40 hughes: southern coal-fields of rewah g6ndwana bastn. 



Before closing my remarks on the Johilla field, "I would wish to say 

 „ ,. « , . that these explorations are another illustration of 



Expediency or borings 1 



to supplement researches the expediency of supplementing our geological 



of Geological Survey. ,- . ... 



researches by boring operations, for, like those who 

 preceded me, I formed a poor opinion of the seam from the evidence at 

 the out-crop. Greater experience of the frequent fallacy of surface indi- 

 cations enabled me to guard myself against expressing unequivocal 

 condemnation, but the general bearing of my opinion was, 1 as expressed 

 in my first contribution on this area in the Records of the Survey, that 

 the coal was poor, and not worth much consideration. The borings and 

 quarrying have proved that something more practical than hammer tap- 

 ping is required to frame a correct estimate of the value of a seam. 



It is fortunate that justice has been done to the Johilla valley, for, 

 notwithstanding the fact of its coal being 13 to 14 miles further from 

 Katni than Umaria, it will prove either a very formidable rival to that 

 field or a seasonable reserve, according to the conditions on which the 

 lease of the Rewah mining rights is granted. 



There appears to be quite 20 feet of coal, and, although the out- crop 

 of the seam cannot be traced for more than 2 miles, it is almost a 

 certainty that both in the direction of Khodargaon and of Pali shallow 

 sinkings would touch it. 



I refrain from attempting to make a close estimate of the available 

 quantity of fuel, for there is the undefined area 



Estimate of quantity. .... 



under the supra-Barakars which introduces such 

 latitude into one's figures that to my mind there is no satisfaction in 

 treating the question. If asked, however, whether 100,000,000 tons 

 of coal might be extracted from the Johilla valley down to a depth of 500 

 feet, I should reply in the affirmative. 



1 " Records, Geological Survey of India, 1881, Vol. XIV, Part I, p. 127,"—'* I do not 

 condemn it because experience has taught me that many seams (as in the Wardha and 

 M6hpaui fields) with thiu outcrops may thicken rapidly, and furnish a good deal of coal. I 

 can say, however, that the signs are not promising." 



( 176 ) 



