coalminer

Expert: Coal Reserve Estimates Way Too High

When coal is mined by the longwall method, the coal seams lying above the seam being mined are fractured and rendered unmineable by current methods. An example of this is seen in southwestern Pa. when the Pittsburgh seam is mined, the Sewickly seam, lying approx. 250' above it is lost. Does the goernment reflect this in its reserve estimates?