Quantifying the benefits of coal mine methane recovery and use projects: Case study on the application of in-mine horizontal pre-drainage boreholes at gassy coal mines in India and the optimization of drainage system design using reservoir simulation

This article aims to illustrate, through the presentation of case studies, the application of coal mine methane (CMM) drainage technology at two gassy coal mines in India, and to quantify the associated economic and environmental benefits. This work, which is based on two studies developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) through the Global Methane Initiative (GMI), demonstrates that the use of in-mine horizontal boreholes for pre-drainage, capture, and utilization of CMM is both technically and economically feasible. Furthermore, the results show reservoir simulation is a useful tool for optimizing in-mine horizontal pre-drainage borehole placement. The future development and implementation of CMM drainage at each mine has the potential to lower or offset electricity costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, unlock coal reserves, and improve mine safety and energy security.