Coalbed Methane in India Opportunities, Issues and Challenges For Recovery and Utilization

SPRINGER BRIEFS IN ENERGY
Ajay Kumar Singh

Partha Narayan Hajra
Coalbed Methane
in India
Opportunities, Issues
and Challenges
for Recovery and
Utilization
123
SpringerBriefs in Energy
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Ajay Kumar Singh Partha Narayan Hajra
•
Coalbed Methane in India

Opportunities, Issues and Challenges
for Recovery and Utilization
123
Ajay Kumar Singh Partha Narayan Hajra
Methane Emission and Degasification Group ONGC Energy Centre
CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.
Research New Delhi, Delhi
Dhanbad, Jharkhand India
India
ISSN 2191-5520 ISSN 2191-5539 (electronic)

SpringerBriefs in Energy
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To Late Dr. Ashesh Prosad Mitra
A pioneering climate scientist, Leader of the

CSIR Methane Campaign and Former
Director General, CSIR
Foreword
The interlinked issues of energy security and climate change have created a thrust
for research on clean energy avenues. While a number of potential means may be
tried to achieve a sustainable future including renewable sources, coal-based
unconventional gases will continue to be an important pathway towards reduced
fuel import dependence. Currently, coal is responsible for meeting around 70 per
cent of India’s primary energy requirements. There are, however, environmental
and social hazards associated with coal mining and combustion. Coalbed methane
(CBM) presents a useful alternative wherein technology development can enable
energy recovery from coal mines, with reduced gaseous and particulate emissions.
India is deficient in conventional oil and natural gas resources, and the coal
bearing states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Madhya
Pradesh do not have conventional gas reserves. Exploration and development of
unconventional gas resources such as coalbed methane and coal mine methane
provide an opportunity to supplement their demand for gas. Some of the developed
countries as well as an emerging country like China are well ahead in exploring and
exploiting the coal seam gas reservoirs. In this context, knowledge gap in resource
evaluation, exploitation and subsequent utilization of unconventional gas reservoirs
is a major technological barrier.
CBM has been developed in India over the last two decades, with a number of
companies in the fray for commercial development and exploitation. While
exploration and production have to be pursued, it is also imperative to understand
the technical feasibility of the resources to create a useful base for industries as well
as academic institutions. The current book on Coalbed Methane in India:
Opportunities: Issues and Challenges for Recovery and Utilization is an attempt in
that direction. It traces the development of CBM in India, presents an updated
resource summary and gives salient recommendations to the industry. The authors
have nicely summarized their work of the last two decades in the area.
vii
viii Foreword
Besides providing the available information and pointing out gaps in knowledge,
the book suggests R&D opportunities. I compliment the authors for this timely
initiative considering the usefulness of the book.
Bangalore, India C. N. R. Rao

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced
Scientific Research
Preface
Gases generated and entrapped within coal seams, comprising mostly of methane,
are known as coalbed methane (CBM). The gas also called firedamp by the miners
was looked upon as an evil leading to safety problems in underground coal mines.
Further, it is an anthropogenic source of increasing concentration of atmospheric
methane. Traditionally, the gas emitted in underground coal mines was managed by
diluting it below statutory levels with ventilation air. However, increased coal
production from methane-rich deeper coal seams necessitated the drainage of gas to
ensure safety in mines. The gas so captured has been recognized as a clean source
of energy and is referred to as coal mine methane. This results in simultaneous
advantages such as enhanced mining safety, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and
generation of a clean fuel.
We have envisioned this book on Coalbed Methane in India: Opportunities,
Issues and Challenges for Recovery and Utilization as a comprehensive
state-of-the-art in the coalbed methane industry in India. Our idea has stemmed
from the suggestions of several professors and industry personnel from various
organizations, who have stressed on the need for a book on CBM in the country.
Thus, we endeavoured to include the evolving theory and practice into a combined
work. While our work has been supported by several industries during the course of
two decades—most specifically ONGC—the idea received a boost when the Bharat
Heavy Electricals Limited invited us to prepare a feasibility report for CBM in
India.
This book has not been developed as a traditional literature review, nor does it
only include the results from a single research exercise. It is designed to vent our
perspectives in the cross-cutting issues of CBM. In Chap. 1, we have tried to cover
the current coal mining scenario in India and how methane emission affects it. The
Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) categorized the mines into three
categories based on the degree of gassiness of the mine. Our group at CSIR-CIMFR
has been responsible for determination of the national methane emission factor from
coal mining and handling activities for the Government of India’s national com-
munications to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,
which has been covered in the chapter.
ix
x Preface
Subsequently, in Chap. 2, we have made a preliminary understanding of the

technical and geological feasibility of CBM in Indian coalfields. We have provided
consultations to several industries, and based on that, we have developed a fine
knowledgebase on the subject. Many of the characteristics of the coal beds of
Damodar Valley and Son River Valley coal basins are provided for its suitability as
a commercial CBM reservoir through drilling of exploratory and R&D wells.
It is established that only Raniganj, Jharia and Bokaro coalfields are commer-
cially viable in perspective of CBM project development. Thus, in Chap. 3, we
provide our research work performed on these three coalfields, giving detailed gas
quality and quantity assessment in these three coalfields. These results have been
developed as part of the US EPA-funded project on coal mine methane (CMM) in
India. In fact, this comprehensive analysis for these coalfields is largely missing in
the Indian context, and while focussing solely on CMM, the chapter will never-
theless give a general understanding of the gassiness and CBM prospects in the
Damodar Valley coalfields.
Lastly, in Chap. 4, we cover the policy, environmental and economic perspec-
tives of CBM in India. The Government of India (GoI) formulated CBM policy in
1997 in line with the National Exploration Licencing Policy (NELP) of the Ministry
of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). The Directorate General of Hydrocabons
(DGH) functioning under the aegis of MoPNG plays a pivotal role in development
of CBM resources in India. CBM policy of the GoI covers only the areas of
different coalfields which are virgin for recovery of the gas. Therefore, the present
CBM policy aims at exploitation of virgin coalbed methane (VCBM) only. The
major issues which are hindering the CBM development in India are administrative
and policy issues, social, environmental, economic and technical. CBM business is
not as attractive as conventional gas. In CBM, gas production is realized long after
the wells are drilled, as production starts after lot of dewatering at specific rate.
Each CBM well is required to be hydraulically fractured. CBM well production is
only in thousands of cubic metre unlike conventional well production of lakhs of
cubic metre. The operational and maintenance cost of CBM wells are higher.
A revision and change in strategy for exploitation of methane through other
methods such as coal mine methane (CMM) and abandoned mine methane
(AMM) in areas other than virgin areas are to be looked into. These types of
methane recovery will obviously fall in the presently ongoing mining areas, to be
mined areas and already mined areas. The coal resource of four Damodar Valley
coalfields (Raniganj, Jharia, Bokaro and North Karanpura) is around 80 BT and that
of Sohagpur coalfield is around 8 BT. A ball park estimate indicates that in these
coalfields, the in-place VCBM may be around 600–700 BCM (however, these areas
may come under mining areas in future) and possible in-place CMM may be around
500–600 BCM. The estimated methane in place is about 1300–1600 BCM (46–56
TCF) in these river valley basins. The perspectives developed in this book will
enable development of a more scientific approach towards CBM in India. Further, it
will serve as a useful reading material for students, professors and practicing
engineers.
Preface xi
While commercial CBM production has begun in India, many changes of which
this book speaks of may be useful for increasing productivity, safety and prof-
itability of the industry. We are hopeful that this book will act as an agent of change
to the slow pace of CBM development in India. Our work remains incomplete till
the CBM industry takes complete shape in India and we strive towards scientific
excellence in this area for the overall energy security of India.
Dhanbad, India Ajay Kumar Singh

