Types and Models of Coal-Deposit Exploration in China

Abstract

This paper puts forward the concept of exploration types and exploration models that can be used to find coal deposits. These were developed by taking into account the complexity and spatial differences of geological and geographical conditions of China's coalfield. ‘Exploration types’ here refers to groups of coal deposits similar in terms of the basic features of occurrence of the coal seams and the degree of difficulty of the exploration. ‘Exploration models’ here refers to generalizations and summations of advantageous geological conditions, effective technical exploration methods, and sound exploration programs and layout schemes suitable to different exploration types on the basis of the regularity of the occurrence of coal. Depending upon several factors that determine the degree of difficulty of exploration, such as regional geological conditions, the physical geographic environment, and the level of geological prospecting work performed, exploration for coal deposits can be divided into four types: (1) areas beneath and peripheral to old and existing coal mining zones in eastern China; (2) areas hidden by huge thick Cenozoic cover in eastern and central China; (3) geologically complex areas in eastern and southern China; and (4) geographically and geomorphologically complex areas in western China. In view of the different purposes and tasks involved in exploration, exploration models that are suited to different exploration types have been established, including the application of exploration methods, arrangement of exploration programs, and exploration engineering techniques. New exploration types and models promote the scientific and systematic features of coal geological exploratory engineering.