Fine Description and Development Strategy of Fort Cooper Coal Measures in North Bowen Basin of Australia

Abstract

Based on the analysis of coring, logging and experimental data, fine evaluation on Fort Copper Coal Measures (FCCM) of Early Permian Blackwater Group in north Bowen Basin of Australia has been done. FCCM is a potential coal measure. Eight coal seams exist in FCCM. Laterally, they develop steadily. Seams of FCCM characterize interbedding with partings, high ash content, high gas content and mediate-low permeability. The content of partings, which are groups of siltstone, mudstone and tuff, ranges from 15% to 55%. The cumulative thickness of pure coal ranges from 40 to 60 m. The ash content ranges from 20% to 70%, averaging 45%. Coal seams gas content is as high as 7% to 15%, benefitting from the dense rock block effect on the top and bottom, as well as the interplayers. The permeability ranges from 0.1 to 10 mD laterally. Parameters above show FCCM has good developing potential. Western slope of Nebo syncline is suggested as the favorable area, considering its good developing factors such as shallow buried depth of coal seams, relatively high permeability and effective gas preserve environment. Meanwhile, gas in partings can be considered in collaborative development strategy. Developing gas along with ash will be the focus of future development evaluation.