New Delhi, India Partha Narayan Hajra
Acknowledgements
The book gathers its ideas from the R&D projects carried out with funding from
several agencies. A special mention must be made to the UNDP/GEF CBM project,
in which CSIR-CIMFR provided the laboratory backup. We are thankful to the
US EPA for funding the project on Feasibility Study for Recovery and Utilization of
Coal Mine Methane in Jharia, Bokaro and Raniganj Coalfields in India, which has
been utilized to develop a comprehensive database for CBM in India. The present
book was catalysed during a recent feasibility study funded by BHEL, in which we
got an opportunity to compile our knowledgebase in this area. We are also grateful
to other sponsors of our work including ONGC, subsidiaries of Coal India Ltd, the
NATCOM project of the Government of India. We also thank mine management of
BCCL, CCL and ECL for their assistance during our studies.
We thank Late Dr. A. P. Mitra and Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari, both former
Director General of CSIR, as well as Dr. Amalendu Sinha, Prof. B. B. Dhar, Dr.
B. D. Banerjee and Dr. T. N. Singh, former colleagues at CSIR-CIMFR who have
been great supporters of our work. Our associates at CSIR-CIMFR, which includes
a young group of scientists, engineers and technicians, namely Dr. Debadutta
Mohanty, Jaywardhan Kumar, Sujoy Chattaraj and Uttam Kumar, deserve our
grateful thanks. PNH would like to thank several senior officials (present and
superannuated) of ONGC, especially Dr. A. K. Balyan, Mr. S. V. Rao, Mr. Dilip
Majumder, Dr. Sushanto Das, Mr. Malay Rudra and Mr. Partha Sarathi Sen, with
whom he had the pleasure to serve, India’s oil and gas giant. The several project
staff and interns who worked at the Methane Emission and Degasification group at
CSIR-CIMFR deserve due acknowledgement in some way.
The results in this book have been developed from detailed discussions with
many senior advisors and collaborators over a period of several years. AKS would
like to thank Mr. Partha Bhattacharya (Former Chairman of Coal India), Dr. Jayne
Somers (formerly at EPA), Mr. N. N. Gautam (formerly at Ministry of Coal), Prof.
Amit Garg (Professor at IIM Ahmedabad), Prof. Trilok Nath Singh (Professor at IIT
Bombay), Dr. Rajendra Singh (Chief Scientist, CSIR-CIMFR) and many other
experts, with whom we have had the privilege to work with.
xiii
xiv Acknowledgements
We are of course indebted to our families for standing by us not just during
preparation of the current book, but also for their support during our entire pro-
fessional careers. AKS would particularly like to thank his son Udayan, for his
valuable help during all stages of the book.
Last, but certainly not the least, we are grateful to one of India’s most eminent
scientists, Prof. C. N. R. Rao, FRS, for kindly consenting to write the foreword for
this book and enhancing its quality.
Contents
1 Coalbed Methane in India: Its Relevance and Current Status ..... 1

1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 1
1.1.1 Coalification Vis-à-Vis Generation, Storage and
Transport of Methane in Coal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Occurrence of Coal in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2.1 Coal Mining in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.3 Current Status of CBM in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.3.1 Exploration and Exploitation of Coal-Mine Methane
(CMM) and Abandoned Mine Methane (AMM) . . . ..... 13
1.3.2 Current Development of VCBM Recovery in India . ..... 14
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 17
2 Current Status of CBM in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.2 Geological Feasibility of CBM in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.2.1 Coal Deposit in Gondwana Formations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.2.2 Stratigraphy of Gondwana Sediments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.3 India’s Journey So Far and Government Policy Towards CBM . . . 30
2.3.1 Present Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
3 Coalbed Methane Potential Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
3.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
3.2 Raniganj Coalfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
3.2.1 Kalidaspur Colliery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
3.2.2 Ghusick Colliery (Sripur Area) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
3.2.3 Ichhapur Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
3.2.4 Kulti Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
3.2.5 Sitarampur Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
xv
xvi Contents
3.3 Jharia Coalfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

3.3.1 Mines in the Mohuda Sub-basin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
3.3.2 Amlabad Colliery, East Jharia Basin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
3.3.3 Parbatpur Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
3.3.4 Kapuria Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
3.4 Bokaro Basin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
3.4.1 Jarangdih and Sawang Collieries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
3.4.2 Asnapani Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
3.4.3 Kathara Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
4 Economic and Environmental Aspects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
4.1 Economic Aspects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
4.1.1 Economic Analysis of a CBM Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
4.2 Regulatory Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
4.2.1 CBM Policy of the Government of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
4.2.2 Legal Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
4.2.3 Land Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
4.2.4 Socio-political Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
4.3 Environmental Aspects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
4.3.1 Produced Water Characteristics for Indian Coalfields . . . . . 92
4.4 Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
List of Figures
Fig. 1.1 The process of peatification, which occurs on the surface is

followed by coalification of the peat upon burial in the
subsurface where it is dewatered and exposed to heat and
pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3
Fig. 1.2 Pictorial representation of methane molecules inside a coal
pore (Harpalani and McPherson 1986). Reproduced with
permission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Fig. 1.3 Face and butt cleats in coal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Fig. 1.4 Coal and lignite distribution in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Fig. 1.5 State wise coal reserves in India, as on 1st April 2017 . . . . . . . 7
Fig. 1.6 Statistics of causes of disasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Fig. 1.7 Trend of methane emission from coal mining and handling
activities in India (Singh and Kumar 2016) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12
Fig. 2.1 Sketch map showing major lineaments and rectilinear belts of
Gondwana Basins in Peninsular India (Ghosh 2002) . . . . . . . .. 23
Fig. 3.1 Hourly variation of methane concentration in general body air
sample at Kalidaspur Colliery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39
Fig. 3.2 Gas content as a function of depth near
Kalidaspur Colliery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 40
Fig. 3.3 Location of virgin Bakulia Block relative to the
Kalidaspur Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 43
Fig. 3.4 Ghusick Colliery, workings in Ghusick Seam. Old water
logged workings occur to the north (top left). Salma dyke to
east (top) and the Damodar River lies to the south (lower
right, off map) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 44
Fig. 3.5 Ghusick Colliery, workings in Ghusick A Seam. Note
stratigraphic column to right indicating main mined seams, the
Ghusick and the Ghusick A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 45
Fig. 3.6 Monthly variation in make of methane (m3/minute) at
Ghusick Colliery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 46
Fig. 3.7 Strata section in the central part of Jharia coalfield . . . . . . . . .. 58
xvii
xviii List of Figures
Fig. 3.8 Workings in Mohuda Top Seam at Bhatdih and Murulidih

20/21 Pits Collieries. Stratigraphic column to left indicating
main mined seams, the Mohuda Top and Bottom . . . . . . . . . .. 59
Fig. 3.9 Upper coal seam stratigraphy at Amlabad Colliery . . . . . . . . .. 63
Fig. 3.10 Regional location map of mines along the Damodar River.
Amlabad Colliery in the west, and Sudamdih mines to the
east. ONGC’s Parbatpur CBM pilot lies to the south and west
of Amlabad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 74
Fig. 3.11 Borehole location in Kargali Top Seam, Sawang Colliery. . . .. 76
Fig. 3.12 South Central Part of East Bokaro Coalfield showing
Asnapani and Kathara CMM Blocks delineated by CMPDI . .. 77
Fig. 4.1 Average gas and water production rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 84
Fig. 4.2 Profit/loss and net-cash flow for hypothetical CBM project . . .. 89
List of Tables
Table 1.1 Underground working mines having different degree of gassy

seam—2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Table 1.2 Disasters in Indian coal mines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Table 1.3 CBM blocks awarded so far in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Table 2.1 Occurrence of Gondwana coal deposits of India . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Table 2.2 Classification of Gondwana super groups of different Indian
coal basins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 26
Table 2.3 Technical feasibility of CBM in different
coal blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 28
Table 3.1 In situ gas content, sorption time and proximate analysis
of coal core samples retrieved from the borehole drilled near
Kalidaspur Colliery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 40
Table 3.2 Average gas content and sorption time in the dip side of
Kalidaspur Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 41
Table 3.3 Ultimate analysis of selected samples in Kalidaspur
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 42
Table 3.4 Petrographic analysis of selected coal samples in Kalidaspur
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 42
Table 3.5 Analyses of air samples from behind stoppings . . . . . . . . . . .. 47
Table 3.6 Coal seams in Ichhapur Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49
Table 3.7 Overall proximate analysis of coal in Ichhapur
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49
Table 3.8 Elemental analysis of coal in Ichhapur Block . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50
Table 3.9 Depth-wise gas content of coal samples collected from an
exploratory borehole drilled in Ichhapur Block . . . . . . . . . . . .. 51
Table 3.10 Coal reserve, average gas content and gas resource
in Ichhapur Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 51
Table 3.11 Coal seams in Kulti Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 52
Table 3.12 Overall proximate analysis of coal seams
in Kulti Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 53
xix
xx List of Tables
Table 3.13 Gas content of coal core samples retrieved from an

