In 1907, the first studies of the state's coal reserves were initiated as part of the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey's statewide geological mapping program. Since then, extensive work has been conducted to map and characterize the state's 62 minable seams. This effort has shown that the coals exhibit a wide diversity of quality, and this diversity provides the coal user a choice of grades to meet specifications for varied applications. Approximately 6,000 coal samples have been analyzed and a computer data base of coal-quality information is now maintained and continues to grow. An extensive coal-quality mapping project makes this information convenient to use.

The objective of coal-quality mapping is to produce a series of contour maps showing the variations in coal quality for the most important seams. Parameters being mapped include sulfur, ash, Btu, fuel ratio, Hardgrove grindability, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and kilocalories per kilogram. This type of information is extremely valuable for someone interested in buying, selling, evaluating, or developing West Virginia coal.

The maps are computer-generated at a scale of 1:500,000 and

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show the trends of coal-quality parameters for individual seams. The maps are supplemented by a computer program that searches the data base and generates a printout of geographical areas within the state where coal has been sampled that meets the desired specifications. These computer techniques go a long way in helping the user to find target areas within the state to match the right coal to the desired end use.

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