Neogene coal characteristics and depositional environments in

the Kikim Area of South Sumatra Basin; Insights from logging,

proximate test, sulphur test and electrofacies
Idarwati1 and Dita Maulia1

1 Sriwijaya University, Indralaya, Indonesia

Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT
Neogene coal is the main producer in the Kikim area (Gumay Talang District, Lahat
Regency) of South Sumatra Basin and is part of the Muaraenim Formation. However, the
characteristic and depositional environment of this Neogene coal are still poorly understood.
This research was conducted to determine the characteristics and distribution model of
coal seams, as well as its depositional environment. Coal seam characteristics include
thickness, description, coal rank, depositional structure, and coal seam depositional
environment. The methods used in this research are well-logging, proximate and ultimate
tests, and electro facies. Geophysical logging analysis was carried out at four drilling points.
The results of the analysis from well logging found four seams in order from youngest to
oldest seam, namely seam B, seam C, seam D, and seam E. Seam B has the most significant
thickness, namely 9.55 meters, Seam C 2.29 meters, seam D 4.90 meters and Seam E 2.10
meters. The ASTM classification shows that the coal seam is included in the coal rank Sub-
bituminous B – Sub-bituminous A. The determination of coal rank uses the ASTM D-388
classification, which aims to identify the coal grade. The parameters used in determining
coal rank are fixed carbon content, calorific value, and volatile matter. The depositional
structure found at the research location is split. The depositional environment
interpretation of coal seams uses three parameters lithofacies, sulphur content and electro
facies. Our research revealed that the study area's depositional environment is in the upper
delta plain in the backswamp-floodplain section.

Keywords: Neogene coal, Kikim, Muaraenim Formation, South Sumatra Basin

Copyright ©2024 by Author, published by FOSI. Author doesn’t retain all rights. This is an
open access article distributed under Creative Commons license (CC-BY-SA 4.0).
Manuscript received: 26 Mar 2024, revised manuscript received: 30 May 2024, final
acceptance: 10 Jun 2024. DOI: 10.51835/bsed.2024.50.1.460

