Reposted from Cipher Coal.

A new paper published by Indonesian Journal on Geoscience.

Ever get that sinking feeling? Well, if you were standing in the Kutai lakes area in central Borneo you’d be right to think so.

And it’s not just because it is full of peat and wetlands.

Located about 100 km from the nearest coast and surrounded by low, heavily vegetated hills, that border on becoming mountains, the Kutai Lake region is slowly sinking. And I really mean sinking, in a geological sense. Depending on just how you measure it, the lowland area is between 4,500 to 8,000 km².  It is a true intermontane basin and it is incredibly understudied.

I first flew over the Kutai Lake and peatland area in 1996 and most recently visited it in 2015, leading a field trip there for The Society of Organic Petrology with my colleagues Dr. Chairul Nas, Dr. Hendra Amijaya and Dr. Ferian Anggara (Moore, 2015).

Which brings us to this new paper: “Spatial variability in macro- and microtextures of a tropical intermontane peatland: Preliminary investigation into the Kutai Lake Peat System, East Kalimantan, Indonesia” by F. Anggara, G.S. Muchitawati, T.A. Moore, and A. Septantia, which has just been published by the Indonesian Journal on Geoscience (v. 8, No. 2, p. 275-296). It’s an open-access journal so go and get the paper! – http://ijog.bgl.esdm.go.id/index.php/IJOG/article/view/681.

The work accomplished by Dr. Anggara and his team from the University of Gadjah Mada (Yogjakarta, Java) is not trivial. Just getting to the field area requires several days of travel, and not the ‘sit in the airplane, then drive to the field’ sort of travel.

And once in the field, there are no comfortable hotels, heck, there isn’t even comfortable tent sites, it is a damp, though fresh, open air experience all the way.

Figure 1. Taking core samples in the Kutai Lake area.

There has been a few studies on the Kutai Lake area in the past (Hope et al., 2005; Supardi and Widjaya, 1990; Chokkalingam et al., 2005), but almost no studies look into the peat from coring and then characterize the textures and origins of the organic matter found there. More work is needed, but – pandemic permitting! – Dr. Anggara and crew will be back and, if I can, so will I.

References:

Chokkalingam, U., Kurniawan, I., Ruchiat, Y., 2005. Fire, livelihoods, and environmental change in the middle Mahakam peatlands, East Kalimantan. Ecology and Society 10, 17.

Hope, G., Chokkalingam, U., Anwar, S., 2005. The stratigraphy and fire history of the Kutai Peatlands, Kalimantan, Indonesia. Quaternary Research 64, 407-417.

Moore, T.A., 2015. A field trip guide to ancient and modern organic-rich environments in Kalimantan Timur (Borneo), Indonesia. The Society for Organic Petrology, ISBN 978-0-646-93901-8, Reston, Va, p. 107 pp.

Supardi, Widjaya, T., 1990. Penyelidikan endapan gambut daerah Muarakaman Prop. Kalimantan Timur. Departemen Pertambangan dan Energi, Direktorat Jenderal Geologi dan Sumberdaya Mineral, Bandung, 21pp.

Greetings to all of you,
Get ready for our next Webinar Series 3!

“The Endeavor of Coal Added Value in Indonesia”

Speakers :

1. Mr. Singgih Widagdo
Head of Indonesian Mining and Energy Forum (IMEF)

2. Dr. Rita Susilawati
Head of Coal Division, PSDMBP

MC : Amanda Ayudhia S., S.T.

Friday, 27 November 2020, 15.00 (GMT+7)

This webinar is hosted by experts that will bring you practical, up-to-date advice, guidance, and fresh ideas for now and the future of coal and mineral industry.

Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied.

Register now. We’re looking forward to seeing you!
https://s.id/WebinarUGRG
(Link zoom meeting will be sent D-1 to your email)

Best Regards,
UGRG UGM

Website : https://ugrg.ft.ugm.ac.id/
IG : https://instagram.com/ugrg_ugm
Youtube : https://youtube.com/channel/UCNsrvrXslJmvtFHPgbS-Oog

Our partner in this event :

In the framework of strategic local mineral processing in Indonesia based on low cost and zero-waste technology, it is necessary to collaborate with all parties, including government, industries, researchers, and universities, as well as harmonizing upstream-downstream mineral and coal policies. The development of mineral and coal processing technology needs to be focused on exploiting the added value and characteristics of each mineral resources.

