A review study of the relationship between coal fly ash characteristics and the presence of rare earth metals from steam power plants in Indonesia

Muhammad F. Shafiyurrahman, Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Mineral and Energy Technology, Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta University, IndonesiaFollow
Shofa Rijalul Haq, Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Mineral and Energy Technology, Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta University, Indonesia
Nurkhamim Nurkhamim, Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Mineral and Energy Technology, Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta University, Indonesia
Ade Kurniawan, Departement of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gadjah Mada University, Jl. Grafika No. 2 Bulaksumur, Sleman D.I. Yogyakarta
Rofa D Bulopa, Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Mineral and Energy Technology, Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta University, Indonesia
Rizki Khoiriah Nasution, Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Mineral and Energy Technology, Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta University, Indonesia

Author ORCID Identifier

Muhammad Faiz Shafiyurrahman: 0009-0004-6765-6116

Shofa Rijalul Haq: 0000-0001-7203-0258

Nurkhamim Nurkhamim: 0000-0002-5860-6158

Ade Kurniawan: 0000-0003-0768-0937

Rofa D Bulopa: 0009-0000-1382-4146

Rizki Khoiriah Nasution: 0009-0004-8111-8314

Abstract

The establishment of a coal mining downstream ecosystem focused on a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy is an important goal for many countries. One strategic step in achieving this goal is the utilization of coal fly ash (CFA) waste as a secondary source of rare earth elements (REE). The use of CFA provides a solution to the environmental and health challenges resulting from mining primary sources. Prior to developing REE extraction technology, CFA characterization must be conducted. Therefore, this study addresses the relationship between CFA characteristics and the presence of REE. Based on the ASTM C618-12 standard, CFA in Indonesia is dominated by type F, with Ce being the most abundant REE element. Potential locations for REE sources in Indonesia include power plants in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and the western part of Java. There is a significant correlation between the oxide contents of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃ with the LREE and CREE groups in CFA in Indonesia. Correlation analysis shows a strong positive relationship between LREE and SiO₂ (0.90) and Al₂O₃ (0.95), while Fe₂O₃ shows a negative relationship (-0.58). However, Fe₂O₃ also contributes positively to the presence of CREE (0.89).

Recommended Citation

Shafiyurrahman, Muhammad F.; Haq, Shofa Rijalul; Nurkhamim, Nurkhamim; Kurniawan, Ade; Bulopa, Rofa D; and Nasution, Rizki Khoiriah (2026) "A review study of the relationship between coal fly ash characteristics and the presence of rare earth metals from steam power plants in Indonesia," Journal of Sustainable Mining: Vol. 25 : Iss. 1 , Article 6.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.46873/2300-3960.1485