Coal - Research in Coal Geology

HE application of geology to problems arising A in coal mining engineering and coal preparation has, in general, been somewhat remote, or the geological problems have involved such simple forms of geological knowledge that the attention of specialists in this field has not been commonly thought necessary. Furthermore, the geology of coal beds and coal mining has received but scant attention in our educational system, even in mining education; so that coal mining engineers have become somewhat conditioned against geological thinking. Geologists, on the other hand, have commonly failed to realize that there are geological aspects to coal mining and coal preparation problems. A further reason why geology receives so little consideration in coal mining undertakings in this country lies in the fact that our coal supplies are, or have been thought to be, almost unlimited, have been easily accessible, and very cheaply mined. Conditions have been changing within recent years. Failures can be less easily endured. Great inroads have been made on our bonanza deposits of easily mined coal and the increasing cost of coal and the increasing difficulty of finding it in easily accessible and large quantities places greater and greater importance on accurate information and good technique in exploration. It seems probable, therefore, that the opinions and aid of geologists will be more commonly sought than in the past in the exploration for coal and in the development and operation of coal mines, and analyses of mining conditions, preparation, and utilization.