Abstract

From 1958 through 1960 a coal drilling program was undertaken in northern Castle Valley, east central Utah, to characterize coal deposits in the Ferron Sandstone Member of the Mancos Shale. Located near Price, Utah, the area was found to contain coal of mineable thickness at depths ranging from 1000 to 2500 ft (300 to 760 m). Core log analysis of the Ferron Sandstone Member in the study area indicates similar depositional patterns to those occurring in the Ferron Sandstone Member in the Emery coal field of southern Castle Valley. Coal beds appear to be developed in alluvial- and delta-plain settings, with zones of thickest coal deposition near landward pinchouts of probable delta front sandstone units.

Characterized as high-volatile A bituminous coal, the coal beds are highly variable in quality containing numerous rock partings and high ash bands. Average ash and sulfur content is higher than most mineable coals in Utah; however, individual benches and seams of coal occur with lower ash and sulfur levels. Basic washability tests indicate beneficiation can significantly enhance the quality of the coal.