In 1958 the writer made the fields survey of the coal fields in Burma for 6 months. The coal-bearing series in Burma are divided into three groups based on their geological ages; Neogene, Palaeogene (Eocene), and Cretaceous. Surveyed coal areas are list below:
Neogene group Theindaw-Kaumapyin coal field Southern Burma
Palaeogne group Coal areas of Minbu and Pakkok districts Central Burma
Cretaceous group Southern Shan States and the adjacent areas Central Burma
The Neogene coal-bearing formation observed by the writer is fresh water deposits constituting the lower parts of the Theindaw series. The coal material was transported in. suspended state. The coal measures of the Eocene formation are brackish water deposits.In most of the coal seams of the Eocene formation partial removal of a seam known as wash-out occurs, as the result of erosion during or soon after the formation of the seam or seams in question. These wash-outs exhibit characters of current water, cannel cut and stone dyke.The coal-bearing formation of Cretaceous period is synchronous with the red beds of Southern Shan States. Sometimes the coal measures of this period are intensely faulted, contorted and crushed to powder.
Burma is not rich in coal resources. Although coal is found in several places it has seldom been worked, as outcrops of coal are very small, localities are hard to access, or coal is poor in quality.