Some participants of the UGRG Webinar Series 2 (Photo: UGRG Documentation)

Pusat Kajian Sumberdaya Bumi Non-Konvensional (or also known as Unconventional Geo-Resources Research Group – UGRG) held Webinar Series # 2 through the Zoom platform on Friday (13/11/2020), at 03.00 pm. This webinar was hosted by Mr. Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus, D. Eng as moderator and presenting two speakers: Dr. Raden Sukhyar and Dr. Eng. Widi Astuti.

The first session was opened with a presentation by Dr. Raden Sukhyar about the mineral-based downstream industry in Indonesia. The second session was continued by Dr. Eng. Widi Astuti, discussed the role of research in the downstream mineral industry. The topics and discussions are presented very interestingly by the speakers. There was an important message in the framework of strategic Indonesian local mineral processing based on low cost and zero-waste technology: the need for collaboration of all parties, both government, industries, researchers, and universities, as well as harmonization of upstream-downstream mineral and coal policies. The development of mineral and coal processing technology needs to be focused on exploiting the added value and characteristics of each domestic mineral resources. Presentations and certificates can be downloaded at this link (Webinar Presentation & Certificate).

This webinar was closed with an interactive question and answer session. This can be seen from the enthusiasm of the participants who asked questions and participated in the discussion. The entire UGRG team would like to thank all speakers and participants of the UGRG Series 2 Webinar (+87 participants). UGRG is aware that to be able to make the changes we want cannot be done alone, therefore we invite all partners who are aware of Indonesia’s future energy to collaborate and conduct a comprehensive study of unconventional geo-resources in Indonesia from upstream to downstream, for a better future of Indonesia. Furthermore, we hope to meet and discuss again in the UGRG Webinar Series #3 which will be held on November 27, 2020. Registration for Webinar Series #3 will open on Monday, November 16, 2020. Fill out the registration form in s.id/WebinarUGRG.

UGRG Webinar Series #3

Presentations and certificates can be downloaded at this link (Webinar Presentation & Certificate).

Our partner in this event :

Greetings to all of you,
Get ready for our next Webinar Series 2!

“Downstream Mineral Processing, Key to Optimize Mineral Utilization”

Speakers :

1. Dr. Raden Sukhyar
Head of Geological Agency (2008-2013)
Director General of Mineral & Coal, Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources (2013-2015)
Senior Advisor to the Minister of Industry (2016-2019)

2. Dr. Eng. Widi Astuti
Kepala Balai Penelitian Teknologi Mineral (BPTM) LIPI

Moderator :

Himawan Tri B.M. Petrus, D. Eng
Chemical Eng. UGM – Mineral Resources Working Group UGRG UGM

Friday, 13 November 2020, 15.00 (GMT+7)

This webinar is hosted by experts that will bring you practical, up-to-date advice, guidance, and fresh ideas for now and the future of mineral industry.

Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied.

Register now. We’re looking forward to seeing you!
https://s.id/WebinarUGRG
(Link zoom meeting will be sent D-1 to your email)

Best Regards,
UGRG UGM

Website : https://ugrg.ft.ugm.ac.id/
IG : https://instagram.com/ugrg_ugm
Youtube : https://youtube.com/channel/UCNsrvrXslJmvtFHPgbS-Oog

Our partner in this event :

Various parties in Indonesia, both government, industries, and educational institutions have the awareness to initiate exploration of critical elements and have succeeded in identifying the existence of new REE resources, but it has not been recognized as reserves due to constraints on low concentration and tonnage. As one of the solutions, the exploration of critical elements must be carried out more systematically with a more detailed evaluation. Characterization is one of the most important processes that will influence the extraction process, so that total extraction can be achieved which will add the economic value of exploiting critical elements.

Some participants of the UGRG Webinar Series 1 (Photo: UGRG Documentation)

Pusat Kajian Sumberdaya Bumi Non-Konvensional (or also known as Unconventional Geo-Resources Research Group – UGRG) held Webinar Series # 1 through the Zoom platform on Friday (30/10/2020), at 03.00 pm. This webinar was hosted by Amanda Ayudhia S., S.T. as moderator and presenting three speakers: Dr. Eng. Lucas Donny Setijadji, Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus, D. Eng., and Dr. Ferian Anggara. They are lecturers in the Faculty of Engineering UGM and researchers at UGRG UGM.

This webinar is divided into four sessions. For the opening, the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service and Cooperation of the Faculty of Engineering UGM, Dr. Ir. Sugeng Sapto Surjono, S.T., M.T., IPU., ASEAN gave a speech and support this webinar series event and the formation of UGRG UGM. The first session was opened with a presentation by Dr. Ferian Anggara about the introduction of UGRG, including the history and the research roadmap of UGRG. The second session was continued by Dr. Eng. Lucas Donny Setijadji discussed the exploration of critical elements in Indonesia. Through Dr. Lucas Donny, participants received new information about the potential and exploration problems of critical elements in Indonesia nowadays and in the future. The third session was continued with a discussion about the extraction of critical elements by Mr. Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus, D. Eng. He explained the importance of ore characterization and its relation to an effective and efficient extraction process. Presentations and certificates can be downloaded at this link (Webinar Presentation & Certificate # 1).

This webinar was closed with an interactive question and answer session. This can be seen from the enthusiasm of the participants who asked questions and participated in the discussion. The entire UGRG team would like to thank all speakers and participants of the UGRG Series 1 Webinar (+120 participants). UGRG is aware that to be able to make the changes we want cannot be done alone, therefore we invite all partners who are aware of Indonesia’s future energy to collaborate and conduct a comprehensive study of unconventional geo-resources in Indonesia from upstream to downstream, for a better future of Indonesia. Furthermore, we hope to meet and discuss again in the UGRG Webinar Series #2 which will be held on November 13, 2020. Registration for Webinar Series # 2 will open on Monday, November 2, 2020.

Acara Webinar UGRG Seri #2

Presentations and certificates can be downloaded at this link (Webinar Presentation & Certificate # 1).

Our partner in this event :

[Tim A. Moore, Ph.D – Professional Expert in Unconventional Energy]

It is widely recognised that we live in the hydrocarbon age. Coal ignited the industrial revolution in the 1800s and with the discovery of liquid petroleum, oil allowed mass transport to be affordable and provided electricity to millions of homes. Lately, natural gas has gained prominence in response to climate change.

Exploration of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons, in particular, has moved from easier, ‘conventional’, targets such as porous and permeable sandstone reservoirs in anticlines (Fig. 1) to ‘unconventional’ units that are distinctly less permeable and require innovative approaches to access hydrocarbons economically.

The unconventional units yield primarily gas from coal, shale and tight sandstone lithologies. In a world attempting to decarbonise, natural gas is seen as a transition energy source as renewables are developed and become more affordable.

Figure 1. Schematic of conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon deposits (Charpentier & Ahlbrant, 2003).

It is hard to overstate how important unconventional gas will be over the next few decades. Unlocking these deposits, however, is a different story. Indonesia is in a unique position, with extensive unconventional coal seam gas and shale gas deposits. But to develop these resources will require research by industry, academics and governmental institutions. Without these collaborations, the gas will remain in the ground and more carbon intensive and polluting sources will be used to power the ever-increasing standard of living of a growing population. Ultimately, leadership must come from governments.

Even if the world transitioned to 100% renewables today, study of hydrocarbons should not cease. These hydrocarbons, especially those organics from non-marine, terrestrial plant sources, are incredibly useful proxies to the Earth’s past.

Fundamentally, organics from plants use the sun’s energy to drive photosynthesis, which in turn creates large molecular structures made up of C, H, O, and N. When these organics get buried they preserve clues to the past. Unlocking these clues, and thus an understanding of events in deep time (Fig. 2), is critical for our human endeavours. Lets remember, the truth is out there, and it’s probably in the organics!

Figure 2: Some of the things organic material can tell us about Earth’s past.

