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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
Houston Geological Society Bulletin
Abstract
Abstract: Coal Geophysics
LM Gochioco & Associates Inc.
GeoNano Technology Corporation
Katy, Texas
Over the last three decades, the application of geophysical technologies to coal has been limited in scope when compared to the petroleum industry. This is largely due to several key factors, namely: limited or lack of capital by mining companies, lack of exposure, inexperienced geophysicists, and more complexity. Thus, the subject of coal geophysics remained largely unknown or mysterious to the geoscience profession and industry.
From 1985 to 2000, Gochioco built
the country’s only multi-faceted
coal geophysics program at the
R&D Department of Consol Energy
Inc. (former Conoco Coal Research
Division). Consol Energy Inc. was
the country’s second largest coal
producer and the world’s largest
operator of underground longwall
mines. The coal geophysics program
was developed to enhance the
operations and safety of company
mines. Various geophysical methods
(seismic, electrical
resistivity
,
electromagnetics, VLF, ground-probing
radar, etc.) were developed and employed to address the
complex upstream and downstream challenges of coal mining.
Case studies will be presented to highlight the benefits of properly executed geophysical projects that provided solutions to problems associated with exploration, engineering, and environmental issues. According to the EIA, global coal consumption is anticipated to increase by 50% by the year 2030 as coal is a relatively cheap and abundant fuel. The speaker will present his recent international exploration activities in countries that are rapidly developing their domestic coal reserves and thus becoming more competitive in the global fuels market through the use of advanced remote-sensing technologies.