Maceral and microlithotype beneficiation in column flotation at the Powell Mountain Coal Mayflower Preparation Plant, Lee County, Virginia

Maceral and microlithotype partitioning among several coals processed through a column flotation system installed at Powell Mountain Coal Mayflower Plant in Virginia was examined. Column flotation produces a product enriched in vitrinite and the vitrinite-rich varieties of individual microlithotypes were compared to the feed coal. Similar trends were observed for several Eastern Kentucky froth flotation installations. Rank variation among the coals, while subtle, was sufficient to preclude holding rank as a constant in comparisons between the coals.