Abstract: Evaluating Coal Property and Maximizing Total Recoverable Reserve

Guy Padgett, Ken Fishel

CONSOL uses a three-phase exploration strategy to evaluate and maximize recoverable above-drainage multiseam coal reserve for Appalachian properties. Above-drainage coal evaluation is more complex than below-drainage in that a variety of mining strategies precluded in deep reserves can be used to exploit shallow coals. Multiseam above-drainage reserve evaluation is complicated further because mining one seam may alter or eliminate recoverable reserve for another. A mining method that extracts the easiest coal tons to boost early production may sacrifice significant reserve.

The exploration program consists of an initial drilling program to define the geometry and characteristics of the coal seams and associated rock bodies. Economically significant geologic features such as parting or riders are evaluated using appropriate models. Next, coal-quality data from all seams and the area physiography are integrated into the data file. Coal geometry, geology, and physical properties and the physiography are used in the final evaluating phase. First, the property is divided into subareas based on mining strategies and the effects of the mining of one subarea on adjacent areas are assessed. For example, recoverable reserve for one subarea ranged from 4 × 10⁶ tons to 9 × 10⁶ tons. After all interacting subareas are examined, an over ll mine development plan is selected and recoverable reserve is allocated property-wide. As the focus shifts from evaluation to exploitation, the mining engineer calls from the same data bank, providing a smooth and efficient transition.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90968©1977 AAPG-SEPM Annual Convention and Exhibition, Washington, DC