Characteristics and coal resource prediction of Carboniferous Ceshui Formation in Central Hu'nan

Carboniferous Ceshui Formation in Central Hu'nan is one of the most valuable coal measures of Early Carboniferous in South China. Through comprehensive analysis of the sedimentary features of coal measures in Ceshui Formation, the paper studied the coal-controlling factors and the regularities of coal accumulation. In combination with the actual situation of present coal mining, the coal resources have been predicted emphatically in the old mining areas Zhadu and Jinzhushan. The study results indicated that uplift and depression of sub-tectonic units in Central Hunan have directly controlled the development of coal measures and coal-bearing properties, coal-enriched areas are often located in the uplifting side and gentle wing of synclines. Lagoon and tidal flat environments in depression of the leading edge of the paleocontinent were favorable for coal seam development. Coal-bearing properties and thickness of coal measures are generally positively correlated. In good coal-bearing areas, sandstone and mudstone ratio is generally within the range of 1/2 to 1.It was predicted that there are 372.98 Mt of coal resources in deep Jinzhushan mining area and deep Limin mine at southern Zhadu mining area as well as their two wings.The results show that the coal resources at the deep and middle deep parts in the mining areas and their surrounding areas have optimistic prospects, can be used as the key exploration target.