exploratory borehole in Kulti Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 53
Table 3.14 Coal reserve, average gas content and gas resource
in Kulti Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 54
Table 3.15 The sequence of coal seams in Sitarampur Block . . . . . . . . . .. 55
Table 3.16 Proximate analysis of coal samples in Sitarampur
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 56
Table 3.17 Gas content of coal samples retrieved from and exploratory
borehole drilled in Sitarampur Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 56
Table 3.18 Coal reserve, Average gas content and Gas Resource in
Sitarampur Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 57
Table 3.19 Stratigraphic sequence of coal seams in Parbatpur
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 65
Table 3.20 Proximate analysis of coal samples in
Parbatpur Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 66
Table 3.21 Ultimate analysis of coal samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 67
Table 3.22 Coal resource, average gas content and gas resource in
Parbatpur Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 68
Table 3.23 Composition of desorbed gas collected in Parbatpur
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 69
Table 3.24 Geological reserve of coal in Kapuria Block . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 70
Table 3.25 Methane drainage implementation at Kargali Top Seam,
Sawang Colliery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 73
Table 3.26 Composition of recovered gas at Sawang colliery . . . . . . . . . .. 74
Table 3.27 Life and gas yield of boreholes at Sawang colliery. . . . . . . . .. 75
Table 3.28 Stratigraphic sequence of coal seams in Asnapani
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 78
Table 3.29 Coal resource, average gas content and gas resource
of Asnapani Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 79
Table 3.30 Coal seams and inter seam parting ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 81
Table 3.31 Coal and gas resource in Kathara Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 82
Table 4.1 Estimated cost of surface facilities, LAQ, administrative costs
and project supervision. All costs in Rs. Crore . . . . . . . . . . . .. 85
Table 4.2 Shows our estimations for capital investments required
for a typical (hypothetical) CBM project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 85
Table 4.3 Estimated financial details (O&M) for the hypothetical CBM
project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 86
Table 4.4 Range, average and standard deviation of parameters
from CBM produced water at Jharia coalfield
(Singh et al. 2015) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 93
Table 4.5 Water quality parameters after treatment with pureflow NF
unit (Singh 2017) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 95
Table 4.6 SWOT chart for CBM in India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 95
Chapter 1
Coalbed Methane in India: Its Relevance
and Current Status
Abstract This chapter is introductory and presents overview of the subject. Basic
concepts of genesis of methane in coal and retention and transport of the gas in coal
reservoir have been discussed. A comparison between conventional natural gas
reservoir and coalbed methane reservoir is made. Methane gas as a safety hazard in
underground coal mines and environmental issues of greenhouse gas emission from
coal mining and handling activities in India are outlined. A brief account of geo-
logical resources of Gondwana and Tertiary coals in different states in India is
presented. Mining of coal by opencast (surface) and underground methods have
been given. Gassiness of coal seams in Indian context vis-à-vis distribution of
underground coal mines of different degrees of gassiness in various provinces is
described. A summary of the status of coal mine methane (CMM) and virgin
coalbed methane (VCBM) projects in India is presented.
1.1 Introduction
Methane rich gases are produced during coal formation process commonly known
as coalification, wherein plant substances are accumulated and buried below the
earth’s surface and the woody materials are transformed into peat and subsequently
to higher ranks of coal. Biogenic methane evolves at early stage of coalification and
later thermogenic methane and small quantities of some other gases are generated
(Tang et al. 1996). A large portion of the methane produced during coalification
process escapes to the atmosphere through surface or migrates into the enclosing
strata, but a fraction of the gaseous product is entrapped within the coal itself. Thus,
methane is invariably stored in all types of coal. However, its quantity and quality
vary in wide-ranging proportions depending largely on rank (maturity) of coal and
depth of occurrence of the coal seam (Eddy et al. 1982).
Unlike conventional gas reservoirs, wherein the source and reservoir rocks are
not the same, coal seams serve both as source and as reservoir rock for methane.
The retention mechanism of the gas in coal beds also differs from the conventional
natural gas reservoirs. While the gas in conventional reservoirs are found in
© The Author(s) 2018 1

A. K. Singh and P. N. Hajra, Coalbed Methane in India,
SpringerBriefs in Energy, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-66465-1_1
2 1 Coalbed Methane in India: Its Relevance and Current Status
free-state in compressed condition, large volume of the gas in coal beds are in
adsorbed state. As a result, non-conventional gases such as coalbed methane and
shale gas are often said to be contained in “tight reservoirs”. Gases in coalbeds
contain mostly methane and very little higher hydrocarbons such as
ethane, propane and butane (Cheung et al. 2010), and no natural-gas condensate. It
is therefore, called ‘sweet gas’, because it does not contain hydrogen sulphide.
Some coal seams, such as those in certain areas of the Cambay and Sanchor Basins
in Gujarat and Rajasthan, contain higher percentage of carbon dioxide (Chakraborty
et al. 2011). In most of the cases, methane is the predominant coal bed gas.
The presence of methane in coal has long been recognized in mining industry as
a safety hazard during underground mining of coal (Bibler et al. 1998). Often
methane emitted into the mine workings during cutting or breaking of coal in
underground mines is diluted by ventilation air below statutory levels. Eventually,
the ventilation system of the mine may become inadequate to maintain the methane
concentration within the permissible limit. Emission of methane is, therefore, a
limiting factor for concerted production of coal, particularly in deep gassy under-
ground mines. It has also been recognized that gases emitted during coal mining
and handling activities contribute significantly to the increasing abundance of
atmospheric methane (Banerjee et al. 1994; Garg et al. 2011).
Furthermore, useful research on mine safety during the 1960s and 1970s pro-
vided valuable results on drainage of methane gas from coal seams to increase
safety in gassy underground coal mines. With the fast depletion of easily exploi-
table resource of coal deposits at shallow depth and safety concerns in underground
coal mines against gas hazards, attention of apex planners, earth scientists, mining
engineers and end users was drawn towards the possibilities of extraction of
methane present in coal beds to make future mining of coal safer and also to
augment supply of clean energy resource. In India, though the coal mining industry
is more than a century old (Simmons 1976; Singh 2005), the utilization of methane
gas from active mines or from abandoned mines has not yet attracted the attention
of the industry. Hence the systematic data on the coalbed gas resources and its
composition (both molecular and isotopic) with reference to Indian coalfields are
not well documented. The gas present in coal beds is a form of natural gas which
may be extracted from coal beds for its beneficial utilization and is generally
known as Coalbed Methane (CBM) as methane is the predominant constituent. In
Australia, it is commonly termed as coal seam gas (CSG). In recent decades, it has
become an important source of energy in the United States of America, Canada,
Australia, and other countries (Moore 2012).
Coalbed Methane (CBM) ventures and activities started in a systematic manner
in India from the late 1990s. In consonance with the general belief and global
experience of the CBM projects, primary focus was given to the high rank coals of
Damodar River and Son River Valley basins (Singh 2000). The aforesaid basins,
with a considerable number of coal horizons of enhanced rank and higher values of
methane content and a number of methane explosions in underground mines,
became the early target areas for probing. With passage of time, however CBM
1.1 Introduction 3
activities were spread out to low rank non-coking coals and lignite of a number of
coal and lignite fields as well.
In this book, an effort has been made to investigate the potential of coalbed
methane (CBM) in India. For feasibility study of CBM in India, some important
coalfields have been considered, owing to the high estimated resource base.
1.1.1 Coalification Vis-à-Vis Generation, Storage

