ECONOMICS : COAI-. 



79 



The main stay of the seam is the bottom portion, and there is- no 

 Bottom portion of disputing its worth - Bearing in mind that the 

 seam good steam coal. specimens examined were from the outcrop, we 

 have in the analyses before us the worst aspect that the coal presents, 

 and as this is better than that of the average of the fuels from the Rani- 

 ganj field, we have at the outset a high standard of excellence. 



The coal has a dull look like that of the best Karharbari coal, and is 

 very compact. 



It appears to be homogeneous, but when separated into its layers, 

 finely divided mother-of-coal is visible on most of the faces. This is 

 a favourable feature and usually means that the coal will have consider- 

 able heating power. It ought to be a good steam coal, and it bears 

 transport well. 



A strong point in its favour is the manner in which it withstands 

 Coal withstands weathering. A stack was left exposed to the full 

 weathering. force of the sun and rain for nine months, and 



at the end of that time the coal showed no sign of deterioration. 

 Usually the laminated coals of Bengal and the Wardha valley split 

 into thin papery layers when left unprotected, and occasionally they 

 take fire, but in both these respects the Umaria coal has proved very 

 satisfactory. 



No attempt has yet been made to produce coke in ovens, but my 



Coal probably caking belie£ is > tliat [t ma y be converted into just as good 

 if properly treated. coke as is now p ro duced in the Karharbari field, 



the soft bands containing sufficient bituminous matter to act as a bind- 

 ing medium. 



In the analyses, no determination of sulphur was made, but this im- 

 Sulphur. purity disfigures the coal in places, and though 



Caution concerning fire. there ig not enough to cauge ansiety in stac k e d 



coal, care should be exercised to keep the workings perfectly clear of 

 dust, otherwise the misfortune that overtook the Warora colliery will 

 probably be repeated at Umaria, and loss both of life and money may be 

 the result. 



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