What is methane drainage?

Methane drainage refers to the process of capturing and removing methane gas that is released from coal mines. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing significantly to climate change. In underground coal mines, methane is naturally released as coal seams are disturbed during mining operations. To mitigate the environmental impact, methane drainage systems are employed to extract the gas before it is released into the atmosphere. This can be accomplished using various techniques, such as drilling boreholes to tap into the coal seam and extracting the methane, or employing ventilation systems to redirect the gas actively away from the mine. Captured methane can be utilized as a valuable energy source or flared to minimize its impact on global warming. Methane drainage is crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving mine safety, and promoting sustainable mining practices.

This mind map was published on 30 January 2024 and has been viewed 116 times.