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COAL EXPLORATION TECHNIQUES 

COAL EXPLORATION TECHNIQUES


AND REPORTING

21st July 2009
July 2009 MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG
MGEI  IAGI SEMINAR BANDUNG
Mike Friederich
M. Aus. IMM
mfrieder@bigpond.net.au 1
AGENDA

Introduction
Resource Reporting Codes – an Introduction
Exploration Stages
Exploration Stages

Exploration Reporting
p p g

Conclusion

Discussion

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 2


EXPLORATION STAGES

INFERRED INDICATED MEASURED


JORC STAGE: EXPLORATION RESULTS
RESOURCE RESOURCE RESOURCE
INITIAL DRILL PRE-
STAGE RESEARCH RECONNAISSANCE FIELD MAPPING FEASIBILITY
DRILLING TESTING FEASIBILITY

Data collection; Reconnaissance Detailed Satellite Wide spaced Typically 2 to 4 Drilling typically Drilling typically
prepare GIS data mapping Imagery Interp drilling km spacing 1 km spacing 500m spacing
Quality, seam Estimate Initial
Study regional thickness, inferred geotechnical Geotechnical
TASKS
geological setting Outcrop Logging Field Mapping resource potential resources studies drilling
Reliable Bulk Sample;
p ; or
Preliminary Coal rank / quality topographic large diameter
depositional model assessment Scout Drilling maps core
Check Estimate Estimate
environmental Indicated Measured
issues / land status Resources Resources

I
Increasing
i confidence
fid
RESERVES Probable Proved

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 3


Three Principles of the Reporting Codes
The Codes like CRIRSCO and JORC for reporting coal
resources and q quality
y – and also for exploration
p p
planning.
g
These codes have 3 principles, which give investors more
certainty on the results:

•Transparency
- clear and unambiguous presentation of information.
• Materiality
M t i lit
- all the information reasonably required and expected
• Competence
p
- public reports based on work undertaken by Competent
Persons

4
Relationship – Exploration Results, Resources, Reserves

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Coal Resources and Coal Reserves
A Coal Resource is that part of a deposit with reasonable prospects 
for eventual economic extraction. The location, quantity, quality, 
,q y, q y,
geological characteristics and continuity of a Coal Resource are 
known, estimated or interpreted, from Points of Observation.

A Coal Reserve is the economically mineable part of a Measured or 
Indicated Coal Resource.

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Mineral Resource / Reserve Estimations & associated reports

Source Stephenson, 2005


MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 7
Reports – Public or Internal?
PUBLIC REPORTS (for share market investors etc)
It is intended that the Public Reporting provides all the
information that investors and their professional advisors
would need, and reasonably expect to find, for the purpose of
making a reasoned and balanced judgement regarding the
E l
Exploration
ti Results,
R lt Mineral
Mi l Resources
R or Ore
O Reserves
R being
b i
reported. In some countries, Public Reports to the sharemarket
are regulated by a Reporting Code.

INTERNAL REPORTS
If the reporting is an internal report for Company management,
it has a similar purpose
purpose. Company management needs an
impartial review of the results; and what these results mean for
the resource potential. They also need to understand the work
program
p g and likelyy costs of future programs,
p g , and whether the
resource is likely to be economic.

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 8


AGENDA

Introduction
Resource Reporting Codes – an Introduction
Exploration Stages
Exploration Stages
Exploration Reporting
p p g

Conclusion

Discussion

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 9


Staged Coal Exploration
• Exploration proceeds in stages. There is a “decision point” between 
each stage: results are evaluated and a decision made whether or 
g
not to continue. For example early reconnaissance may show the 
area is too folded, with very steep dips; or that the rank of the coal 
is too low.

• The early stage is low cost, covering large areas

• If exploration results are good, the target area becomes more 
focussed and more expensive exploration methods are used.

• Advanced coal exploration is costly, using drilling; but at this stage 
the chances of success should be high, so risks are low.