and Transport of Methane in Coal
Plant materials carried away by the streams were deposited in river basins, lakes
and ponds. Over the time, these ancient plants were covered by increasing over-
burden and were compressed by weight of the sedimentary layers. Eventually, the
biochemical and thermal alteration of plant materials began with formation of peat
and ended with anthracite through lignite, sub-bituminous and bituminous coals due
to increase in temperature with increase in burial depth (i.e. pressure) across the
sediments. Cellulose and lignin, two predominant complex, high molecular weight
chemical compounds with carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen as their con-
stituents, contribute significantly in the coal formation process (Chandra et al.
2000). The percentage of oxygen is progressively decreased due to loss of water
resulting in increased percentage of carbon. The progressive transformation of plant
matter to anthracite is shown in Fig. 1.1.
Fig. 1.1 The process of peatification, which occurs on the surface is followed by coalification of
the peat upon burial in the subsurface where it is dewatered and exposed to heat and pressure.
Source (Flores 2013)
Fig. 1.2 Pictorial representation of methane molecules inside a coal pore (Harpalani and
McPherson 1986). Reproduced with permission
Various theories have been postulated to explain the physical and chemical
changes during coalification. Almost all of these theories predict the formation of
carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen and water as the products of de-volatilization
during coalification. Methane is stored within the extensive microporous network of
coal, mainly as monomolecular physically adsorbed layers; see Fig. 1.2 (Kim 1977;
Greaves et al. 1993). The pore network is a significant fraction of the bulk volume
of the coal. Most coals have large surface areas of about several hundred square
meters per gram (Botsaris and Glazman 1989).
Coal has a natural fracture system also called cleat that is formed during coal-
ification with de-plugging and de-volatilization of the coal (Levine 1996). Two
perpendicular sets of fractures termed as face and butt cleats are generally found in
coal. Face cleats are perpendicular to the bedding plane, generally continuous and
are more prominent while the butt cleats are orthogonal to the face cleats and are
less prominent (Fig. 1.3). The cleat system that generally varies from few mil-
limeters to several centimeters provides natural permeability for flow of gases and
water through coal (Laubach et al. 1998). The pore network and pore blocking
materials such as water are crucial for retention of the gas in coal. The methane is in
a near-liquid state, lining the inside of pores within the coal. The open fractures in
the coal (cleats) can also contain free gas or can be saturated with water. While a
few researchers have supported a liquid-like state theory for storage of methane in
coal (Collins 1991), it is commonly believed that coalbed methane occurs in coal
seams in three states viz. (i) adsorbed gas held by intra molecular attraction on the
surfaces of the organic components known as maceral within the coal micro pores,
(ii) free gas in the coal macro pores and natural fractures in the coal termed as
cleats, and (iii) in dissolved state in the formation water. While, coals at shallow
depths with reasonably high values of porosity and permeability may contain some
amount of the total gas in free-state, percentage of adsorbed gas is generally very
high in deep seated coals due to increasing hydrostatic pressure with depth. Deep
1.1 Introduction 5
Fig. 1.3 Face and butt cleats in coal. Source Photographed at Author’s laboratory
seated high rank coals generally contain substantial quantity of methane in adsorbed
state. It has been reported (Yee et al. 1993) that physical adsorption is the principal
mechanism of methane retention in coal accounting for more than 90% of the total
gas storage in coal beds.
Pressure exerted by water keeps methane adsorbed on the internal surfaces of the
micro pores and remains adsorbed until pressure is reduced leading to the release
and flow of methane through the cleat system. Development of a coal mine disturbs
the pressure balance causing emission of the gas in mine workings.
Transport of methane in coal has three distinct stages. The first stage involves
desorption of the gas from coal surfaces due to decrease in the pressure on the coal
seam that is followed by the second stage of diffusion through the coal matrix from
a zone of higher concentration to the cleat system, the zone of lower concentration.
Finally in the third stage, the gas flows through the coal seam cleat network under
Darcy flow conditions (Harpalani and Schraufnagel 1990). Although diffusion
through the micro pores and Darcy’s flow through the interconnected natural
fracture system in the coalbeds are separate and distinct phenomena, they are
interdependent. If one of the steps is considerably slower than the other, the overall
gas flow rate is determined by the magnitude of the slower step.
1.2 Occurrence of Coal in India
Coals in India occurs in two distinct geological ages viz. Permian (Gondwana) and
Tertiary. The Gondwana coals, named after the Gond Kingdom, were mainly
formed in the Permian age (nearly 270 MYBP; million years before present) in
lakes and river basins viz. Damodar-Koel Valley, Son-Mahanadi Valley,
Pench-Kanhan Valley, Pranhita-Godavari Valley etc. The Tertiary lignite/
Fig. 1.4 Coal and lignite distribution in India
sub-bituminous coal deposited are generally found in the sedimentary cover in

Cambay, Barmer-Sanchor, Bikaner-Nagore, Himalayan Foot hills, Upper Assam
and Neyveli in Tamil Nadu. The distribution of coal and lignite deposits in Indian
sedimentary basins is exhibited in Fig. 1.4. For an excellent understanding of coal
in India, the reader may refer to Lahiri-Dutt (2016).
The Gondwana coal deposits, which account for over 99% of the total coal
reserve of India, are found in the south-eastern quadrant of the country bounded by
78°E longitude and 24°N latitude (Coal Atlas of India 1993). Spread over an area of
approximately 64,000 km2 in 57 coalfields, the Gondwana coals are confined
within Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Andhra
Pradesh and Maharashtra states.
The Tertiary coal deposits (formed in the Eocene age, 30–60 million years
earlier) are developed in only few pockets and are spread over in 14 coalfields in
Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and northeastern states of
1.2 Occurrence of Coal in India 7
Meghalaya, Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh (Ahmed 1996; Mishra and
Ghosh 1996).
The overall spectrum of bituminous and sub-bituminous coals may be broadly
grouped into coking (carbon 85–92%, dry mineral matter free—dmmf basis) and
non-coking (carbon 76–85%, dmmf basis), besides the lignite of still lower rank
(carbon 65–75%, dmmf basis). The non-coking coals and lignite find uses in var-
ious industries, whereas those of coking types are used in iron and steel making
after conversion to metallurgical coke or to beehive coke for foundries. Occurrence
of coking coal is limited to the Damodar Valley excepting in minor quantity in a
few other coalfields. Other coalfields contain low rank non-coking coals. Sulphur
content in coals and lignite is variable and is not rank dependent like other elements
such as carbon, hydrogen and oxygen mainly constituting the coal substance. Indian
coals are low in sulphur content; generally well below 1% except for the north-
eastern region coals, Jammu and Kashmir Coals, part of Wardha Valley coals,
Rajasthan, Neyveli and part of Gujarat lignites (Tiwary and Dhar 1994).
The total coal inventory of India up to a depth of 1200 m as on 1 April 2017 as
estimated by the Geological Survey of India is 315,148.81 million tonnes. This
includes 143,057.71 million tonnes of proved resources and about 172,091.10
million tonnes of coal resources of indicated and inferred categories. Figure 1.5
shows the distribution of coal reserves on a state-level basis.
Out of the aforementioned coal inventory in India, only 11.00% reserves are
coking coal and 0.50% are tertiary coal reserves. The rest 88.55% are non-coking
Gondwana coals, used primarily for power generation purposes.
90000
82439.52
Coal resource (in million tonnes)
80000 77284.84
70000
60000 56661.16
50000
40000
31667.22
30000 27673.2
21464.31
20000
12259.16
10000
1580.7 1353.5 1061.8 576.48 525 410.45 101.23 90.23
0
Fig. 1.5 State wise coal reserves in India, as on 1st April 2017. Adapted from https://employee.
gsi.gov.in/cs/groups/public/documents/document/b3zp/mtyx/*edisp/dcport1gsigovi161863.pdf
1.2.1 Coal Mining in India
The production programme from the existing coal producers includes both surface
and underground methods of mining. Coal production from surface mines con-
tributed 650.58 Mt and the share of underground coal production was 64.36 Mt in
the year 2014 (DGMS 2014). Thus of the total production, more than 90% was
contributed by surface mines and the remaining came from underground mines. The
surface mining systems adopted in India so far have been based on shovel-dumper
system for coal extraction and overburden removal. Draglines have been deployed
for overburden removal whenever conditions are suitable. No major change is likely
in these technologies in near future. Almost 82% of the total underground coal
production comes from bord and pillar mining. This method, however, presents
significant difficulties in the deeper mines (Singh et al. 2011). Mechanized loading
by the introduction of SDL (Side Discharge Loader) and LHD (Load Haul Dump)
is gaining momentum in underground coal mines (Samanta et al. 2004). Despite
advances made and initiatives taken for improving the underground production, the
fact, however, stays that for another 15–20 years, the country will have to depend
mostly on surface mines for meeting its increasing coal demand.
1.2.1.1 Gassiness of Coal Seams in India
Gassiness of coal seam is characterized by the quantity of emission of methane

