The Detectability of Ute Coal Seam Using Geo-Electric Method, Ondo State, Nigeria

A Geo-electric survey over the Ute coal deposit, Ondo state, has been carried out using schlumberger electrode array configuration. The Geophysical investigation which involves vertical electrical sounding (VES) techniques was done using ABEM SAS 1000 resistivity meters with aim of determining the detectability of coal and hence the ability to image it away from its outcrop location. The inter-electrode spacing varies from 1 to 65 m with maximum spread length of 130 m. Generally, the study area is underlain by five geo-electric layers: the lateritic topsoil, shale, siltstone, coal and fine grained sandstone. The sounding curve obtained in the area is KQH type. The VES method when continuously implemented can be used for reconnaissance mapping of the Ute coal deposit. The resulted thickness of the coal indicates that it can be used by individuals and local investors for domestic purposes especially coal fires for generation of electric power for Ute and its environs.