Effective mapping of faults in coal mining is critical for reasons of economics and safety. Undetected or ill-mapped geologic hazards can stop or substantially hinder project development with respect to profit and safety. Computer mapping allows the mineral engineering profession to access geologic hazards in a shortened time required by today's rapid rate of extraction. A case study shows that the utility of computer modeling is presented for a coal surface mine with multiple coal seams and multiple reverse faults in Columbia. Mincom's MineScape((TM)) model is used for computer mapping. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.