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RESEARCH STAGE

INFERRED INDICATED MEASURED


JORC STAGE: EXPLORATION RESULTS
RESOURCE RESOURCE RESOURCE
INITIAL DRILL PRE-
STAGE RESEARCH RECONNAISSANCE FIELD MAPPING FEASIBILITY
DRILLING TESTING FEASIBILITY

Data collection; Reconnaissance Detailed Satellite Wide spaced Typically 2 to 4 Drilling typically Drilling typically
prepare GIS data mapping Imagery Interp drilling km spacing 1 km spacing 500m spacing
Quality, seam Estimate Initial
Study regional thickness, inferred geotechnical Geotechnical
TASKS
geological setting Outcrop Logging Field Mapping resource potential resources studies drilling
Reliable Bulk Sample;
p ; or
Preliminary Coal rank / quality topographic large diameter
depositional model assessment Scout Drilling maps core
Check Estimate Estimate
environmental Indicated Measured
issues / land status Resources Resources

I
Increasing
i confidence
fid
RESERVES Probable Proved

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 11


Research – GIS Model
• Base map of digital regional geology (1:250,000)
• Petroleum exploration wells
• Location of coal outcrops
• Location of previous coal boreholes if any; with drilling results
• Topographic data; digital terrain model if available
p g p g
• Remote sensing imagery
• Regional geophysics
• Infrastructure (roads; ports)
Infrastructure (roads; ports)
• National parks or nature reserves;
• Coal Tenements (KP, Coal COW)

Coal Location  Digital 
Data Geology

GIS 
GIS
Coal 
tenements  Regional 
DATASET
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and  Structure
Research – GIS Model
• Look for trends of coal quality or 
thickness
• Look for errors in regional mapping
• Look for areas that are open (not 
held by other companies) for the
held by other companies) for the 
wrong reasons; eg because there 
has been an error in the regional 
mapping
mapping.
• There will then be a list of questions 
to be solved by field work
GIS model of part of the Sydney Basin
Source: SRK website

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Research – GIS Model
• Look for trends of coal 
quality or thickness
• g
Look for errors in regional 
mapping
• Look for areas that are open 
(not held by other 
companies) for the wrong
companies) for the wrong 
reasons; eg because there 
has been an error in the 
regional mapping.
• There will then be a list of
There will then be a list of 
questions to be solved by 
field work

From a company website

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EXPLORATION STAGES

INFERRED INDICATED MEASURED


JORC STAGE: EXPLORATION RESULTS
RESOURCE RESOURCE RESOURCE
INITIAL DRILL PRE-
STAGE RESEARCH RECONNAISSANCE FIELD MAPPING FEASIBILITY
DRILLING TESTING FEASIBILITY

Data collection; Reconnaissance Detailed Satellite Wide spaced Typically 2 to 4 Drilling typically Drilling typically
prepare GIS data mapping Imagery Interp drilling km spacing 1 km spacing 500m spacing
Quality, seam Estimate Initial
Study regional thickness, inferred geotechnical Geotechnical
TASKS
geological setting Outcrop Logging Field Mapping resource potential resources studies drilling
Reliable Bulk Sample;
p ; or
Preliminary Coal rank / quality topographic large diameter
depositional model assessment Scout Drilling maps core
Check Estimate Estimate
environmental Indicated Measured
issues / land status Resources Resources

I
Increasing
i confidence
fid
RESERVES Probable Proved

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 15


Reconnaissance and Mapping Stages
Reconnaissance level work is done to
confirm the regional geology; to locate
and sample known coal outcrops to
determine the coal rank and some
aspects of the quality; in some cases
coal thickness may be assessed. The
dips can be measured, so for example if
the area is too strongly folded, that can
be determined immediately, y without
going into a more detailed program.

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 16


REMOTE SENSING before the mapping
Remote sensing interpretation
is done by specialised
consultants

Results are used to guide the


location and focus of field
mapping

The interpretation
p will usually
y
give more focussed detail in the
areas of interest, than the
regional geological maps.