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 75

INTRODUCTION This research was conducted in an
open-pit mining area that has already
This research focuses on the
been mined and is managed by PT. Batu
characteristics and identification of
Alam Selaras. Administratively, the
depositional environments using logging
company is located in Tanjung Beringin
data, proximate and sulphur tests, and
Village, Gumay Talang District, Lahat
electro facies developed in coal
Regency, South Sumatra. The main
exploration. Indonesia is a country
producer is Neogene coal; however, the
blessed with abundant natural
characteristic and depositional
resources, one of which is coal
environment of this Neogene coal are
resources. South Sumatra is known as
still poorly understood. This research
one of Indonesia's provinces with
was conducted to determine the
abundant coal resources because it is
characteristics and distribution model
located in the South Sumatra Basin, a
of coal seams, as well as its depositional
back-arc basin. This basin has two coal-
environment. The method applied in
bearing formations, namely the
this research uses the well-logging
Muaraenim Formation and the Air
method; this method has a relatively
Benakat Formation (Gafoer et al., 1986).
high level of data accuracy. The well
Coal is a deposit composed of organic
logging method is a way to continuously
materials originating from plant
collect data by taking measurements in
remains that have undergone various
drill holes to explore variations in the
stages of decay (decomposition) and
physical properties of rocks found
changes in physical and chemical
during the drilling process (Reeves,
properties both before and after being
1986 in Dwitama, 2019). Apart from
covered by overlying deposits (Stach,
being used to understand geological
1982). Coal seams can be found in
aspects, this method also helps in
varying conditions, including extensive
collecting various other types of data,
layers, irregular layers, regular layers,
such as depth, distribution, thickness,
thinned layers, thickened layers, and
and quality of coal seams based on the
diverse geometries. Geological
density value and the volume of shale,
structures, such as folds and faults, can
as well as overcoming problems that
influence the distribution and
arise when drilling, such as checking
characteristics of coal seams (Ernia et
the actual depth of each layer, especially
al., 2020). Geological structures, such
coal seams, including parting and other
as folds and faults, can influence coal
components (Dewanto, 2009).
quality and seam geometry. According
to Kusuma et al. (2012), the quality of
According to Bakri et al. (2022), coal has
coal is influenced by several factors,
different characteristics depending on
including sulphur content, ash content,
the depositional environment and type
moisture content, fixed carbon, and
of plant, so coal has a high level of
calorific value. Meanwhile, the
physical and chemical variability. As a
parameters that influence the geometry
result of this variability, coal quality
of the coal seam include thickness, dip,
parameterization is carried out.
distribution, shape, and continuity of
Determining coal quality can be
the coal seam.
obtained by knowing the quality
parameters of coal (Kusuma et al.,
Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 76
2012). The parameters used to programming language method in
determine coal quality are total moisture Python was used to solve the problem of
content, ash content, calorific value, estimating deviations in calculations for
volatile matter (VM), carbon content the ash estimation (Yusefi et al., 2019).
(fixed carbon), and sulphur content This research is an update on previous
(Hilmi et al., 2021). According to Givi et methods, to better understanding the
al. (2017), the depositional environment characteristics and depositional
influences the thickness, distribution, environment of Miocene coal in the
continuity, roof, and sulphur content, Kikim Block at PT Batualam Selaras –
as well as tectonic activity in the Lahat - South Sumatra Basin.
formation of coal seams. Based on
Dissel (1992), the coal deposition GEOLOGICAL SETTING
environment influences the sulphur
Based on geological mapping, the
content. Coal with high sulphur content
lithology of the rocks in the study area
usually comes from topogenic swamp
includes claystone, siltstone,
types with high water levels and pH,
sandstone, coal, and carbonaceous
generally occurring in lower delta and
claystone (Figure 1). These are grouped
tidal flat environments. On the other
into three rock units: the siltstone unit
hand, coal with low sulphur content
of the Muaraenim Formation, the coal
comes from topogenic peat with a low
intercalation of the Muaraenim
water table and pH, generally developing
Formation, and the sandstone unit of
in terrestrial areas in upper delta plain
the Muaraenim Formation.
and tidal flat environments. The
depositional environment can also be
The South Sumatra Basin is a Tertiary
determined by looking at the gamma-ray
back-arc basin that trends southeast-
curve pattern, which is also called northwest. The southwestern part of
electro facies (Roslin et al., 2016). this basin is bounded by the Semangko
Electro facies is the basic principle of Fault and the Bukit Barisan Mountains,
identifying log images related to
while the northeastern part is bordered
depositional environments or
by the Sunda Shelf and the Lampung
depositional environment associations High to the southeast, which separates
in well-logs. different (Schmitt, et al., it from the Sunda Basin. Additionally, it
2013). According to Cant (1992) in is bounded by the Duabelas Mountains
Setiahadiwibowo (2016), there are five
and Tigapuluh Mountains to the
basic shape patterns of the log GR curve
southeast, separating it from the
in response to the deposition process, Central Sumatra Basin (De Coster,
namely cylindrical/box, funnel shape, 1974; Pratiwi, 2013). According to
bell shape, symmetrical – asymmetrical Pulonggono et al., (1992) in Barber et al.
shape, and irregular. This research
(2005), the development of the South
identified the depositional environment
Sumatra Basin occurred through three
with three parameters including (1) tectonic phases: the Rifting Phase, the
lithofacies by looking at the lithology Extensional Phase, and the
around the coal (interburden and Compression Phase. The research area
overburden), (2) sulphur and ash
is a back-arc basin that is located in the
content, and (3) electro facies by looking
South Sumatra Basin. The stratigraphy
at the Gamma Ray curve graph. The C#
Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 77
 Figure 1: Geological map of Bengkulu Quadrangle, showing research area (red box) at
the upper right corner of the map (Gafoer et al., 1993).

