Investigations into the coal prospectivity of the buried Permian sedimentary sequence within the northern Arckaringa Basin, 70 km north-east of Coober Pedy, included an extensive data review, 6-line gravity survey, and reconnaissance drilling of 4 rotary-mud holes (total 816 m). The invariably thin seams, a low coal to inter-seam waste ratio, and depths to coal always in excess of 120 metres, were seen as definite limits to the economic coal extractive potential of the area.