The Coal Handbook: Towards Cleaner Production

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Coal resources and reserves

L.P. Thomas,     Dargo Associates Ltd, UK

Abstract:

Coal resources still make up a significant proportion of the world’s energy supplies. Coal resources are estimated to be 860 billion tonnes. These resources are geographically well distributed and current production provides fuel for 29% of the world’s primary energy consumption. The classification of coal resources and reserves has been redefined in recent years, with the standards and codes of practice adopted by the principal coal-producing countries being equated on a global basis. Details of the principal classifications are given, together with their international equivalents. Reporting of resources and reserves plus methods of calculation are also given, ...