In addition to environmental interests, tropical peatlands also have the potential to be developed into natural recreational parks.

Field work location in Muara Siran village (Google Maps, 2019)

On the first week of April 2018, our research team conducted field work for a week in order to collect peat sample from one peatland in Kalimantan. The team consists of one professor from Geological Engineering Department and four student assistants. The peatland lies in the village of Muara Siran and its vicinity (Fig.1). It is part of the Kutai peatlands or Middle Mahakam Wetlands, as both are common terms used by researchers to mention wetlands in the eastern Kalimantan.

We departed from Yogyakarta to Balikpapan, the largest city in East Kalimantan. From the city, we travelled by car for about 4 hours to Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan, and 2.5 hour from Samarinda to Tenggarong. We passed the zig-zagging road, splayed in the anticlinorium landscape of East Kalimantan. We landed in a small harbour by the Mahakam River right at the dusk and was greeted by the magnificent sunset view. Our journey had not end yet because we still had to sail the Mahakam to reach our final destination – the Muara Siran village. We were picked up by village people from Muara Siran who drove us with small boat called “Ketinting” and sailed for around 30 minutes.

On the next day, we had our first peat-mapping day. We set off at 8 in the morning with destination is the area at the north of Lake Siran. Our typical peat-mapping always consisted of sailing the stream northward from the village, crossing the Siran Lake, following small creeks to the deeper forest, then parking our boats when the creeks end, and exploring the forest on foot. The exploring part is the real challenge, since we had to sink almost our entire feet in the murky water, try to balance ourselves, while keep moving further.

Figure 1. Peat swamp forest exploration. April 2018. (a) Sampler team with local village. (b) Sailing the Siran lake by “ketinting”. (c) One of team member’s shoe was  slipped off while roaming the swamp forest. (d) Water depth in the swamp may rich adult waist. See more at http://belajargambut.ft.ugm.ac.id/2018/08/29/pengambilan-sampel-gambut

Peat sample is obtained by manual coring. This method can obtain peat sample of certain depth. Peat taken will be in form of peat core, a long half cylinder with diameter similar to auger bit diameter used. The team used MacCaulay peat sampler of Russian D corer. This auger consists of two parts: the extension bar and the auger bit which is also a container to capture peat. This auger is utilized by planting the bit into peat deposit, then rotating the bar in 180 º. This action lead the container to rotate, and simultaneously store peat inside it. This auger then lifted to release peat inside the container by opening the container flap. The length of the container is 0,5 m, thus, in one coring, peat of 0,5 m depth can be obtained. To retrieve peat of more depth, coring process must be repeated and the more extension bar must be added.

Figure 2. Peat coring. (a) The auger was planted into the deposit. (b) Extension bar was added to obtain peat of greater depth. (c) The auger was rotated in half circle to store peat below. (d) The auger consists of extension bar and auger bit which attached to container. (e) The container was opened. (f) Peat core inside the container.

Once the container is opened, peat has to be described texturally to determine its type (see article 4). Soon after it, the sample has to be packed tightly to prevent from oxygen contact, which may cause decomposition and changes in texture. Peat sample is stored inside 0,5 m-length half tube of PVC pipe, adjusting to the original form of the peat core. To fill in the empty spaces between peat sample and the tube, bubble plastic is added. This is necessary to anticipate peat getting shaken or moved during transportation. The last step is to wrap the tube as tight as possible, allowing no contact with outside air and prevent peat moisture from leaking out.

Our one-week field work was closed with a picnic in the middle of the Lake Siran. We enjoyed the perfect sunny tropical weather, some tropical fruits, and a few free jumps into the warm water. Aside from its various environmental importance, tropical peatlands also bear potential to be developed into a natural recreation park. This is topped with the hospitality of the villagers of Muara Siran we experienced during our stay.

Figure 3. My friend, floating and sun-bathing on the lake.

At last, we headed home in the 8^th day with all our peat samples. Our field work as a first-time experience for all teammates and surely, an unforgettable one. However, our research journey is yet to end, as two big containers of peat samples we gained need “further treatment” and more stories to reveal.