of the research area includes the Cretaceous Age). In this phase, Jurassic
Muaraenim Formation, which consists intrusion into Cretaceous age granite
of sandstone, mudstone, and tuff and wrench movement produces the
sandstone lithologies with lignite inserts WNW - ESE dextral strike-slip fault. In
(Gafoer et al., 1993). The Muaraenim the second the extensional phase (Late
Formation is coal-bearing and wide Cretaceous-Early Tertiary), there was a
open on the anticline side. In this change in the direction of tectonic
formation, large amounts of coal forces, which produced a fault in the N-
outcrops were found; all are part of the S direction, sedimentary material from
M4 coal seam group (Shell, 1978). the Lahat Formation began to fill the
basin which developed along with
Based on Pulunggono et al., (1992) in volcanic activity. Moreover, Miocene or
Barber et al., (2005), there are three Intra Miocene tectonics caused the
tectonic phases of Sumatra Island that basin edge was lifted. Clastic material
form the characteristics of each different began to be deposited, namely the
sub-basin, including structural Talangakar Formation, Baturaja
patterns, thickness of sedimentary Formation, Gumai Formation and
deposits and hydrocarbon traps, which Airbenakat Formation. The third phase
is formed. The first phase is the is the Middle Miocene-Recent
compression phase (Early Jurassic- compression phase in which the basin