from the belowground seam and is usually expressed as relative emission i.e. cubic
meter of methane emitted per tonne of coal produced. All the underground coal
seams are categorized into three different degrees of gassiness by the Directorate
General of Mines Safety, Dhanbad, India under Coal Mines Regulations 116
(DGMS 1967).
“Degree I Seams” refers to a coal seam in which the “percentage of inflammable
gas in the general body of air does not exceed 0.1 and the rate of emission of such
gas does not exceed 1 m3 per tonne of coal produced”.
“Degree II Seam” implies a coal seam in which the “percentage of inflammable
gas in the general body of air at any place in the workings of the seam is more than
0.1 or rate of emission of inflammable gas per tonne of coal produced exceeds 1 m3
but does not exceed 10 m3”.
“Degree III Seam” is a coal seam in which the “rate of emission of inflammable
gas per tonne of coal produced exceeds 10 m3”.
Knowledge of the amount of methane liberated per tonne of coal produced in
working mines is useful for preliminary examination of gassiness of coal seams.
There is no such classification for opencast (surface) coal mines as the methane
emission from such mines is much less compared to underground mines, and is not
a safety hazard. Distribution of working mines having different degree of gassy
seams in various states in India is shown in Table 1.1. More than 70% of the
underground coal mines in the country were Degree I gassy mines in the year 2014
Table 1.1 Underground working mines having different degree of gassy seam—2014
State Degree I Degree II Degree III Total
Assam 1 1
Chhattisgarh 44 1 45
Jammu and Kashmir 1 1
Jharkhand 65 24 5 94
Madhya Pradesh 41 10 51
Maharashtra 22 22
Orissa 7 1 8
Telangana 39 39
West Bengal 24 54 6 81
All-India 242 90 13 342
and nearly 26% had been categorized as Degree II. Only one mine with Degree III
gassy seams belongs to tertiary deposits of Assam. All other Degree III gassy seams
are located in the Damodar basin and in the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Due to fast depletion of shallow coal deposits, extraction from the deeper seams
will be necessary to meet the future requirements. Winning coal from the deeper
seams will involve greater emission of methane in the underground as the seams at
greater depths are expected to contain higher amount of the gas. Emission of
methane in coal mines is known as a major safety hazard ever since the beginning
underground mining. Records of explosions of fire damp (methane) in coal mines
are common in the world. Disasters involving ten or more casualties in Indian coal
mines have been presented in Table 1.2. It may be noted that between 1908 and
2006, 2125 persons died in 49 disasters. It is evident (Fig. 1.6) that methane (fire
damp) explosion/ignition has contributed to the maximum number of the total
occurrences of disasters (about 41%) in Indian coal mines. Speaking about the
fatalities, out of 2125 persons killed in coal mine disasters in India, 894 (42.07%)
were killed in explosion/ignition of methane (fire damp). The analysis of the
statistics of disasters in coal mines in India reveals that presence of methane in coal
poses a major safety threat in underground coal mines. For coal mining companies
therefore, presence of methane in coal is an unpleasant explosive contaminate of
coal, better known for killing miners than benefiting society.
1.2.1.2 Estimates of Methane Emitted from Coal Mining

and Handling Activities in India
While gas emissions have been a factor of limiting production, they also contribute
to the increasing abundance of atmospheric methane. Suitably designed ventilation
systems have been traditionally used to control risk of methane explosion in
underground mines. Methane released in the underground mines is ultimately
vented to the atmosphere through the return airways of the mine. Methane is also
Table 1.2 Disasters in Indian coal mines

Sl. Year Name of mine Persons Classification
No. killed
01 1908 Nadir Khan (Now in 20 Explosion of fire damp
Pakistan)
02 1910 Dishergarh, ECL 11 Explosion of fire damp
03 1910 Sitalpur, ECL 12 Fall of roof
04 1910 Namdang, ECL 14 Explosion of fire damp
05 1911 Kendwadih, BCCL 14 Explosion of fire damp
06 1911 Phularitand, BCCL 23 Inundation
07 1913 Jotejanaki, ECL 13 Inundation
08 1913 Chowrasi, ECL 27 Explosion of fire damp
09 1915 Chanda, WCL 10 Miscellaneous on surface
10 1916 Bhowra, BCCL 24 Miscellaneous on surface
13 1919 Kustore, BCCL 14 Breaking of rope and chains
14 1921 Amlabad, BCCL 11 Explosion of fire damp
15 1922 Khost (Now in Pakistan) 13 Explosion of fire damp
16 1923 Parbelia, ECL 74 Explosion of fire damp
17 1923 Rawanwara, WCL 16 Fall of roof
18 1931 Ningah, ECL 13 Explosives
19 1935 Loyabad, BCCL 11 Inundation
20 1935 Bagdigi, BCCL 19 Explosion of fire damp
21 1935 Kurhurbari, CCL 62 Explosion of fire damp
22 1936 Loyabad, BCCL 35 Suffocation of gases
23 1936 Poidih, ECL 209 Explosion of fire damp
24 1942 Mukerwal (Now in Pakistan) 14 Inundation
25 1943 Sodepur, ECL 13 Fall of roof
26 1943 Jamuria, ECL 12 By sundries underground
27 1946 Begunia, BCCL 13 Explosion of fire damp
28 1952 Dhemomain, ECL 12 Fall of roof
29 1953 Majri, WCL 11 Inundation
30 1954 Damra, ECL 10 Ignition of fire damp
31 1954 Newton Chikli, WCL 63 Inundation
32 1955 Amlabad, BCCL 52 Explosion of fire damp
33 1956 Burradhemo, ECL 28 Inundation
34 1958 Chinakuri, ECL 175 Explosion of fire damp
35 1958 Central Bhowra, BCCL 23 Inundation
36 1960 Damua, WCL 16 Inundation
37 1965 Dhori, CCL 268 Coal dust explosion
38 1968 West Chirimiri, WCL 14 Premature collapse of
workings
(continued)
Table 1.2 (continued)

Sl. Year Name of mine Persons Classification
No. killed
39 1973 Jitpur, IISCO 48 Explosion of fire damp
40 1975 Kesurgarh, BCCL 11 Fall of roof
41 1975 Silewara, WCL 10 Inundation
42 1975 Chasnala, IISCO 375 Inundation
43 1976 Central Saunda, CCL 10 Inundation
44 1976 Sudamdih, BCCL 43 Explosion of fire damp
45 1982 Huriladih, BCCL 19 Inundation
46 1994 New Kenda, ECL 55 Explosion of fire damp
47 1995 Gaslitand, BCCL 74 Inundation
48 2001 Bagdigi, BCCL 31 Inundation
49 2006 Bhatdih, BCCL 56 Explosion of fire damp
Fig. 1.6 Statistics of causes Fall of Roof

