Delineating Coal Seams and Establishing Water Tightness by Electrical Resistivity Imaging

In the present study, continuity of coal seams was established in the area adjacent to the existing open cast coal mine at Talabira, Odisha situated close to Hirakud reservoir. Water tightness of the strata in the zone between the reservoir and the mine needs to be verified to prevent inundation by subterranean seepage and ensure safety. Multi electrode resistivity imaging technique was used to establish continuity of coal seams and verify water tightness. From the studies conducted in and around the mine along 13 profiles, coal seams with relatively high resistivity ranging from 500 to 1500 Ohm-m at depths varying from 10 to 31 m were delineated. The intervening strata between the reservoir and the open cast mine was found to be fairly tight without any significant zone susceptible to seepage.