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 17


Field Mapping
In Indonesia, with heavy rainfall and the typical coal measure
topography, reconnaissance & field mapping will provide a lot of
detail on the local geology
geology, and coal outcrops may be located &
sampled. In drier areas, outcrop may be limited to occasional road
cuttings. In these situations, regional oil & gas drilling, or
stratigraphic boreholes, may be initial regional sources of data

Indonesia Bowen Basin, Australia Magallanes Basin, Chile


MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 18
Sampling
Systematic channel sampling is done
on good outcrops

The channel should be cut back into


fresh coal

“Ply by ply” sampling

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 19


Detailed Field Mapping
• Detailed mapping is done over the main target area; eg at 1:10,000 
or 1:5000  
• This mapping may use a remote sensing interpretation as a guide.
This mapping may use a remote sensing interpretation as a guide
• Locations determined using GPS.
• Coal outcrops should be recorded in detail. Attempts should be 
made to follow coal along strike if possible to check continuity
made to follow coal along strike if possible to check continuity.
• Measure coal thickness; strike; dip; take samples 
• Record coal lithotypes; partings;
• Mapping gives an initial estimate of seam thickness; seam 
Mapping gives an initial estimate of seam thickness; seam
correlation; and a preliminary estimate of the coal quality. However 
coking properties may be unreliable. Calorific value may be too low 
and moisture too high. Vitrinite reflectance is reliable.
• There may be recognisable marker beds such as limestone; basalt; 
or even the top of basement, that will be useful in assessing the 
overall correlation. 
• GEOLOGICAL REPORT with all results and maps. 
GEOLOGICAL REPORT ith ll lt d

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Test Pits

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Rank Changes across a basin
Rank changes like this typically show us where 
the centre of the basin was. The area in the 
east was more deeply buried.
east was more deeply buried.

Data on rank changes can be acquired at an 
early stage during exploration and can be an 
indicator of where the best coal will be.

Outcrop samples can be acquired for vitrinite 
reflectance testing, which will indicate the 
approximate coal rank

Bowen Basin rank changes

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Trenching

In some areas trenching may


be done, where the topography
and depth of weathering are
suitable.

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 23


End of the Mapping Phase – Scout Drilling
The mapping phase often ends with a scout 
drilling program. The rig is typically light weight 
gp g g yp y g g
and portable, as access is difficult at this stage, 
and the drilling is typically shallow drilling near 
outcrops.

Several widely spaced boreholes are drilled. They 
will:

‐ Confirm the coal quality
‐ Confirm seam thickness and the dip
C fi thi k d th di
‐ Provide good information on drilling conditions 
and costs, to help plan the next phase, drilling.

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 24


The Report 
MAPS are prepared showing all the exploration results – outcrops, strikes, dips, coal 
sample points; coal thickness; etc, and any revised interpretations on the regional 
geology A database is needed in GIS format A logical scale should be used The map
geology. A database is needed, in GIS format. A logical scale should be used. The map 
should include the KP boundaries.

A REPORT is prepared. A checklist should be used, to ensure all points are covered. A 
suitable check list is provided later in this report It starts with previous work and
suitable check list is provided later in this report. It starts with previous work and 
regional geology, and ends with the recommendations and work program for the next 
phase.

Management needs to be aware of the most likely size and quality of the resource 
Management needs to be aware of the most likely size and quality of the resource
target or the Base Case. However a potential range should also be provided – a Worst 
Case and Best Case, for the potential tonnes of coal and for the coal quality. Things like 
distance to a barge port are also important.

Exploration results including coal thickness, dips and quality, should be presented in 
tables. All data and ranges should be provided – not just the good results, this will be a 
biased report. 

Management also needs to be aware of the likely Work Program and Budget for the 
next phase, so that an informed “YES/NO” decision can be made at this point.
MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 25
EXPLORATION STAGES

INFERRED INDICATED MEASURED


JORC STAGE: EXPLORATION RESULTS
RESOURCE RESOURCE RESOURCE
INITIAL DRILL PRE-
STAGE RESEARCH RECONNAISSANCE FIELD MAPPING FEASIBILITY
DRILLING TESTING FEASIBILITY