of disasters
10% Others
18%
Inundation
31%
Fire Damp
41%
emitted during opencast mining of coal. The rate of methane emission per tonne of
coal produced from opencast mining may not be very large. However, the total
amount of gas released into the atmosphere during surface mining of coal is sig-
nificant, as opencast mining dominates the production scenario in India. Subsequent
to mining of coal by opencast or underground mining, it is prepared for utilization
by coal-handling plants or washeries. It has been demonstrated that a considerable
amount of methane remains in the coal after its extraction, which is emitted at the
time of handling or washing.
Estimates for methane emission to the atmosphere have been prepared by
CSIR-CIMFR for the years 1990–2012. These estimates were prepared using
emission factors determined (Singh 2004) in Indian context and also using the
IPCC emission factors (IPCC 1997) for low and high cases. The trend of methane
emission using the national emission factors and IPCC default emission factors
(IPCC 1997) from coal mining and handling activities in India is shown in
Fig. 1.7.
Fugitive methane emission to the atmosphere from coal mining and handling
activities in India has increased from 0.504 Tg (million tonnes) in the year 1990 to
Fig. 1.7 Trend of methane emission from coal mining and handling activities in India (Singh and
Kumar 2016)
0.765 Tg (million tonnes) in the year 2012. Here the national emission factors
(Singh 2004) were used to generate the time series data for the fugitive methane
emissions for the year 1990–2012. If IPCC emission factors (IPCC 1997) are used,
the estimate of methane emission to the atmosphere is observed to be 0.618 Tg
(million tonnes) in low case, 1.425 Tg (million tonnes) in average case and
2.069 Tg (million tonnes) in high case. Therefore, coal mining and handling
activities in India are prolific source of atmospheric methane.
1.3 Current Status of CBM in India
Methane is contained by all types of coal seams. Quantity and quality of coalbed
methane vary widely from basin to basin. Extraction of methane is possible only in
case of favourable reservoir conditions. There are some promising CBM reservoirs
in many coal mining countries where satisfactory geological settings (good coal
thickness, gas content/saturation, maturity, permeability) combined with desirable
economics (low capital and operating costs; and favourable gas markets and sales
prices) have paved way for growth of CBM industry.
Concerted efforts to degasify some gassy mines in Raniganj, Jharia and East
Bokaro coalfields were made in 1970s to capture methane for its gainful utilization
in view of the associated advantage of mine safety against gas hazard. Presence of
methane within the coal horizons of Raniganj, Jharia and East Bokaro coalfields
was known almost since the inception of mining activities in these coalfields.
A number of cases of explosion were recorded in Disergarh, Parbelia, Chinakuri,
Damra, Namdang, Chowrasi, Poidih and Ghusick Musulia underground mines
operating in Raniganj coalfield. Likewise Amlabad, Sudamdih, Jitpur, Begunia,
Bagdigi, Kendwadih and Bhatdih collieries in Jharia coalfield encountered many
firedamp (methane) explosions. Cases of explosions and high rate of methane
1.3 Current Status of CBM in India 13
emissions were also confronted at Dhori and Sawang collieries in East Bokaro
coalfield.
The Muslia unit of reorganized Ghusick Colliery is a degree III mine in Raniganj
coalfield. The old Muslia was abandoned in the year 1958 after methane ignition
and subsequent fire and is water logged at present. The existing Muslia unit was
opened in 1967 to the East of old Muslia. A barrier of 60 m has been maintained
between old and present Muslia. A mine degasification programme was undertaken
at Ghusick seam in Muslia unit in 1985 in consultation with Polish experts.
Attempts were made by BCCL to degasify XV seam at Amlabad Colliery in Jharia
coalfield in 1978 for mine safety purpose. In East Bokaro coalfield, indigenously
designed in-seam degasification system was installed in Kargali Top Seam, Sawang
Colliery in 1983. Attempts were made to drill a borehole at the eastern wall on the
junction of 27 Level and Companion Dip for determination of gas content of coal.
After 2 m of drilling, heavy influx of methane and water from the borehole was
observed necessitating suspension of drilling operation. An emission rate of 10 m3
of methane per minute could be measured from the 2 m deep borehole. The
degasification program was drawn and designed by CMPDI and CSIR-CIMFR (the
then CMRS) to recover methane from the Kargali Top Seam by in-seam degasi-
fication method. These earlier attempts however, had limited success mainly due to
knowledge gap.
1.3.1 Exploration and Exploitation of Coal-Mine Methane

(CMM) and Abandoned Mine Methane (AMM)
Due to non-inclusion CBM as a mineral under mining statute of India, CBM

exploration and production activities were limited to R&D only. Administratively,
CBM was acknowledged as natural gas by Government of India and thus in 1997,
proper administrative, fiscal and legal regime were put in place. The Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India and the Directorate General of
Hydrocarbons in consultation with the Ministry of Coal, Government of India
became the administrative and the implementing agency for CBM policy.
Exploitation of CMM and AMM was undertaken by the UNDP/GEF-GoI “CBM
Recovery and Commercial Utilization” project, a pilot scale, demonstration project
at two sites viz. Moonidih and Sudamdih mines of Bharat Coking Coal Limited
(BCCL).
The project was approved by the Government of India on 15th September 1999
with duration of five years. Three CBM wells were drilled at Moonidih Project in
the Jharia coalfield down to a depth of 1059 m, where CBM is being produced from
wells drilled for the purpose and is being utilized to generate electricity from the
gas-based generator. The electricity generated is supplied to the Moonidih colony.
So far more that 1.10 million units of electricity has been generated.
Long Hole drill unit for drilling horizontal holes at Sudamdih was received from
DBT Germany, assembled on surface and functionality test was done in October
2006. Underground drilling (1000 m long holes) started in February 2007 after
DGMS approval but could not be completed due to technical reasons.
1.3.2 Current Development of VCBM Recovery in India
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India in consultation

with the Ministry of Coal has called for four global biddings till date, allocating
CBM blocks in this group to private Indian/foreign and PSUs agencies, where
mining is not likely to take place in next 30 years. Coalbed methane blocks allotted
so far in India for exploration and production of Virgin Coalbed Methane (VCBM)
are shown in Table 1.3. The various engineering considerations may play a vital
Table 1.3 CBM blocks awarded so far in India

Sl. Block name (Coalfield) State Area Awardee
No. (km2)
I. CBM-I
1 RG(E)-CBM-2001/I West Bengal 500 EOL
(Raniganj East)
2 BK-CBM-2001/I (Bokaro) Jharkhand 95 ONGC-IOC
3 NK-CBM-2001/I (North Jharkhand 340 ONGC-IOC
Karanpura)
4 SP(E)-CBM-2001/I Madhya Pradesh 495 RIL
(Sohagpur (East))
5 SP(W)-CBM-2001/I Madhya Pradesh 500 RIL
(Sohagpur (West))
Total (A) 1930
II. Nomination basis
6 RANIGANJ NORTH West Bengal 350 ONGC-CIL
(Raniganj)
7 JHARIA (Jharia) Jharkhand 85 ONGC-CIL
8 RANIGANJ SOUTH West Bengal 210 GEECL
(Raniganj)
Total (B) 645
III. CBM-II
9 SK-CBM-2003/II (South Jharkhand 70 ONGC
Karanpura)
10 NK(W)-CBM-2003/II Jharkhand 267 ONGC
(North Karanpura)
(continued)

No. (km2)
11 SH(N)-CBM-2003/II Chhattisgarh 825 RIL
(Sonhat)
12 ST-CBM-2003/II (Satpura) Madhya Pradesh 714 ONGC
13 WD-CBM-2003/II Maharashtra 503 ONGC
(Wardha)
14 BS(3)-CBM-2003/II Gujarat 790 ONGC-GSPCL
(Barmer-Sanchor)
15 BS(1)-CBM-2003/II Rajasthan 1045 RIL
(Barmer)
16 BS(2)-CBM-2003/II Rajasthan 1020 RIL
(Barmer)
Total (C) 5234
IV. CBM-III
17 RM-CBM-2005/III Jharkhand 469 ARROW-GAIL-EIG-TATA
(Rajmahal)
18 BB-CBM-2005/III West Bengal 248 BPE
(Birbhum)
19 TR-CBM-2005/III Chhattisgarh 458 ARROW-GAIL-EIG-TATA
(Tatapani Ramkola)
20 MR-CBM-2005/III (Mand Chhattisgarh 634 ARROW-GAIL-EIG
Raigarh)
21 SP(N)-CBM-2005/III Madhya Pradesh 609 REL-RNRL-GEO
(Sohagpur)
22 SR-CBM-2005/III Madhya Pradesh 330 COALGAS-DIL
(Singrauli)
23 KG(E)-CBM-2005/III Andhra Pradesh 750 REL-RNRL-GEO
(Kothagudem)
24 BS(4)-CBM-2005/III Rajasthan 1168 REL-RNRL-GEO
(Barmer)
25 BS(5)-CBM-2005/III Rajasthan 739 REL-RNRL-GEO
(Barmer)
26 GV(N)-CBM-2005/III Andhra Pradesh 386 COALGAS-DIL-ADINATH
(Godavari)
Total (D) 5791
V. CBM-IV
27 IB-CBM-2008/IV (IB ORISSA 209 Essar Oil Limited
VALLEY COALFIELD)
28 MG-CBM-2008/IV TAMILNADU 766 GEECL
(MANNARGUDI
LIGNITE)
29 RM(E)-CBM-2008/IV JHARKHAND 1128 Essar Oil Limited
(RAJMAHAL)
(continued)

