Summary of problems associated with coal reserve estimates. [Definitions and validity of reserve and resources]

Technical Report · Wed Jan 11 04:00:00 EST 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6888848· OSTI ID:6888848

Staats, E. B.

We (GAO) believe that there are fundamental and serious shortcomings in the accuracy and reliability of coal reserve estimates prepared and disseminated by the US Department of the Interior. Current available data on reserves is extremely spotty and outdated. Even the information available from both Interior and leaseholders on coal reserves under Federal lease cannot be considered accurate. Accurate coal reserve data is needed to permit sound public policy decisions on what kind of coal to mine and where and when. Accurate and reliable coal reserve data is also needed to enable Interior to effectively manage the Federal Coal Leasing Program. GAO has been a strong advocate over the past several years for the improvement of coal reserve data. In several previously issued reports, we made specific recommendations for actions to improve coal reserve estimates. We recognize that the Departments of Energy and Interior have been working together during the past few months. However, we continue to believe that further action is needed on these recommendations to insure that public policy decisions are made on the basis of accurate, reliable data. The establishment of the Energy Information Administration within the Department of Energy has given that Department responsibilities in the area of energy data collection and analysis. Therefore, our recommendations require action by both DOE and Interior.

• Research Organization: General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C. (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6888848
• Report Number(s): EMD-78-23
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
011000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290400 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
294001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
ACCURACY
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHARGES
COAL
COAL DEPOSITS
COAL MINING
COAL RESERVES
DATA
DECISION MAKING
ECONOMICS
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SOURCES
FORECASTING
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGY
GLOBAL ASPECTS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INFORMATION
LAND RECLAMATION
LEASING
LEGAL ASPECTS
MANAGEMENT
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
RECOMMENDATIONS
RESERVES
RESOURCES
SURFACE MINING
UNDERGROUND MINING
USA