Prospects for coal processing with a low metamorphism degree

Introduction. The relevance and significance of this work is due to the fact that the soils of Kazakhstan are about 48% salt marshes. The reasons for their occurrence are different: harsh climatic conditions, the drying Aral Sea, the Baikonur cosmodrome, numerous test sites, etc. With an increased content of water-soluble salts in the root layer of soils, most cultivated plants develop poorly and yield a reduced yield. To solve the above problem, the technology of processing brown coal from the Kiyakty deposit and its substandard part for the production of drugs-growth stimulants for agricultural plants, high-calorie fuel briquettes and coal-alkali reagents is proposed. Materials and methods. Development of technology for the production of a humic preparation from brown coal deposits in Kazakhstan. It is known that these coals are amorphous polymers containing bitumen, humic acids, residual organic substances and moisture. Laboratory experiments were carried out by the method of biotesting according to B.P. Strogonov in glasses with a capacity of 0.5 liters in accordance with the requirements of GOST (GOST 10250–80, GOST 12038–84). The methodology for conducting research on the manufacture of briquettes, carbon-alkali reagents based on the humic acid hypothesis and various local binding materials with the involvement of certified CeLSIM laboratories is substantiated. The most optimal binder is a liquid bardic concentrate. Results. As a result of the application of new methods of pre-sowing treatment of rice seeds with a 2.5 % aqueous solution of the preparation from coal, its yield increased by 9.5–12.1 quintals per 1 ha, or by 33.8–41 % compared with the control. Discussion. The works of a number of foreign and domestic researchers on this topic have proved the possibility of using humic substances from brown coals to obtain organo-mineral fertilizers, and a comparative study of the chemical composition has been conducted. However, according to our technology, it is clear that we do not get fertilizer, but plant growth stimulants. It should be noted that the technology developed by the authors makes it possible to obtain a humic preparation, the use of which on low-yielding soils of Kazakhstan ensures a stable increase in the yield of cereals and legumes. Conclusion. The developed technology for the production of humic preparations for various purposes can be used to increase crop yields on degraded soils, for the bio recultivation of man-made formations, the manufacture of a substrate for greenhouse farms, the production of fuel briquettes and coal-alkali reagents, as well as during the operation of other brown coal deposits of the Republic of Kazakhstan with a high content of humic acids in their composition. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The territory of Kazakhstan is considered to be arid zones of dry steppe soils without rains. In these conditions, agricultural technicians resort to plants of halophyte varieties, therefore, the prospects for using this technology are very large, for example, to suppress dust formation on the surface of tailings ponds with the cultivation of green mass of wild plant varieties. Preparations from brown coals can be used to purify water and wines, leach precious metals, etc.