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 78

experienced fault reactivation resulted parameters including sulphur, Carbon,
uplift and formation of significant Hydrogen, and Oxygen contents. In this
anticlinoriums in the South Sumatra study, only sulphur and ash contents
Basin, such as the Gumay, Muaraenim, that were used. The samples used are
Pendopo-Benakat, and Palembang the same as those used in the proximate
Anticlinoriums. When this phase test. The coal deposition environment
occurred, Bukit Barisan was oriented N can be determined by ash and sulphur
320°E and created a third phase called contents. The depositional environment
the Bukit Barisan orogenesis. As a can also be seen from logging data in
result, structures developed in the form gamma-ray curve patterns on each coal
of horizontal faults during the Middle seam, called the electro facies method.
Miocene, accompanied by increased
volcanic activity. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The lithology found is siltstone,
DATA AND METHODS mudstone, coal, and sandstone.
The research methodology includes data Geophysical logging analysis was
collection, analysis, and interpretation carried out at four drilling well locations.
of research results. Data collection There are four seams that are observed
consists of primary data and secondary in the research area. These seams from
data. The primary data was obtained youngest to oldest seam are seam B,
from the results of field geological seam C, seam D, and seam E. Seam B
mapping, and secondary data is has the most significant thickness, 9.55
supporting data provided by the meters, Seam C 2.29 meters, seam D
company from previous researchers. 4.90 meters, and Seam E 2.10 meters.
Data analysis for well-logging according
to Yusefi et al. (2019), is a measurement Based on proximate tests, seam B has a
carried out to obtain subsurface data CV (moisture-mineral matter free basis
using measuring instruments inserted / mmmf) value of 10392 Kcal/kg. Seam
into drill holes, which are used to C has a CV (mmmf) value of 10639
identify rock lithology, depth, thickness, Kcal/kg, and seam D has a CV (mmmf)
and quality of coal. Logging analysis was value of 10368 Kcal/kg, according to the
carried out using Well Cad software. ASTM Classification of coal seams at PT.
Proximate and ultimate test methods Batualam Selaras is included in the coal
are used to determine coal quality. rank Sub-bituminous B – Sub-
bituminous A. The depositional
According to Dwivedi et al., (2022), structure found at the research location
within the scope of coal quality analysis, is split. Splitting occurred in Seam C. In
the proximate test has several seam C, parting was found to indicate
parameters, namely Moisture Content, splitting in the eastern part of the study
Volatile Matter, Fixed Carbon, Ash area. Apart from that, in seam D, there
Content, and Calorie Value (Calorific is also splitting, thickening, and
Value). This Proximate Test was carried thinning of the coal seam, which is
out on three coal samples. Taken from caused by the influence of the sinking
composite samples of the three seams process during the deposition process. If
namely seam B, seam C, and seam D. the sinking occurs quickly, the formed
The ultimate test consists of several layer will be thick, and vice versa.
Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 79
 Table 1. Depth, Thickness, and Coal Seam
WELL TRUE Vshale Density
FROM TO THICKNESS LITHOLOGY SEAM
ID THICKNES (%) (gr/cc)
P-03 7.1 10.3 3.2 2.45 Coal C 0.6 1.24
41,1 50,4 9.3 7.1 Coal B1 2 1.24
50.6 53,2 2,6 1.99 Coal B2 0.3 1.28
P-04 30.9 32.15 1.25 0,95 Coal E1 2.6 1.27
38 38,9 0.9 0.68 Coal E2 1.5 1.32
41,1 42 0,9 0.68 Coal D1 4.3 1.49
43 43.2 0.2 0.15 Coal D2 1 1.3
44.2 46.7 2.5 1,92 Coal D3 1 1.25
47.7 49.6 1.9 1.45 Coal D4 0.3 1.3
49.8 50.1 0.3 0.22 Coal D5 0.16 1.4
73.2 75.9 2.7 2.06 Coal C 0.6 1.2
P-05 7.4 9.2 1.8 1.38 Coal E1 1 1.13
11.48 13.1 1.62 1.24 Coal E2 1.3 1.2
16.4 17.2 0.8 0.61 Coal D1 0.6 1.24
18.83 19.05 0.22 0.16 Coal D2 0.8 1.3
19.92 23.4 3.48 2.67 Coal D3 1 1.28
24,1 27.2 3.1 2.37 Coal D4 0.6 1.27
27.6 29,8 2.2 1.68 Coal D5 0.6 1.25
39.7 40,9 1.2 0,91 Coal C1 2 1.23
41.4 42.9 1.5 1.14 Coal C2 0.5 1.27
P-06 10.5 12.67 2.17 1.66 Coal D1 0.24 1.28
14.95 16 1.05 0.8 Coal D2 0.3 1.26
17.7 17.82 0.12 0.09 Coal D3 0.21 1.56
18.35 19.73 1.38 1.05 Coal D4 1 1.25
19.94 20.1 0.16 0.12 Coal D5 1.3 1.37
37.65 40 2.35 1.8 Coal C1 3 1.29
40.1 40.97 0.87 0.66 Coal C2 1 1.34

Table 2. Average Thickness of Coal Seam Table 1 Depth, Thickness, and Coal Seam
SEAM Thickness True Thickness
B 12,5 9,55
C 2,99 2,29
D 6,44 4,9
E 2,76 2,1

