THE PHILIPPINE 



Journal of Science 



A. Chemical and Geological Sciences 

 AND THE Industries 



Vol. X SEPTEMBER, 1915 



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No. 5 



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THE PERSISTENCE OF PHILIPPINE COAL BEDS ^ 



By Wallace E. Pratt 

 (From the Division of Mines, Bureau of Science, Manila, P. I.) 



THREE TEXT FIGURES 



Coal was discovered in Cebu as early as the year 1827, and 

 within the next thirty years practically all the more important 

 Philippine coal fields had become known. The Spanish Govern- 

 ment made repeated attempts to develop an industry in coal 

 mining both by fostering private enterprises and by undertaking 

 to exploit some of the deposits in the name of the state itself. 

 Similarly the American Government has sought to establish coal 

 mining. Coal is one of two mineral products which may be 

 exported from the Philippines free of duty; a tax must be paid 

 on imported coals; coal-mining companies have received special 

 favors at the hands of the Government even to the extent of 

 financial assistance; and the United States Army opened a coal 

 mine on its own account. Yet in spite of the long lapse of time 

 since coal was discovered in the Philippines, and in spite of the 

 many attempts at coal mining, no coal is produced in the Phil- 

 ippines to-day. 



There are several good reasons for this state of affairs. 

 Perhaps the greatest difficulty is that the coal is not of superior 

 quality. Black lignites and subbituminous coals make up the 

 greater part of the Philippine coal resources. Some of the coal 

 fields are inaccessible. The roof and floor of the beds are soft 

 and require close timbering. The coal is liable to spontaneous 

 combustion, both in the mine and in storage. But the obstacle 

 which has stood most directly in the way of developing coal 

 mines is the discontinuity of the beds. 



' Received for publication June 25, 1915. 



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