Reconstruction of provenance and tectonic setting of the Middle Jurrasic Yan'an Formation (Ordos Basin, North China) by analysis of major, trace and rare earth elements in the coals

•Geochemical characteristics of the Mid-Jurassic coal were investigated.•The inorganics in the coals were mainly from the felsic and intermediate rocks.•Their source rocks are mostly deposited in a continental inland arc setting.•The coal-bearing sequence may have a diverse provenance.