Coal Exploration

Question 1

to search, define and acquire a block of coal which can be mined at a profit.

Answer 1

Coal Exploration

Question 2

Purpose of Exploration

Answer 2

1. To define the extent of the deposit;
2. To determine its quality and quantity;
3. To detect the gaseous level and give way to its emission into the atmosphere;
4. To determine the ideal processing method;
5. To determine the geological characteristic of the coal deposit, such as: geologic
   structures present, host rocks, geometry of the deposit, thickness of overburden, etc.
6. Hydrologic Conditions
7. Engineering Characteristics of coal seam and its surrounding strata.

Question 3

Phases of Coal Exploration

Answer 3

a. Identify exploration targets
b. Confirm and expand existing data thru field recon for use in the initial acquisition of property control and exploration drilling.
c. Acquire control of key tracts w/n the target area and conduct initial wide spaced drilling. Prepare evaluation of the data acquired & run preliminary feasibility studies.
d. Increase drillhole & core density & data accumulation; Continue property acquisition; Prepare Prelim Feasibility Studies.
e. Increase drillhole and core density; Obtain more detailed data and commit the reserve for the final mine feasibility study; Continue property acquisition to at least 90% of the reserve.

Question 4

Planning a Coal Exploration Program

Answer 4

1. Existing Available Primary Geologic Data
2. Initial Information on Type of Coal
3. Terrain Conditions
4. Type of Exploration Methods
   Needed
5. Type of Equipment to be Used
6. Boring Specification such as spacing between holes, depth of holes, sample preservation, groundwater, drilling methodology
7. Logging/Examination of Samples
8. Peace and order;
9. Availability of technical, skilled and
   support personnel at site;
10. water sources;
11. Social acceptability;
12. Exploration Clearances
13. Accessible routes

Question 5

It is the process of drilling
holes through surface and subsurface materials such as
rock, clay, sand or boulders, using a bit inset with diamonds, or rock bits for the purpose of obtaining a
sample or core for visual examination and laboratory
analysis.

Answer 5

Exploration Drilling

Question 6

Common Drilling Techniques for Coal Exploration

Answer 6

1. Rotary Drilling
2. Diamond Core Drilling

Question 7

Types of Diamond Core Drilling

Answer 7

1. Conventional Core Drilling
2. Wireline Core Drilling

Question 8

This method uses a pump or compressor to circulate
a fluid (air, water or drilling mud) through the rods
to cool and lubricate the bit and flush the cuttings
upward, outside the drill rod to the surface.

Answer 8

Rotary Drilling System

Question 9

This uses a rotary-type of drill machine and drilling
fluids in conjunction with a swivel-type double-tube
core barrel. The core barrel consists of inner and outer
tubes separate by a narrow annular space. The inner
tube holds the core and remains stationary during
coring while the outer tube, to which the hollow core
but is attached turns around it.

Answer 9

Conventional Coring System

Question 10

This is modified system over conventional drilling
where it also uses a swivel-type double-tube core
barrel where the inner tube containing the core can be
hoisted through the drill rods while the inner tube and
rods remain in the hole.

Answer 10

Wire-line Coring System

Question 11

Enumerate the specific gravities of coal

Answer 11

Anthracite - 1.47
Bituminous - 1.32
Sub-bituminous 1.30
Lignite - 1.29