Data collection; Reconnaissance Detailed Satellite Wide spaced Typically 2 to 4 Drilling typically Drilling typically
prepare GIS data mapping Imagery Interp drilling km spacing 1 km spacing 500m spacing
Quality, seam Estimate Initial
Study regional thickness, inferred geotechnical Geotechnical
TASKS
geological setting Outcrop Logging Field Mapping resource potential resources studies drilling
Reliable Bulk Sample;
p ; or
Preliminary Coal rank / quality topographic large diameter
depositional model assessment Scout Drilling maps core
Check Estimate Estimate
environmental Indicated Measured
issues / land status Resources Resources

I
Increasing
i confidence
fid
RESERVES Probable Proved

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 26


Drilling Phase
• Plan the program. It should continue to be staged, with initial wide‐
spaced drilling; followed by a YES/NO decision point; Surveying and 
t
topographic mapping; for large scale surface mining, reliable 
hi i f l l f i i li bl
topographic maps are needed for estimates of overburden 
volumes.
• Drilling, on a grid or traverse pattern. 
• Good core recovery in coal is very important.
• Determine coal thickness and depth; core the coal seam, which will 
Determine coal thickness and depth; core the coal seam which will
be sampled for analysis.
• Downhole geophysical logging of all boreholes 
• Determine the location of the coal subcrop by oxidation line drilling
• GEOLOGICAL REPORT with all results and maps. 

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Core Recovery
• Good core recovery is essential for reliable quality data
• Use downhole geophysical logs to determine the
location & amount of core loss.
• The Australian Guidelines to the JORC Code advise
normally > 95% core recovery
• It starts with the selection of the drilling contractor; and
with the drilling contract itself.
• Consistent high core recovery can be difficult in higher
rank coals, which can be more friable.
• Consider moving to PQ core if recovery is poor with HQ
/ HMLC. This size may be needed anyway for the volume
and size needed for float / sink testing of higher ash
coals.
coa s
• Triple tube core barrel for better undisturbed core
MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG
Core Logging
• Lithologies are logged; standardise between geologists;
• Logging is best done using a check list, and transferring results to a 
spreadsheet for computer database storage.
• Record at least:
– Coal brightness;
– Any non‐coal
Any non coal partings within a coal seam; (colour; composition; hardness;)
partings within a coal seam; (colour; composition; hardness;)
– Lithologies of roof and floor; again with color, composition, dip, etc)
– Hardness and other geotechnical properties;
– Dip; appearance of dip plane discontinuities
– Presence and orientation of structures; cleat (in coal); joints;
Presence and orientation of structures; cleat (in coal); joints;
– Presence of later mineralisation eg pyrite; carbonates
• Results are typically shown graphically in a log, at 1:100 scale 
(borehole) and 1:25 scale (coal seam).
• This log can be printed out directly from a number of computer 
programs; it is also done directly in the field to help planning & 
interpretation of the next boreholes, and to make instant 
correlations of coal seams.

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Core Drilling Large Diameter Core
• At the stage of Feasibility or Pre‐
feasibility, there is a need to take 
y,
bulk samples for coke testing 
(coking coal) or combustion 
testing (thermal coal).
g( )
• In some situations these samples 
are easiest taken by excavators. 
However in other situations they
However in other situations, they 
are best taken by drilling many 
large diameter core samples. 
• Special core barrels will be 
l b l ll b
needed. 

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Core Photography

• Core should be photographed while in the core box or in split tubes 
before sampling. This gives a permanent record of the appearance of 
the coal and partings, and of fractures , cleats and dip planes, and will 
be used by the Mining Engineer and geotechnical specialists during 
the assessment of the resource.
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Sampling ‐ Precautions
Coal should be sampled as soon as possible after logging the coal.

For low rank coals,


coals great care must be taken to avoid the coal drying at all
before it gets to the laboratory. The coal must be stored in double sealed
plastic as soon as possible, and kept out of direct sunlight. If the coal is
allowed to dry, the as-received
as received moisture will be too low; and the as-
as
received heating values will be too high. This can result in major errors
when estimating quality and therefore the likely sales price of the coal.