The visit from the Center for Mineral, Coal and Geothermal Resources (PSDMBP) to the Faculty of Engineering, UGM had the aim to discuss about added value of coal, focusing on the concept of green transmutation and circular economy.

Photo session with FGD participants consisting of the PSDMBP team & lecturers at Faculty of Engineering UGM (PHOTO: AMANDA A.S. / UNIVERSITAS GADJAH MADA)

Lecturers at Faculty of Engineering UGM who are also researchers at Unconventional Geo-Resources Research Group – UGRG, Dr. Ferian Anggara & Dr. Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus, held a focus group discussion (FGD) on the topic of increasing the added value of coal with PSDMBP, Badan Geologi, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Yogyakarta, Wednesday (5/8/2020). The discussion was attended by the Head of Coal Division PSDMBP, Dr. Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati and nine other participants who are members of the Rare Earth Elements (REE) Evaluation team on Coal in Kalimantan in 2020.

Dr. Ferian Anggara gave an explanation about the potential of REE in coal (FOTO: AMANDA A.S./UGM)

The visit from PSDMBP team to Universitas Gadjah Mada had the aim to review and to follow up research under the topic of increasing the added value of coal by implementing the concept of green transmutation and circular economy, especially from upstream to downstream processes or from exploration to extraction of valuable elements (in this case REE) and comprehensive use of fly ash and bottom ash (FABA), as well as geological CO₂-sequestration with case studies on coal in Kalimantan.

In the future, PSDMBP will carry out research collaborations with UGM represented by UGRG and related institutions for mapping potential and determining suitable extraction methods for unconventional resources owned by each region or coalfields in Indonesia. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources hopes that this activity can provide benefits that can be implemented in everyday people’s lives in the next five years.

Photo session with FGD participants consisting of the PSDMBP team & lecturers at Faculty of Engineering UGM

Our partner in this event :

[Dr. Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati – Coal Geologist, Head of Coal Division, PSDMBP]

Along with the rapid development of civilization and technology today, the need for green energy becomes important in order to reduce the use of high carbon emission energy (CO₂). The latest trend in energy development and environmentally friendly industries is the use of minerals/valuable elements as materials for energy sources. One of the minerals that can be used is rare earth element (REE).

REE are important elements that is used in various products that we use every day such as cell phones, hard drives, camera lenses, microwaves, medical equipment, weaponry and many other high-tech products. REE are 17 elements in the earth’s crust consisting of 15 lanthanide metal elements (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu), scandium and yittrium. REE is commonly found in several minerals such as monazite, xenotime, and bastnaesite. However, several recent studies have shown that coal can contain REE at level equivalent to REE-bearing minerals (Read Also: Coal Combustion Solid Waste: the Potential of Future Unconventional Resources in Indonesia?).

Coal consists of organic and inorganic components. The existence of REE in coal is associated with its inorganic components. The process of coal combustion at thermal power station (PLTU) will remove organic components and leave inorganic components behind. This process can lead to the enrichment of REE content in ash from coal combustion. REE content in coal fly ash is indicated to be 10 times greater than in the coal itself (Seredin and Finkelman, 2008). In Indonesia, research on REE in coal are still very limited. Research conducted on Bangko, South Sumatra coal shows that the coal has REE content of 2.4 to 118.4 ppm (Anggara, et al, 2018). Assuming that the REE content in fly ash is 10 times the REE content in coal, the potential for REE in Bangko coal fly ash is estimated to be around 1000 ppm, a large enough and promising amount to be extracted commercially. In addition, the REE extraction process from coal fly ash can increase the added value of coal.

REE extraction from FABA is one of the downstream programs that currently becomes the national program of the Center for Mineral, Coal and Geothermal Resources (PSDMBP), Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). To achieve this, PSDMBP is currently conducting studies related to the potential of REE in Indonesian coal. The studies are carried out in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering UGM and Unconventional Geo-Resources Research Group – UGRG UGM. The results are expected to be able to reveal the potential of REE in Indonesian coal, to open up opportunities for increasing the added value of coal, and to increase the state’s revenue through REE production from Indonesian coal. Furthermore, REE production also means opening up opportunities for the establishment of various modern industries in Indonesia, which means opening up many new jobs.