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If the sinking occurs slowly, then the depth of 68.48 m; the P-04 well has a
layer formed will thin. depth of 79.68 m, the P-05 well has a
depth of 68.18 m, and the P-06 well has
Based on the sulphur content, the coal a drilling depth of 84.34 m. The
seams at the study are generally have a following is an analysis of drilled wells at
low sulphur content, which indicates the research location (Table 1).
the upper delta plain environment.
According to Erkoyun et al. (2017), the The drilling angle must be adjusted to
higher the ash content in the same type the coal geometry and the deposit shape
of coal, the lower its calorific value. If a perpendicular to the seam to obtain true
coal seam contains many partings, the thickness data (Table 2). Vertical drilling
ash content will be high, and the is measured at a 90-degree angle from
calorific value will decrease. Based on the horizontal surface of the earth, while
the ash content, seam C has the highest inclined drilling is measured at an angle
ash content with a parting. The less than 90 degrees from the horizontal
presence of parting in coal seams can surface of the earth.
influence the value of ash content
compared to coal seams that do not 𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 = 𝑤
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑑𝑖𝑝 + 𝑑𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 )
have parting. The presence of partings
in coal seams is caused by flood runoff
Seam Analysis of Coal
after coal deposition, after which the
coal is deposited again so that partings Lithological interpretation is based on
(insertions) originating from the response of gamma-ray and density
sedimentary material are formed. logs, which are then presented as
Judging from the electro facies, the subsurface stratigraphic profiles using
gamma-ray log curve pattern of the coal Well Cad software. Each rock shows a
seam has a cylindrical/boxcar curve different response, influenced by the
pattern, which characterizes the rock's physical properties, specific
depositional environment of fluvial gravity, and porosity. Mudstone and silt,
channels. Based on the lithology found for example, have a denser log response
in the field in the form of mudstone, due to their fine grain size, so the
siltstone, and basal sandstone from gamma-ray beam detects slowly. In
fluvial material which was deposited in contrast, in coal, gamma-ray logs tend
a flood plain - back swamp environment towards the minimum with low Log
so that the depositional environment is ASCII Standard (LAS) values, while long-
included in the upper delta plain, density and short-density logs tend
supported by the presence of parting in towards the maximum, so they are
the form of mudstone in the coal seam. inversely proportional to the response of
the gamma-ray log (Agnes, 2019). LAS is
Drilling Analysis
a commonly used file format in the
At the research location, there are four petroleum and well industries for
wells with a distance of approximately effectively storing information. The LAS
file format is a binary file format
200 meters from one well to another,
specifically designed to store lidar point
namely wells P-03, P-04, P-05, and P-06
cloud data. It was developed and is
(Figure 4). The P-03 well has a drilling
maintained by the American Society for
Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 81
Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing graph, gamma ray seam E has a
(ASPRS) as a standard format for data cylindrical/boxcar electrofacies pattern.
exchange and lidar interoperability. This
research was conducted at four drilled Coal Quality Analysis
well points in the Kikim Block PT.
Coal ranking is determined using three
Batualam Selaras. Based on the results
parameters based on the American
of logging data analysis at four drill
Standard for Testing and Material
points, four coal seams were found.
(ASTM) D-388 classification. This
The distribution of Seam B was only classification refers to the rank of coal or
found in the P-03 well (Figure 2). Based the level of metamorphosis that occurs
on logging data, seam B has a thickness during the coalification process from
of 11.9 meters. Seam B in this well has lignite to anthracite (Ardinata, 2019).
IB in the form of discontinuous bone The parameters used in determining
coal. Based on the gamma-ray log coal ranking are fixed carbon content,
graph, Seam B has a cylindrical/boxcar calorific value, and volatile matter.
electro facies pattern. Kusuma, (2012) in Nuramila, (2019)
state that for high-rank coal (fixed
The distribution of seam C was found in carbon ≥ 69%), the relevant parameters
wells P-03, P-04, P-05, and P-06 (Figure are the amount of fixed carbon and
3). In well P-05, seam C was found to volatile matter. Meanwhile, the
have Inter-burden (IB) in the form of parameter used is the calorific value for
mudstone. Inter-Burden refers to the low-rank coal (fixed carbon ≤ 69%). In
layer of overburden that lies between testing the coal proximate analysis at
two coal seams. Judging from the log PT. Batualam Selaras, the coal
graph, gamma ray seam C has a proximate test results were obtained
cylindrical/boxcar electro facies according to ASTM (American Society for
pattern. Testing) standards as follows:

The distribution of seam D was found in - Ash Content

wells P-04, P-05, and P-06 (Figure 4).
Based on logging data, seam D has According to Thomas (2013), ash
Inter-burden (IB) as mudstone. Inter- content is the residual matter left after
Burden refers to the layer of overburden the combustion process. Ash is typically
that lies between two coal seams. formed from mineral matter.
Judging from the gamma ray log graph,
seam D has a cylindrical/boxcar electro - Moisture
facies pattern.
Moisture is the water content found in
coal. There are three types of moisture:
The distribution of seam E was found in
(1) Free Surface Moisture: Water present
wells P-04 and P-05 (Figure 5). Based on
on the surface of the coal. (2) Inherent
logging data, seam E has Inter-burden
(IB) as mudstone. Inter-Burden refers to Moisture: Water naturally bound within
the layer of overburden that lies between the coal's structure. (3) Total Moisture:
The total amount of water content in the
two coal seams. Judging from the log
coal.

