Coal resource classification system of the US Geological Survey. [Contains glossary]

Abstract

The definitions, criteria, guidelines, and illustrations are designed to aid coal geologists and engineers in preparing their reports by providing guidance in calculating, categorizing, and describing the coal resources/reserve base/reserves they are evaluating. The description of geophysical log usage also should provide aid in obtaining and using subsurface information on the areal extent, thickness, and correlation of coal beds and should open up a vast and generally untapped data source for most coal geologists. Adherence to the categories of resource assignment, to the definitions, and to the criteria can result in more accurate, precise, explicit, and consistent reports. The classification system and terminology described are equally applicable to hand and computer system determinations of resources and reserves. The illustrations are applicable to manual methods of coal resource/reserve base/reserve tonnage estimations. Computer programs have been designed that will yield similar tonnage estimates of coal resources. Those wishing to inquire about the computer software and methodologies should write to Chief, Branch of Coal Resources, 956 National Center, US Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia 22092.