Location: Akwaibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Imo state.
Nigeria is blessed with vast mineral deposits which lignite is one of, in Africa, Nigeria is ranked the first in terms of lignite mineral deposits and the mineral reserve was estimated to be more than 50 million tons, thus, lignite can be found in Nigerian states such as Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Imo State.
Lignite is also referred commonly to as coal with a brown-brownish black color. It is combustible, has a high carbon content of about 65% more or less, and higher ash content than bituminous coal. Just as coal, it is formed into a sedimentary rock from naturally compressed peat.
Lignite, often referred to as brown coal, is a soft, brown, combustible, sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat. It has a carbon content around 25–35%, and is considered the lowest rank of coal due to its relatively low heat content. When removed from the ground, it contains a very high amount of moisture which partially explains its low carbon content. Lignite is mined all around the world and is used almost exclusively as a fuel for steam-electric power generation.
There can be numerous uses of lignite coal, and the most commonly seen is the fossil fuel power plant. Since lignite contains high amounts of volatile substances, it can easily be converted into liquid and gas forms, such as petroleum products.
Moreover, due to the abundance of lignite mine reserves worldwide, it is exclusively used as a fuel for generating steam-electric power. The only environmentally beneficial use of brown coal is probably seen in cultivation as well as the distribution of biocontrol microbes, which are used to control harmful disease-causing pests from affecting plants.
The Popular Applications of Lignite Include:
Electricity Generation (79%)Synthetic Natural Gas Production (13%)Production of Fertilizers (7%)Home Heating and Oil Well Drilling Mud (1%).