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 Figure 2: Seam B in well P-03.

- Calorific Value The sulphur content in coal consists of

several components: pyritic sulphur,
Calorific value is the amount of energy sulphate sulphur, organic sulphur.
obtained from the combustion of coal.
- Air Dried Basis (ADB
- Fixed Carbon
Air Dried Basis (ADB) refers to the
Fixed carbon is the amount of carbon quality value of coal after it has
remaining in coal after the moisture, undergone a drying process in the air.
ash, and volatile matter content are The coal sample is spread out and left to
removed. The higher the fixed carbon dry at room temperature in a laboratory
(FC) content, the higher the calorific until it reaches equilibrium with the
value of the coal. room temperature.

- Volatile Matter To convert the content of carbon, volatile

matter from the as-determined basis
Volatile matter is the organic component
in coal that vaporizes when heated to a (adb) to the dry, mineral-matter-free
specific temperature. basis (dmmf) and moist, mineral-
matter-free basis (mmmf), the following
- Sulphur Content
formulas are generally used:

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Btu = 1,8185 x CV(adb) Btu = British Termal Unit

CV(mmmf)=
( 𝐵𝑡𝑢−50𝑥𝑆) 100 FC = % Fixed Carbon (adb)
(100−( 1,08𝑥𝐴+0,55𝑥𝑇𝑆) )

( 𝐹𝐶−0,15 𝑋 𝑆) 100
VM = % Volatile Matter
FC (dmmf) =
(100−( 𝑀+1,08𝑥𝐴+0,55𝑥𝑇𝑆) )
M = % Moisture (adb)
VM (dmmf) = 100 - FC (dmmf)
A= % Ash (adb)
Key:
TS = % Total Sulphur (adb)

Figure 3: Seam C in wells P-03, P-04, P-05 and P-06

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 84

 Figure 4: Seam D in wells P-04, P-05, and P-06

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 Figure 5: Seam E in wells P-04, and P-05

Table 3. Coal Test Results (air-dried basis [adb])

NO SEAM SAMPLE CODE TM IM ASH VM FC TS CV

% % % % % % (AR) (ADB) (DAF)

(AR) (ADB) (ADB) (ADB) (ADB) (ADB)

1 B PIT/BAS/B/COMP 34.63 15.84 4.33 41.19 38.64 0.17 4274 5503 6893

2 C PIT/BAS/C/COMP 31.25 14.15 9.24 41.01 35.60 0.46 4256 5314 6936

3 D PIT/BAS/D/COMP 34.29 15.73 5.66 40.55 38.06 0.44 4228 5422 6897

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 Table 4. Conversion Results of Proximate Test Basis Adb (Air Dry Basis) to mmmf (Moist
Mineral Matter Free)

NO. SEAM SAMPLE CODE CV

Kcal/kg
(MMMF)

1 B PIT/BAS/B/COMP 10392

2 C PIT/BAS/C/COMP 10629

3 D PIT/BAS/D/COMP 10398

Table 5. Classification of coal ranks based on ASTM

NO American Cla ssification Fixed Carbon Volatile Calorific

dmmf (%) Matter Value mmmf
Class Group dmmf (%) (Btu/lb)