Coking coals can lose some coking properties quickly (especially fluidity).
Again coal with likely coking properties should be sampled as soon as
possible, and if there is a delay in transport to a laboratory for analysis,
should be stored on site in a freezer.

The Report on the drilling program should mention precautions taken to


ens re that the anal
ensure analysis
sis is reliable
reliable, incl
including
ding the treatment of samples
and precautions taken to ensure against coal drying.
MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG
Ply sampling
• Coal properties tend to follow laterally 
Ply
along strike. Geological roof
1
• Th
There will typically be significant 
ill t i ll b i ifi t
quality differences within the seam. 2 Mining Bench Roof

• After the initial drilling phase, the 
3
project geologist will typically correlate
project geologist will typically correlate 

Mining Bencch
and name the seams; and will decide a  4 Non‐coal Parting
typical ply naming system also. 5
Parting
• Later sampling will then follow these 
plies. 6
Mining Bench Floor
• This depends on accurate correlation  6
of the plies. 7
g
Geological Floor
• If plies are thick then sub‐ply samples 
f
can also be taken; but these should  Mudstone  

also follow stratigraphic boundaries so 
that they are consistent.
that they are consistent. Hypothetical vertical section through a seam showing
the sub-division into separate plies, which are sampled
separately; and the Mining Bench

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 33


Reconciliation with downhole geophysical logs
• The coal sample intervals must be reconciled with the downhole 
geophysical logs. Before doing this, we must be sure that the 
geophysical depths are correct and that there is no systematic 
depth error. 
• The geologists log is adjusted so that the roof, floor and internal 
g g g j ,
stone bands, match the geophysical log anomalies.
• The amount of core recovery is then determined; and the location 
of the core loss can be decided
of the core loss can be decided.
• Core recovery should be estimated as soon as possible. Most 
drilling contracts require a re‐drill if the core recovery is less than 
95% within the major coal seams.
h h l

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 34


Database
• Data must be entered into a reliable database. 
p j g , ,
• As the project advances and becomes larger, with more data, it will 
be necessary to assign responsibilities for database management 
eg the right to enter data; the right to make changes. 
• As noted, original data is kept. This includes original paper data 
As noted original data is kept This includes original paper data
entry sheets, as these can be used to check for data entry errors 
later. Original survey data and surveyors notes must also be 
retained and may be needed for an audit of the survey
retained, and may be needed for an audit of the survey.
• Database validation will be needed

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 35


Geological Modelling
• Geological modelling is done within a computerised modelling 
system such as the Stratmodel system within the Minescape
software (Mincom).
• The software allows the user to define the seam names and seam 
relationships (eg
p ( g splitting); minimum parting thickness; location 
p g); p g ;
and orientation of faults; depth of weathering.
• The model can then be used as input to a mineable reserve and 
quality estimation
quality estimation.

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 36


AGENDA

Introduction
Resource Reporting Codes – an Introduction
Exploration Stages
Exploration Stages

Exploration Reporting
p p g

Conclusion

Discussion

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 37


Reporting
After each stage of a staged Exploration Program, a Report is needed.

The Exploration
Th E l ti M Managementt will
ill require
i reporting
ti tto understand
d t d th the
results and recommendations / budgets for the next step. In some cases
the Geologists report will become part of a larger Feasibility Study or an
economic scoping study
study, so Company management can make informed
decisions and to inform potential sources of finance for the project.

If the company is listed on a Share Market


Market, investors need to be fully
informed of exploration results. In some countries, the sharemarket
regulators require that resource reporting follows the standards set by a
Mineral Code egg JORC.

Some companies require that internal reporting for company


management also follows the same standards. This gives a solid
framework for reporting.

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 38


Reporting
The report content will depend on the stage.

All will
ill share
h th
the ffollowing
ll i as a minimum:
i i

All results will be in tables, either as a backup database or in an Appendix


to the report
report.

The report will have a Location Map and a clear definition of the title (eg
KP or PKB2B boundaries) and other Land Status eg Kabupaten
boundaries; National Parks etc.

Geological
g results will be shown clearly
y in maps
p at appropriate
pp p scales and
in cross sections.

