Tantalus Formation strata at the Whitehorse coal deposit host eight coal zones of moderate to high ash, high rank coal, that range in thickenss from 0.15 to 12.8 m. Vitrinite reflectance values (Ro rand) vary from 1.68% to 3.45%, corresponding to a variation in rank from low volatile bituminous to anthracite. As vitrinite reflectance values are less than 4.0%, the upper limit of dry gas preservation, the generation of coal bed methane is possible. The coals are composed of structureless vitrinite and lesser fusinite. Some samples have a melting or coking texture indicative of rapid heating, possibly by contact metamorphism from local intrusions. Coals in contact with a rhyolite sill exhibit a progressive decrease in reflectance with increasing distance away from the sill. The deposit is well situated with regard to infrastructural requirements to support the exploitation of the coal. At present drill indicated reserves are in excess of 182 125 tonnes (200 800 tons) and open in all directions. Extensive faulting at the Whitehorse coal deposit likely precludes the preservation of any hydrocarbons (gas) which may have been generated.