1 Lignite B <6300

A 6300-8300

2 Sub-bituminous C 8300-9500

B 9500-10500

A 10500-11500

3 Bituminous High volatile C 11500-13000

High volatile B 13000-14000

High volatile A <69 >31 >14000

Medium-volatile 69-78 22-31

bituminous

Low-volatile bituminous 78-86 14-22

4 Anthracitic Semianthracitic 86-92 14 - 22

Anthracitic 92-98 02-Agu

Meta-anthracitic >98 <2

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Based on the ASTM classification of coal m, and three coal seams were found,
seams at PT. Batualam Selaras is namely seam C, seam D, and seam E.
included in the Sub-bituminous B – Well P-06 had a drilling depth of 84.34
Sub-bituminous A coal rank. m, and two coal seams were found,
namely seam C and seam D.

Based on the well logging

correlation, seam B was only
found in well P-03, and seam C
was found in wells P-03, P-04,
and P-05. Seam D was found in
wells P-04 and P-5 and seam E
was found in wells P-04 and P-
Seam E 05 (Figure 6). In seam C and
seam D, parting indicated
Seam D splitting in the eastern part of
the research area. Seam D
experiences thickening and
thinning of the coal seam due
to the influence of the basin
subsidence process during the
Seam C
deposition process. According
to Parwati (2022), if the
subsidence of the basin occurs
rapidly, the coal layers that
form tend to be thicker. On the
other hand, if the basin
Seam B subsidence occurs slowly, the
coal layers formed tend to be
thinner. The basin subsidence
speed factor is an essential
parameter in forming the
Figure 6: Coal well logging correlation. structure and characteristics
of the coal seam in seam D.
Coal Seam Correlation
Coal Seam Depositional Environment
There are four drilled well points with a
distance of approximately 200 meters According to Dissel (1992), coal with
from one drilled well to the drilled well high sulphur content comes from
(Fig 6), namely well P-03, well P-04, well topogenic swamp types with high water
P-05, and well P-06. Well P-03 has a levels and pH. This generally occurs in
drilling depth of 68.48 m, and seams B lower delta and tidal flat (intertidal-
and C were found in this well. Well P-04 subtidal) environments, where the
had a depth of 79.68 m, and three coal swamp often experiences seawater
seams were found: seam C, seam D, and invasion. In contrast, coal with low
seam E. Well P- 05 has a depth of 68.18 sulphur content comes from topogenic

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peat with a low water table and pH. This coal is deposited again so that partings
swamp type develops in terrestrial (inserts) originating from sedimentary
environments, especially in upper delta material are formed. If seen from the
plain and tidal flat (supratidal- gamma-ray log curve pattern, the coal
intertidal) environments (Figure 7). seam has a Cylindrical/Boxcar curve
pattern that characterizes the fluvial
Based on the table 6, the sulphur channels' depositional environment.
content of the three seams is low, Based on field data, the lithology found
indicating that the coal seams'

Figure 6: Depositional environment of the research area based on vertical depositional

sequences in the upper delta plain – fluvial depositional environment (Home, et al., 1978).

depositional environment at this at the research location is mudstone,

sandstone, coal, and siltstone. This
research location is the upper delta material originates from a fluvial
plain environment. Based on the ash deposition in a flood plain–back swamp
content, seam C has the highest ash environment (e.g. Horne et al., 1978;
content because seam C has a parting. Parwati, 2022).
The presence of parting in coal seams
can influence the value of ash content CONCLUSIONS
compared to coal seams that do not
have parting. The presence of partings This work has focused on the analysis of
in coal seams is caused by flood runoff Neogene coal at the Kikim area of South
after coal deposition, after which the Sumatra Basin, and concluded that:

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 89

Table 6. Classification of Sulphur Content and Ash Content of Research Locations according
to (Hunt, 1984)

ASH TS ASH
SULPHUR
SEAM
% % CONTENT
CONTENT
(ADB) (ADB)

B 4.33 0.17 Low Low

C 9.24 0.46 Low High

D 5.66 0.44 Low Medium

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