Figure 1. The depict of REE in coal as a hidden treasure owned by Indonesia (psdg.bgl.esdm.go.id)

PSDMBP hopes that the establishment of UGRG and the increasing number of research on coal downstream process can contribute to the disclosure of the potential of the downstream process for Indonesian coal, so that it can be realized in a directed and effective manner and produce significant products that can be applied immediately.

Sources:

• geologi.ugm.ac.id. (2020, 23 Juni). Focus Group Discussion Potensi Hilirisasi Batubara, Diakses pada 23 Juni 2020, dari https://geologi.ugm.ac.id/focus-group-discussion-potensi-hilirisasi-batubara/
• psdg.bgl.esdm.go.id. (2020, 23 Juni). A Hidden Treasure – Rare Earth Elements In Coal. Diakses pada 23 Juni 2020, dari http://psdg.bgl.esdm.go.id/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1215&Itemid=610
• psdg.bgl.esdm.go.id. (2020, 23 Juni). Bidang Mineral / REE. Diakses pada 23 Juni 2020, Diakses pada 23 Juni 2020, dari http://psdg.bgl.esdm.go.id/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1280&Itemid=610

Rare Earth Element : Elements of Power*

The location of the Rare Earth Element (REE) in the periodic table of elements (left) and Johann Gadolin, the man who discovered REE for the first time (right)

In the last few years, research on Rare Earth Element (REE) has become increasingly intensive, this is influenced by the fact that REE is used as a material for high-level technology such as batteries, smartphones, and even in the military. In 2009, China monopolized global REE production up to 97%, which caused worldwide concern and was known as the “Rare Earth Crisis”. Humphries (2010) defines Rare Earth Element and Yttrium (REY) as a group of metal elements that are included in the transition group or lanthanide chemical group on the periodic table. The Scandium (Sc) and Yttrium (Y) elements are also included in the REY group because of the similarity in physical and chemical properties of the lanthanide group. Rare Earth Element is also known by several other names, namely rare earth metals or rare earths.

Gadolin (1794) who was a chemist and mineralogist began the discovery of REE, the yttrium element for the first time at the end of the XVIII century. At the end of the XIX century, chemists and mineralogists were able to research and identify a total of 14 elements of REE. In 1907, the discovery of the element lutetium and promethium closed the history of the discovery of REE in the world, these two elements were the last elements to be discovered. The promethium element was discovered due to a nuclear reaction, which was discovered by Marinsky (1943).

Weeks (1968) stated that in general, the naming of REE elements usually refers to the discoverers of the elements themselves, for example the “Gadolinium” element discovered by Johan Gadolin and “Samarium” discovered by Samarskite, a Russian mining expert. Voncken (2015) mentioned that actually “Rare Earth Element” is a term used in the XIX Century, it is based on the discovery of the only one REE deposit in the world at that time, namely in the Ytterby region, Sweden, thus this deposit is considered something rare.

The Ytterby mine is a feldspar and quartz mine originated from pegmatite granite used for the porcelain needs of the United Kingdom and Poland. Mining activities at Ytterby began in late 1700 until 1933. Overall, almost all REE elements were discovered in this mine, such as yttrium, ytterbium, terbium, erbium, gadolinium, holmium, thulium, scandium, lutetium and tantalum. The history of the discovery and discoverer of the REE elements can be seen in the following table:

Table 1. The history of the discovery of REE elements

Rare Earth Element is classified as lithopile and is distributed in the earth’s crust and in the mantle. Referring to the name “Rare Earth Element”, these elements are actually widely distributed on earth and are relatively easy to be reached on the surface of the earth (Atwood, 2013). Looking at the historical development and potential of REE in the future, our task is to study and discover steps to explore REE extraction to meet the needs of these Elements of Power specifically in Indonesia, and the world in the future.

*Elements of Power : terminology by David S. Abraham, 2015.

SOURCES:

• Voncken, J. H. L. 2016, The Rare Earth Elements : An Introduction: Delft, Springer Briefs in Earth Sciences, 137 p.
• Atwood, D.A., 2013. The Rare Earth Elements: Fundamentals and Applications, John Wiley & Sons. 1171 p.