IHS Global Coal Deposits Database

How do you identify the best opportunities for unconventional resources when key information about coal characteristics and quality is absent?

IHS Global Coal Deposits Database was developed to making it simple to compare coal deposits and uncover the best opportunity for further exploration and coal gas production. Information is stored in consistent and coherent data framework using MS Access software and linked to coal deposit outlines that can be mapped in a GIS (Geographic Information System). The interactive GIS maps combined with a comprehensive database and easy to read PDF reports provide critical information for unconventional gas exploration and mining.

Key Benefits:

• All pertinent information on the geology and coal characteristics is standardized and in one data format which allows comparison between specific parameters on a global scale
• Data can be imported into client project databases adding additional value to client.
• Outlines of the coal deposits can be analyzed in third-party GIS applications like ArcGIS or Google Earth and easily incorporated in proprietary projects
• Information can also be analyzed from easy-to-read PDF reports generated from the database.
• IHS McCloskey products provide information on coal markets, trading and pricing and is complementary to the specific geological and coal characteristics data in the Coal database

Critical Information for Unconventional Gas Exploration and Mining

Unconventional gas resources continue to gain in importance across the energy industry. The content will help you identify existing and new trends and opportunities using a consistent set of information on coal characteristics such as mined-coal quality, CBM contents, and geological information. IHS has developed this database of coal deposits with pertinent information on:

• Location, extent and resources (in-situ, measured, inferred) of the deposit, bibliographic references
• Geological information on the position and extent of the coal seams
• Coal characteristics like coal type, proximate analysis, maceral data and contaminants
• Results from gas analysis like gas content and composition, Langmuir volumes

Starting with an overview of the main geological characteristics like stratigraphic formation, thickness, and depth resources, the database provides coal properties from proximate analysis such as:

• coal classification
• ash content
• volatile matter
• calorific value
• maceral data like vitrinite, exinite or inertinite

Where available, information on the gas content like gas composition, Langmuir volumes and pressures is provided.

Using the database

• Data is stored in a Microsoft™ Access database allowing easy query and viewing of data
• Data can be easily transferred into other applications
• Reports can be generated in PDF format
• The information can be opened from various applications like GIS software or Google Earth. There is a bibliography available which make further information research possible.  If no GIS applications are available, the outlines of the coal deposits can be viewed with Google Earth.
• The locations of the coal deposits can be displayed in Geographical Information Software (GIS) like ESRI's ArcGIS or ArcMap