The coal deposit is hosted within the Jurassic Hojedk Formation, where coal seams occur within shale and sandstone sequences. The mineralization is concentrated in three principal coal-bearing zones, designated A, B, and C. Coal seam thickness varies from 0.2 to 3 meters, with localized thickening observed in areas affected by geological folding and structural deformation. Most coal seams dip between 15° and 25°, although steeper dips occur adjacent to the axes of major folds.
The Chah Badam deposit contains thermal coal with an average specific gravity of approximately 1.4 g/cm³, making it suitable for a variety of industrial and energy-related applications.
Exploration Activities
Comprehensive exploration programs have been carried out at Chah Badam Mine, including exploration trenching, reverse circulation (RC) drilling, and diamond core drilling. These investigations have provided detailed information on the geometry, continuity, thickness, and quality of the coal seams, forming the basis for mine planning and extraction design.
Mining Method
Due to the relatively gentle dip of the coal seams, mining operations are conducted using the open-pit mining method. Following overburden removal, coal is extracted using modern mining equipment and transported for subsequent processing and utilization. This mining approach provides a safe, efficient, and economically viable method for exploiting the deposit.
Role in the Value Chain
The Chah Badam Mine is one of Sormak's strategic coal assets and serves as an important source of thermal coal for the Company's mining and industrial operations. Through detailed geological investigations, appropriate mine planning, and the selection of mining methods tailored to local geological conditions, Sormak aims to maximize resource recovery while ensuring sustainable and efficient exploitation of the deposit.
Mine Highlights
Located in Bahabad County, Yazd Province, Iran
Proprietary coal mine owned by Sormak Mines Company
Thermal coal with an average specific gravity of approximately 1.4 g/cm³
Hosted within the Jurassic Hojedk Formation of the Central Iran Structural Zone
Coal mineralization developed in three principal zones (A, B, and C)
Comprehensive exploration program including trenching, RC drilling, and diamond core drilling
Open-pit mining operation utilizing modern mining equipment
Mine development based on detailed geological studies and optimized engineering design