No. (km2)
30 ST-CBM-2008/IV MADHYA 714 Arrow Energy-TATA Power
(SATPURA) PRADESH
31 SP(NE)-CBM-2008/IV MP & 339 Essar Oil Limited
(SOHAGPUR) CHHATISGARH
32 TL-CBM-2008/IV ORISSA 557 Essar Oil Limited
(TALCHIR)
33 AS-CBM-2008/IV ASSAM 113 Arrow Energy-Oil India
(UPPER ASSAM, NORTH Limited
EAST)
Total (E) 3826
Grand Total (A + B + C + D + E) 17,426
role for establishing this non-conventional gas as a viable supplementary source of

energy. Many of the characteristics of the coal beds of Damodar Valley coal basins
are studied for its suitability as a commercial CBM reservoir through drilling of
exploratory and R&D wells. The data collected from these wells has indicated basin
specific requirement of drilling, completion and production techniques.
For producing gas from any CBM well, it is necessary to carry out different
types of reservoir and production testing to assess the producibility of each object,
average producibility of one well and to assess/forecast the production sustain-
ability and profile. Due to presence of thick multiple coal objects in a long strati-
graphic column of 500–700 m in Damodar Valley coalfields, individual zone
testing have been resorted to only in few wells as it involves very long production
testing time and very high cost. These data are used for formulating reservoir model
for each coal seam leading to generation of production profiles through dynamic
simulation.
The sequence of operations, as mentioned above for production testing in these
few wells should be as follows.
The job volume and capacity of stimulation unit for effective stimulation of coals
are generally higher than conventional reservoir. The frac gradient, fracture opening
and closing pressure, initial reservoir pressure, mechanical properties etc. play a
vital role for stimulation designing and to determine the operating pressure. The
X-Mass tree, which is used during hydro fracturing may be replaced by a low cost
high rating frac valve during the stimulation job in CBM wells. Zone isolation is an
important aspect due to the occurrence of multiple coal seams in Damodar Valley
Basins. Out of several methods of multiple zone isolation, sand plug or bridge plug
or frac plug have been used as per suitability during pre-frac test and stimulation
job. In case of use of sand plug, cleaning of the same is required after production
testing of individual zone. For this purpose, use of a sand bailer in combination with
circulation is followed. Use of Retrievable Bridge Plug (RBP) is considered during
development phase.
Dewatering from coal objects is a primary requirement for producing CBM gas
(Gardes 2005). To successfully execute this operation, use of Progressive Cavity
Pump (PCP) in initial stage of testing is done, when possibility of coal fine and prop
pant flow back is more. PC pump is replaced by Sucker Rod Pump (SRP) after few
months for continuous dewatering from the producing wells. Due to variation in
water production, selection of pump with variable output is planned. To know the
rate of production of gas from individual objects of the wells, possibility of using
production logging (PLT—full bore spinner type) is explored. Once the production
testing jobs are over in exploration and pilot phase and the development scheme is
prepared, planning for CBM exploitation in the commercial exploitation phase
automatically becomes the major area for planning. Different production tech-
nologies are being practiced by different CBM operators in India. Details will be
discussed in subsequent chapters.
As discussed above, the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) has offered
33 blocks in four rounds including one on nomination basis. Total CBM bearing
area has been estimated as 26,000 km2 out of which 17,426 km2 has been opened
up so far. Prognosticated CBM resource in these 33 blocks is 1810 BCM (63.8
TCF), which is nearly 70% of the total prognosticated resource of about 2608 BCM
(92 TCF). Production at commercial scale commenced in July 2007 by the Great
Eastern Energy Corporation Limited (GEECL) in Raniganj coalfield.
Besides GEECL, ONGC in Jharia coalfield, Essar Oil Limited in Raniganj coalfield
and Reliance Industries limited (RIL) in Sohagpur coalfield are producing CBM at
commercial scale. Presently about 2 MMSCMD of CBM is produced in India from
5 blocks.
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Chapter 2
Current Status of CBM in India
Abstract This chapter attempts to give an overarching view of the current state of
coalbed methane in India. It is well known that few of the coalfields have significant
potential for CBM. This chapter gives a brief introduction, and then moves on to
discussing some of the geological features of the coalfields involved. This basically
pertains to understanding of the geology of coal formations within the Gondwana
geological province. Subsequently, using a mathematical approach and tabulated
highlights of the coalfields in India with respect to area, depth, thickness, gas
generation and permeability, it is shown that Raniganj, Jharia, Bokaro, North
Karanpura and Sohagpur may be suitable for CBM production. This basically forms
the background for the next chapter, in which very comprehensive results for coal
mine methane (CMM) have been given for Raniganj, Jharia and Bokaro coalfields.
Subsequently, the operations of the companies involved in CBM exploration and
production have been described.
2.1 Introduction
A few coalfields have significant potential for CBM in India, especially in

Damodar-Koel valley and Son-Mahanadi valley basins. Nevertheless, precise
estimation of the recoverable gas in-place is yet to be done. With the appreciation
that methane in coal seams can be extracted in a cost-effective manner for its gainful
utilization, many agencies such as the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH),
the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDI), the
CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), the Oil and Natural
Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), and the Mineral Exploration Corporation
Limited (MECL) made significant contributions in exploration and exploitation of
this clean source of energy. Many private sector companies like the Reliance
Industries Limited (RIL), Essar Oil Limited (EOL), and the Great Eastern Energy
Corporation Limited (GEECL) also have contributed in this endeavor (Thakre
2007; Pandey and Tomar 2017). Although exploitation of CBM at commercial
scale is relatively a recent phenomenon in India, it was mooted by the Ministry of

22 2 Current Status of CBM in India
Coal (MoC), Government of India in early 1990s. Some blocks were allotted to few
private companies from India and overseas by the MoC. However, despite having
large coal reserves and a substantial gas resource, the organizational issues between
the Ministry of Coal (MoC) and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
(MoPNG) caused long delay. Many companies initially involved in negotiations
lost interest because of uncertainty in the decision making. The notable ones are
Amoco and McKenzie. Finally the Government of India resolved the
inter-ministerial dispute by vesting the authority with MoPNG to frame policy and
regulations for development of CBM in India. Encouraged mainly by tax incen-
tives, several oil and natural gas companies in India showed interest in development
of coalbed methane projects in different coalfields of the country.
The impacts due to development of CBM projects may not cause any adverse
effects on the environment. A marginal impact may be due to various operations.
The impacts of the project on the socio economic environment may be positive as
well as negative. It is envisaged that the CBM development project would lead to
generation of employment and improvement in infrastructure facilities such as
transport and communication services for the people of the region.
Technical feasibility and India’s journey so far in CBM and Government policy
towards CBM in Indian context have been discussed in this chapter.
2.2 Geological Feasibility of CBM in India
The technical feasibility of CBM in any coal bearing basin is dependent on two
conditions viz. necessary conditions and sufficient condition. The necessary con-
ditions are:
(i) Occurrence of coal seam within reasonable depth with lateral continuity over
a sizable area.
(ii) Adequate thickness of the coal seams.
(iii) Coal seam should have good gas content (methane) and saturation.
Besides the above necessary conditions, the sufficient condition is good per-
meability of coal seams.
The above conditions are found to be fulfilled in some of the Indian Gondwana
grabens. Major lineaments and rectilinear belts of Gondwana in Peninsular India
(Fig. 2.1) is outlined below. Out of total 63,000 km2 of Gondwana sediment
exposure, the Damodar-Koel valley graben area is around 4000 km2 while the area
in Son-Mahanadi and Godavari valleys is estimated as 45,000 km2 on the penin-
sular shield. Maximum thickness of sediments is estimated up to 7 km, but the total
sedimentation column is not available at any site. The present day coal deposits are
found in Lower Gondwana formation exposed in these valleys after near complete
loss of Upper Gondwana formation.
2.2 Geological Feasibility of CBM in India 23
Fig. 2.1 Sketch map showing major lineaments and rectilinear belts of Gondwana Basins in
Peninsular India (Ghosh 2002)
Gondwana sedimentation is divided into Lower Gondwana and Upper

