proven reserves
noun[plural]
ukus(alsoproved reserves)NATURAL RESOURCES
theamountofgasoroilthat isknowntoexistunder thesurfaceof theearthor under theseaand that isavailableforfutureuse:
In 2007, Canada had anestimated179billionbarrelsof provenreserves, second only to Saudi Arabia's 262billionbarrels.