In my line of work predictions go a long way. We are very confident of what we will find underground in relation to coal deposits in the Witbank area. Old earth models and all that. They work. The scientific method works.
We are very confident that volcanic eruptions destroying it all are not very likely to occur on the Kaapvaal Craton either. And the craton won't split apart without fairies dancing on needles doing it. We can confidently predict whats going to be found underground.
We can predict what will be found underground this year and next year and thousands of years into the future. Whether those deposits are economically viable is another story. But, they're still there.
Edited by Pressie, : No reason given.