Major improvement methods in the evaluation of probable resources and estimation of peat reserves

The existing instructions and guidelines in peat explorationinclude the following basic disadvantages: no distinct classification of peat deposits according to their geological structure, inadequateidentification evidence of quality requirements to contour peat deposits and to allocate blocks of different resource types and categories,as well as application of a statistic method in calculating reserves. The evaluation of probable peat resources - category P3, inaddition with space and aero-photographs, topographic and specific maps, is based on the information of peat accumulation conditions.The evaluation of probable peat resources - category P2 is based on exploration probing and sampling of peat deposits in definite locations,as well as using the analogue method. The evaluation of probable peat resources - category P1 is based on the method of crosscontouring peat deposits by one peat sample in one location-point in every site-type. The peat reserves are calculated only after exploration,preliminary and detail reconnaissance and exploration survey of peat deposits by the statistic method in proportion to the number ofpeat sectioning samples of 0.25 m. Predicted (inferred) peat resources, category P3 could be evaluated in the perspective territories byapplying the statistic method. This method is based on: information about the peaty areas and the specific peat reserves; the category P2of prospective deposits in analogy to explored deposits; the category P1 in cross contoured or vector method of deposit fields by arithmetical average. Peat reserves are estimated in accordance with category C1, while in detailed areas - C2. Predicted resources in theunexplored deposit areas are estimated as category P1. At this stage, peat reserves should be estimated, while predicted resources evaluatedto the arithmetic average. During reconnaissance, detail exploration and exploration survey stages such peat reserves are rated tocategories A, B, C1, and C2, depending on the complex geological structure of the deposits themselves. If the reserves are contouredthroughout the whole depth during the reconnaissance and detail exploration stages, then it is more feasible to estimate such reserves bythe geological grid method, respectively, assigning them to deposit types and extent of exploration. However, under conditions of layeredcontouring such reserves are estimated in compliance with geological cross-sections. In exploration survey peat deposit reserves areestimated in terms of the surveyed maps by the exploitation block method. Thus, instead of applying the present-day statistic method inestimating peat reserves, conventional and more precise methods are suggested: arithmetic average, geological grids, geological crosssectionsand exploitation blocks.

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