Today, geology plays an increasingly important role in the development, production, and reclamation of coal properties. The geologic framework of a property is defined by geologic mapping, drilling, logging samples, downhole geophysics, correlation of lithologic units, and review of laboratory analyses. These activities form a data base which is needed by the mine design engineer, the development and production engineers, and the reclamation specialist.

A detailed surface geologic map will be of use throughout the life of a coal mine. This map can best be prepared (after preliminary photogeology) by field mapping, which includes measuring sections and defining structure and stratigraphy. The identification of lithologic units and determination of their engineering characteristics are important because they bear a relation to excavation and slope stability in surface mines, and to roof, pillar, and floor stability in underground mines.

A typical drilling program includes rotary, spot-core, and full-core drilling, geophysical logging, and sample logging. Bulk sampling of coal for physical testing can

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be acquired by open-cut, adit, or test drilling. Core logging is particularly important for determination of the engineering characteristics of rocks. Structure-contour, isopach, overburden, and interburden maps are required in mine design, and ultimately in mine development. Reclamation requires determinations of overburden and interburden chemistry.

Cost and time advantages result if hydrologic and soils/rock quality data are collected early, thereby saving time in the permitting process, and reducing the ultimate cost of reclamation.

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