The report will end with recommendations for the next stage; if the
recommendation is to continue, then there will be a Work Program; and a
budget; and a target in terms of the planned Resource Classification and
the potential resource and quality that may be proved by the program. 39
Reporting – Early Stage
If the report is for early
stage results, before
th d
the declaration
l ti off a
Resource, then the
following is a suitable
Check List to consider
consider.

40
Tenement Data

From a company
website

41
Geology – explain the coal stratigraphy

From a company website 42


Reporting – Later Stage

43
Maps…….

Topography 44
Reporting Checklist

Sampling Techniques 
‐ Type of sampling; techniques used to ensure 
samples are representative
‐ Drilling type; details; core recovery; whether 
ll d l h h
bias may have occurred
‐ L
Logging techniques and detail; photography
i t h i d d t il h t h
‐ Laboratory procedures; QC (quality Control)   

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 45


Reporting Checklist (Continued)

Sampling Techniques (Cont’d)
‐ Borehole spacing; relevance to the Coal 
Resource classification
‐ Topographic mapping; techniques; accuracy
h h
‐ Topographic survey of boreholes; accuracy; 
projection system used; 
j ti t d
‐ Results of any audits or reviews of sampling 
techniques and data;
techniques and data;  

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 46


Reporting Checklist (Continued)

Database Integrity
‐ Measures taken to ensure data has not been 
corrupted
‐ Data validation procedures
ld d

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 47


Reporting Checklist (Continued)

Geological Interpretation
‐ Confidence in or uncertainty about the 
geological interpretation
‐ Type of data used; assumptions made
fd d d
‐ the impact of alternate assumptions on the 
C l
Coal resource estimate (eg
ti t ( alternate 
lt t
location of faults etc)
‐ The factors affecting continuity of coal seams
The factors affecting continuity of coal seams 
and of coal quality

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 48


Reporting Checklist (Continued)

Estimation and modelling techniques
‐ The type and suitability of the techniques 
used and key assumptions.
‐ The validation process; comparison of model 
h ld f d l
data to borehole data

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 49


Reporting Checklist (Continued)
Moisture
‐ The method of determination of the moisture 
The method of determination of the moisture
content
‐ the moisture basis
‐ if a low rank coal steps taken to ensure that the
if a low rank coal, steps taken to ensure that the 
samples did not lose moisture before testing

Note: for low rank coals, I believe that analytical results should be reported on an as‐
received (total moisture) basis. Reporting at air dried basis will give a misleading view of 
the quality. Investors are still not understanding the quality basis of some Indonesian coal 
resources for this reason. Low rank coals can also lose moisture before they are tested if 
th
they are not handled appropriately, and there must be discussion on the technique used to 
t h dl d i t l d th t b di i th t h i dt
ensure that the total moisture (=as received moisture) is representative.
MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG
50
Resource Reporting
The Resources should be reported for individual seams or seam groups; and 
should be divided and reported using key variables such as thickness, depth 
range strip ratio and geological or technical considerations The key variables
range, strip ratio, and geological or technical considerations. The key variables 
and assumptions for each deposit should be clearly stated in order to ensure 
clarity and transparency of the report.

An example from a
Public Report on a
Company website

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 51


Reporting Checklist (Continued)
Relative Accuracy of Resource Estimate
‐ Where appropriate a statement of the relative 
h i f h l i
accuracy and/or confidence in the Coal Resource 
for example the use of geostats to determine the
for example the use of geostats to determine  the 
relative accuracy within stated confidence limits; 
or alternatively, a qualitative discussion of the 
f t th t
factors that could affect the accuracy. Consider 
ld ff t th C id
providing a Range of resource size, from worst case 
to best case, with a Base Case, which emphasises
, , p
that this is an estimate not a calculation 

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 52


Resource Checklist (Continued)
Classification
‐ The basis for the classification into resource 
The basis for the classification into resource
categories;
‐ Discussion on how the classification considered 
all relevant factors eg confidence in the estimate 
all relevant factors eg confidence in the estimate
of the tonnes; confidence in continuity of the coal 
seams; confidence in the depth of weathering 
and topographic mapping; confidence in the
and topographic mapping; confidence in the 
continuity of the coal quality

