Robert B. Finkelman¹

(1) U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA

ABSTRACT: The World Coal Quality Inventory (WoCQI): A Tool for Addressing Global Energy, Technology, Economic, Environmental, and Human Health Issues

Policy makers around the world require accurate information on coal, including coal quality data, to make informed decisions regarding international import needs and export opportunities, foreign policy objectives, technology transfer policies, foreign investment prospects, environmental and health assessments, and byproduct use and disposal issues. Unfortunately, he comprehensive, accurate, current coal quality information needed is generally not available. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in conjunction with partners from about 50 countries, is developing an integrated electronic database (World Coal Quality Inventory: WoCQI). WoCQI will contain coal quality information for samples representing prominent coal beds in all of the major coal-producing countries, as well as coals from many of the smaller producers, and will emphasize information from coals currently being burned. The information that will be incorporated into the database includes, but is not limited to, proximate and ultimate analyses, sulfur-form data, major, minor, and trace elements, semi-quantitative analyses of minerals, modes of occurrence, washability, petrography, and other factors that affect technological behavior, economic byproduct recovery, and environmental impact. This information will be linked to Geographic Information Systems databases showing coal basins and sample locations along with geologic, industrial, and cultural information. WoCQI will be accessible on the USGS web page that will be updated on a regular basis. This multi-national cooperative effort in developing a reliable, comprehensive, global coal quality database that contains a broad array of technologic, economic, and environmental parameters should help to ensure the efficient and environmentally compatible use of our global coal resources in the 21st Century.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90906©2001 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado