geographic information systems and coal reserve analysis

1. Geographic Information Systems and Coal Reserve Analysis Erik Westman Mining and Minerals Engineering Virginia Tech

3. What is a GIS? “A geographic information system is a special case of information systems where the database consists of observations on spatially distributed features, activities, or events, which are definable in space as points, lines, or areas. A GIS manipulates data about these points, lines, and areas to retrieve data for ad hoc queries and analyses.” - Dueker, 1979

4. What is a GIS? Geographic Spatial data Information Visualize and analyze System Computer-based

5. What is a GIS? Tool for overlaying maps Allows rapid visualization of user-defined maps Database and analysis functions separate it from CAD Replaces “pen and ink” maps

6. History of GIS 1950 planning textbook Manual map overlay for analysis 1962 MIT planners 26 maps showing desirability of highways Weighted map overlays 1960’s development with computers 1970’s development of different programs 1980’s and 1990’s maturing of technology

7. General Case Studies Finding the best location for a new showroom Finding where your best customers are located

8. Stages of Technological Acceptance Reluctance to use technology Cautious acceptance of technology Final full use of technology

9. Why use a GIS? Maps are secure and better organized Increases consistency throughout organization Map revisions are easier and faster Easier to search, analyze, and present data

11. Functions of a GIS Data assimilation and storage Data management / conversion Analysis Modeling Display

12. GIS data Maps Images GPS Text Tables

13. Government involvement Federal Geographic Data Committee coordinates… National Spatial Data Infrastructure policies, standards, and procedures for organizations to cooperatively produce and share geographic data 17 federal agencies

14. Background data sources US Geological Survey: http://nsdi.usgs.gov/ US Bureau of the Census: http://tiger.census.gov/ ESRI: http://www.esri.com/data/online/index.html VDMR: FTP: pulaski.mme1.state.va.us Digital products Private vendors

15. OUTLINE What is a GIS? Use of GIS in Regional Coal Estimation Analysis of VA Coal Reserves

16. Past Studies 1951 - Brown et al., USGS 10.8 billion tons in field 467 million tons in Lee County 1991 - Campbell et al., VDMR 871 million tons in Lee County 52.5 million tons produced from 1951-1991

17. Research Goals

18. Database Development 17 parameters, 26 seams State Outcrops, Previous Mining Seam Thickness and In-Seam Reject Land-Use Restrictions USGS, USBM Coal Quality- Sulfur, Ash Washability

21. Resource Results

22. Comparison to Brown Study (1951)

23. Comparison to Lee County Study (1991)

28. Research Goals

29. Research Goals

30. Economic Model Development Determine Economic Reserves Question industry about mining costs Subtract costs from “ideal” mining conditions Develop equation for mining costs based on mining conditions Use results to adjust reserves amounts for changes in sales price of coal

31. Model Utilization County and State Planning Industrial development Technologic Development Thinner seam equipment Reject separation Sulfur considerations Tax Credits Seam thickness Sulfur content

32. Example - Influence of Sulfur, Btu/lb.

33. Example - Influence of Seam Thickness

34. Continuous Miner Profit Model

35. OUTLINE What is a GIS? Use of GIS in Regional Coal Estimation Analysis of VA Coal Reserves

39. Shallow Seams

41. Conclusions A GIS is a powerful tool with many applications A GIS has several uses in the coal industry GIS-based reserve estimation for VA indicates declining production and fewer remaining shallow thick seams