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 53


Reporting Checklist (Continued)

Audits or Reviews
‐ The results of any audits or reviews of the 
Coal Resource

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 54


JORC Workshop

THANK YOU
THANK YOU

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 55


AGENDA

Introduction
Resource Reporting Codes – an Introduction
Exploration Stages
Exploration Stages

Exploration Reporting
p p g

Conclusion

Discussion

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 56


BACKUP

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 57


Precision
“I would rather be vaguely right than precisely wrong”

John Maynard Keynes –
Economist

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 58


Precision – why does it matter?
It is a scientific principle that precision in reporting should 
correspond to the level of accuracy.

Any estimate of “what is the population of  a country” would normally 
be to the nearest one million. The estimate is approximate.

When asked when does the meeting start, we say “10 am” when 
actually we know it may start 5 or 10 minutes later.  If we really want 
th
the meeting to start EXACTLY on time we will say “10 SHARP” which 
ti t t t EXACTLY ti ill “10 SHARP” hi h
does imply to the nearest minute. 

If the order of accuracy of a resource estimate is for example around 
If th d f f ti t i f l d
10% or 20%, it can be misleading and inaccurate to report a very 
precise resource number. Investors who make decisions based on the 
report may believe that accuracy and precision are related.
report may believe that accuracy and precision are related.

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 59


Estimating Relative Density for Tonnage Calculations

THE PROBLEM LABORATORY RD

The relative density of coal is of course The coal is crushed; removing all the voids &
used in the estimation of coal tonnes. cracks. Partial drying removes much of the
in situ moisture.
Density is related to the mass and the The results are then used to estimate the
volume of a material. Relative Density coal tonnes.
is compared to water (=1). The volume
and mass of a substance is determined The test is cheap; it is repeatable; and it is
by measuring it in air; then in water
water. precise However the coal samples are in a
precise.
very different condition from the in situ state.
However coal is porous with many Grinding and part air drying reduces both
volume and mass, but volume is reduced at
cracks, cleats etc; these contain water.
a greater rate
rate.
The problem then is to take the material
to be tested; then determine mass and The tests can be used as a starting point but
volume, while keeping the original pore only if the results are corrected; if they are
space and moisture content
content. not corrected,
corrected the RD (and coal tonnes) is
TOO HIGH typically by 2 to 5%
Source: Preston 2007
MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 60
Estimating Relative Density for Tonnage Calculations
ADJUSTMENT METHODS RELEVANCE TO ESTIMATES

There are several methods for The errors obviously become more
estimating the In Situ relative density; significant for low rank coals and also for
these are described in more detail by high accuracy estimations; at the level of
Preston, 2005. inferred resources, for example, the
i
impact t off this
thi error iis minor
i compared
d tto
One of these is Apparent Relative the level of uncertainty in general
Density. This is a direct testing
method usingg lump p coal in water,, and
follows an Australian Standard, AS
1038.21.2.

This has problems; only lump coal


can be tested; and the coal is “air
dried” so some of the natural
moisture is removed. Also the coal
probably does not contain as many
voids and cracks as originally. Source: Preston 2007

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 61


Estimating Relative Density for Tonnage Calculations
PRESTON SANDERS METHOD
The Preston & Sanders method has now become the industry
y
benchmark in Australia.

This uses RD as the starting point.

Air dried moisture is determined.

In Situ moisture is then estimated by the geologist, using other moisture


test results eg
g as received; equilibrium
q moisture.

Relative density (in situ) = Rdad * (100 - Mad )

100 + Rdad * (ISM - Mad ) - ISM

Source: Preston 2007

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 62


Why were  these codes developed?  

