We anticipate that this Special Issue will inspire further research in the field and contribute to the sustainable development of coal and associated mineral resources.
Funding
Currently, no specific funding information is available for this Special Issue.
Conflicts of Interest
The Guest Editors declare no conflicts of interest.
List of Contributions
- Zhang, L.; Zhang, D.; Zhang, F.; Lin, Z.; Sun, J.; Yan, X.; Xu, H.; Di, S.; Huang, S.; Xu, X. Discussion on the Geochemical Characteristics and Enrichment Process of Li-Rich Layers in Xian’an Coalfield, Guangxi Province, China. Minerals 2025, 15, 404. https://doi.org/10.3390/min15040404.
- Qin, G.; Wei, J.; Wei, Y.; Cao, D.; Li, X.; Zhang, Y. The Differences in the Li Enrichment Mechanism between the No. 6 Li-Rich Coals and Parting in Haerwusu Mine, Ordos Basin: Evidenced Using In Situ Li Microscale Characteristics and Li Isotopes. Minerals 2024, 14, 836. https://doi.org/10.3390/min14080836.
- Li, X.; Wei, Y.; Cao, D.; Wei, J.; Liu, X.; Zhang, Y.; Dong, B. Cooperative Exploration Model of Coal–Lithium Deposit: A Case Study of the Haerwusu Coal–Lithium Deposit in the Jungar Coalfield, Inner Mongolia, Northern China. Minerals 2024, 14, 179. https://doi.org/10.3390/min14020179.
- Sun, Y.; Li, S.; Dong, X.; Chen, W.; Song, W.; Zhang, Y.; Sun, K.; Qin, G. Distribution Characteristics of Trace Elements in Carboniferous–Permian Coal from the Western Margin of Ordos Basin: Emphasis on Their Complex Geological Genesis. Minerals 2024, 14, 1136. https://doi.org/10.3390/min14111136.
- Wang, R.; Wang, W.; Lu, Q.; Zhang, J.; Wang, W.; Dong, L. Geochemistry of Middle Jurassic Coals from the Dananhu Mine, Xinjiang: Emphasis on Sediment Source and Control Factors of Critical Metals. Minerals 2024, 14, 767. https://doi.org/10.3390/min14080767.
- Yuan, Y.; Tang, Y.; Tong, L.; Cao, D.; Wei, Y.; Bi, C. Porosity Characteristics of Coal Seams and the Control Mechanisms of Coal Petrology in the Xishanyao Formation in the Western Part of the Southern Junggar Basin. Minerals 2024, 14, 543. https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060543.
- Li, X.; Zhou, J.; Jiao, L.; Sun, B.; Huang, Y.; Huang, D.; Zhang, J.; Shao, L. Coalbed Methane Enrichment Regularity and Model in the Xishanyao Formation in the Santanghu Basin, NW China. Minerals 2023, 13, 1369. https://doi.org/10.3390/min13111369.
- Yin, L.; Wang, H.; Wang, D.; Liu, Y.; Liu, H.; Zhu, Y.; Shen, L.; Li, Z. Magmatic Intrusion during the Yanshanian Period and Multi-Mineral Enrichment Mechanisms in the Eastern Margin of the North China Craton. Minerals 2024, 14, 332. https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040332.
References
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MDPI and ACS Style
Wang, D.; Zheng, X.; Shen, J. Editorial for Special Issue “Mineralization Mechanism and Geochemical Characteristics of Coals and Associated Minerals”. Minerals 2026, 16, 113. https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010113
AMA Style
Wang D, Zheng X, Shen J. Editorial for Special Issue “Mineralization Mechanism and Geochemical Characteristics of Coals and Associated Minerals”. Minerals. 2026; 16(1):113. https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010113
Chicago/Turabian StyleWang, Dongdong, Xue Zheng, and Jian Shen. 2026. "Editorial for Special Issue “Mineralization Mechanism and Geochemical Characteristics of Coals and Associated Minerals”" Minerals 16, no. 1: 113. https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010113
APA StyleWang, D., Zheng, X., & Shen, J. (2026). Editorial for Special Issue “Mineralization Mechanism and Geochemical Characteristics of Coals and Associated Minerals”. Minerals, 16(1), 113. https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010113
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