AN INTEGRATED COAL MODEL OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Recent compilations of coal mine maps, core hole logs, and geologic maps of the southwestern Virginia coalfield have enabled the creation of a new three-dimensional model of the coal-bearing section in Buchanan County, Virginia. This model is composed of 12 layers, each representing a mined coal bed with its respective thickness and elevation data and mined out areas. Over 1,500 georeferenced coal mine maps and geologic maps of the area have yielded close to 150,000 elevation and thickness data points which were used in the generation of coal bed surfaces. The coal bed surfaces for this model were generated using geostatistical methods enabling error and confidence levels to be established for any location. The high level of detail and spatial accuracy in this model exceeds previous attempts to generate a regional integration of coalfield data and permit a better understanding of the local stratigraphy. Application of this model will not only improve estimates of remaining coal resources, but will have the added benefit of enhancing mine safety.