Source: The JORC Code (presentation by Peter Stoker, 2006) 63

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 63


The Competent Person

Source: Stephenson, 2005

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 64


The Competent Person Definition

Source: Stephenson, 2005


MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 65
The Competent Person

Source: Stephenson, 2005


MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 66
The Competent Person
A Competent Person as defined under the JORC Code must be a 
Member or Fellow of a recognised professional organisation
Member or Fellow of a recognised professional organisation (ROPO) 
(ROPO)
with appropriate experience.
Clause 10 provides that:
A “Competent Person” must have a minimum of five years experience 
which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit 
under consideration and to the type of activity which that person is 
undertaking”.
The hurdle of required experience is in accordance with the third of 
the three principles of the JORC Code, ie competence. 
p p , p . 

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 67


The Competent Person ‐ Experience
The JORC Code provides that
“If
If the Competent Person is preparing a report on Exploration 
the Competent Person is preparing a report on Exploration
Results, the relevant experience must be in exploration. If the 
Competent Person is estimating, or supervising the estimation of 
Mineral Resources, the relevant experience must be in the 
, p
estimation, assessment and evaluation of Mineral Resources. If the 
Competent Person is estimating, or supervising, the estimation of 
Ore Reserves, the relevant experience must be in the estimation, 
assessment, evaluation and economic extraction of Ore Reserves”
Specifically, this means that a geologist with more than 5 years 
experience in coal resource estimation MUST NOT be the Competent 
Person for reserve estimation; in practice, that is an area for 
f h f
experienced mining engineers with skills in mine planning and 
economic evaluations.

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 68


The Competent Person – Resource & Reserve Reporting

In practice, at least two Competent Persons are needed 

1. The competent Person who is responsible for the Resource 
Statement (the Geologist)
2. The Competent Person who is responsible for the Reserve 
Statement (the Mining Engineer).

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 69


Consent of the Competent Person
When a company issues a report containing material from the Competent 
Person, the Company must obtain the consent of the Competent Person as 
to the form and context in which the information appears This is required by
to the form and context in which the information appears. This is required by 
Clause 8.

g p y p p
If a disclosing company issues a public report or disclosure document 
without having obtained the written consent from the Competent Person, 
and the report is potentially misleading and deceptive, the Company may be 
sued by those who suffer economic loss. This can be used as a defence by 
p
the Competent Person involved.

If a Competent Person is using information provided by a Company, he must 
not accept that information blindly. He should mention that he has not 
tested the information or cannot independently confirm its accuracy
tested the information or cannot independently confirm its accuracy. 

Source: Livesley, 2008: Liability of Competent Persons for JORC reports


MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 70
Consent of the Competent Person

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 71


How do I become a Competent Person?
The JORC Code states that the Competent Person must be a member of a 
recognised Professional Association and have 5 years relevant experience. To 
be the Competent Person for resource estimates this must be 5 years 
be the Competent Person for resource estimates ‐ this must be 5 years
experience in estimating resources. For coal – this experience must be in 
estimating coal resources.

One method is to join the Australian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy. The 
application must be sponsored by two current members of the AusIMM who 
can guarantee that they have known the applicant for a certain time period. 

In the longer term, perhaps an Indonesian professional association will 
become a recognised professional organisation under JORC. This 
organisation needs approval by the AusIMM, and a key part of this approval 
is confirming that the organisation in practice has a mechanism and history 
is confirming that the organisation in practice has a mechanism and history
of ensuring professional conduct of its members and for disciplining 
members who the organisation has confirmed, via an internal review 
process, have been unethical. This is required by stakeholders. The AusIMM 
annually requests documentation from the ROPO of any breaches of the
annually requests documentation from the ROPO of any breaches of the 
JORC Code by its members.
MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 72
How do I become a Competent Person?
Most companies have a strict process of internal approval of a 
Competent Person for company resources and reserves This is
Competent Person for company resources and reserves. This is 
understandable as the role involves company reputation issues. An 
example of the internal approval  process:
• Membership of the Aus IMM or a recognised
M b hi f th A IMM i d Professional 
P f i l
Organisation;
• A certificate confirming that the person has attended a Company‐
approved   course on the JORC Code
• The Candidate signing a document confirming that he or she has 
the required qualifications under the JORC Code, and attaching a CV 
q q , g
listing the relevant experience
• Approval by a senior executive of the company.

MGEI – IAGI SEMINAR, BANDUNG 73

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