Gondwana, corresponding to the Lower and Upper Permian, and Lower Cretaceous
and Lower Jurassic age respectively (Klootwijk 1971). The Lower Gondwana belts
are controlled by Pre-Cambrian crustal structures like Archean cratonic sutures and
Protozoic mobile belts (Acharya 2001). The formation within graben or half graben
configuration has normal fault forming the boundary of the basins. In Damodar
graben, the basin floor is subsided along the major southern boundary fault while
the flanking high areas remained relatively static causing typical half graben
structure to the basin profile (Gupta 1999). In other grabens, major movement took
place through the emergence of flanking highs and the depositional basin floors
underwent lesser degree of subsidence resulting in lower thickness of
sedimentation.
2.2.1 Coal Deposit in Gondwana Formations
Upper Gondwana eroded with exposure has a few thin coal seams in pockets of
Guneri in Gujarat, Kota and Chikiala in Satpura and Godavari basins (Chakraborty
et al. 2003; Ghosh et al. 2004). Lower Gondwana period has extensive coal deposit
in Peninsular India and a few scattered pockets in foot hills of eastern Himalayas.
Gondwana graben on large scale resulted in coal formation epoch. The details of the
formation and identified coal fields of the stage are given in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 Occurrence of Gondwana coal deposits of India

Geological age Geological Formation/Group Occurrence of coal
Mesozoic
Lower Cretaceous Umia Stage Jabalpur Thin coal seams of Gujarat
Lower Jurassic Kota and Chikiala Thin coal seams of Satpura
Thin seams of Godavari
Guneri Formation Thin coal beds of Gujarat
Paleozoic
Upper Permian Raniganj Formation Koel Damodar Valley
Lower Permian Barakar Formation and Koel Damodar Valley,
Karharbari Formation Son Mahanadi Valley,
Wardha Valley,
Pranhita Godavari Valley
Karharbari formation recorded the first appearance of coal seams in Lower

Permian (Casshyap and Tewari 1984). During this stage, glacially denuded high
topographic relief and the sedimentologically condition was unstable, resulting in
deposition of thin coal seams of good quality. During the Barakar period, deposi-
tional environment was very favorable in all the three lineaments and even in back
swamps in some surrounding zones. There was virtual closure of coal deposition at
the end of Barakar Series in almost all the Gondwana basins.
It was only in the eastern part of the Damodar trough in Raniganj basin where
the coal deposition cycle reappeared after the formation of thick Barren Measures
(Casshyap and Tewari 1988). During the stage a number of persistent coal seams of
3–10 m thickness and good quality coal (15–25% ash content) were deposited.
Other examples are the deposits of Mahuda sub-basin of Jharia coalfield and
Jhingurdah of Singarauli in Son Mahanadi basin.
2.2.2 Stratigraphy of Gondwana Sediments
Gondwana sediments have been studied in depth and the stratigraphy has been
summarized (Mukhopadhyay et al. 2010) on the basis of lithologic characters. In
view of extensive distribution of the sediments in different characters of the country
rocks, the filling rocks differed but the main characteristic remained same. The
sequence of sedimentation is classed as Upper or Lower Gondwana. For example,
yellow grey gritty coarse to medium sandstone associated with conglomerate lenses
depict Supra Panchet and Panchet Formation of Upper Gondwana. Medium to fine
grained white, brown or grey sandstone were prominent in Damuda Group of rocks
of Lower Gondwana. Glaciofluvial sediments over Archean represent onset of
Lower Permian age in the Indian territory. The formations thereafter are classed on
the basis of inorganic constituents deposited in low lying meandering river
channels. Deposition of inorganic mass in large area around river at places repre-
sents back swamp flood plains akin to lacustrine environment.
2.2.2.1 Upper Gondwana Formation
Upper Gondwana rocks referred as Panchet and Supra Panchet/Mahadeva forma-

tion of Triassic age form hill caps in Koel, Damodar and Son valley areas varying in
thickness within 300–650 m. Raniganj coalfield has maximum 305 m thick Supra
Panchet and 610 m thick Panchet series over well-developed Raniganj Formation.
Upper Gondwana formations are absent in whole of Mahanadi valley; outcropping
down south in Talcher coalfield while the eastern part of Godavari valley is covered
by the formation abutting against the basin boundary fault. In this valley, maximum
thickness of Panchet is 450 m and Mahadeva formation is up to 400 m. This
formation is devoid of coal measure rocks except a few carboniferous horizons in
Gujarat and Satpura area.
2.2.2.2 Lower Gondwana Formation
Lower Gondwana Formation, the main depository stage of coal has been exten-
sively studied and their different facets are exposed in all the established coalfields
of India. Maximum thickness of the formation in Koel-Damodar has gained 3400 m
as compared to 1600 m in Son Mahanadi and 3000 m in Godavari Pranhita valley.
The Archean make the base of lower Gondwana Formation over which, Talcher
Glacial beds of Upper Carboniferous or Lower Permian stage occurred in most of
the coalfields.
Glacier age serves as basal formation of Lower Gondwana over which the coal
formation occurred in different stages of Damuda Series. Damuda Series is sub-
divided in Karharbari, Barakar, Barren Measure and Raniganj Formations on the
basis of lithology, floral and micro floral assemblage. All the formations of Damuda
Series are best preserved in Jharia coalfield. The under developed Karharbari series
has the bottom most coal seam (Zero seam) of high quality coking coal. Karharbari
formation of 70–305 m thickness has been identified in Damodar and Mahanadi
valleys at a number of places (Ghosh and Basu 1969).
Barakar, the overlying formation has attained uniform thickness of 600–800 m
over major portion of Gondwana coalfields viz. Damodar valley (600–800 m),
Mahanadi valley (600–750 m) and eastern Son valley (600 m). It has attained
thickness of 1250 m in Jharia coalfield. In the western Son valley its thickness
around Umaria, Johilla, Jhillimili, Sonhat, and Lakhanpur etc. has decreased to
300 m. In Wardha valley near Umrer, Nand Bander, Bokhara and Makardhokra, its
thickness is nearly the same. In a part of Chanda Wardha valley and Godavari
valley this series has gained thickness up to 600 m.
Raniganj Formation, the next important coal bearing formation is well developed
in Raniganj area, has attained maximum 1035 m thickness in the eastern part of
Table 2.2 Classification of Gondwana super groups of different Indian coal basins
Geological Formation Thickness
time Damodar Koel basin Godavari Son Mahanadi (m)
Wardha basin basin
Upper Triassic Supra Panchet Lugu Mahadeva Mahadeva 359–500
Formation Formation Formation
Lower Triassic Panchet Formation Panchet Panchet Up to 610
Formation Formation
Upper Permian Raniganj Formation Kamthi Kamthi Formation 500–1035
Formation
Middle Barren measure Kamthi Supra Barakar 200–630
Permian Formation Formation
Lower Barakar Formation Barakar Barakar 300–1250
Permian Formation Formation
Karharbari Formation Karharbari Karharbari 70–305
Formation Formation
Lower Talcher Formation Talcher Talcher Up to 275
Permian to Formation Formation
Upper
Carboniferous
Damodar valley and thinned down in western part (430 m) and in Son valley
(500 m). The formation has survived erosion in pockets spread over Godavari
valley to Singarauli coalfield and contains important seam like Jhingurdah. In recent
geological exploration this has been subdivided in 300 m thick lower Raniganj and
450 m upper Raniganj formation in Godavari valley. Classification of Gondwana
formation is given in Table 2.2.
As the maximum thickness of the main coal bearing series is estimated to be
around, 1035–1250 m, the exploration depth of 1200 m is considered as the
standard limit where ever the indication of the formation is available.
2.2.2.3 Gas Storage in Coal Beds
The major issues concerned with the CBM possibilities are (i) identification of
suitable areas with the potential of generating methane in substantial quantity in the
selected coal basins, (ii) critical evaluation of the retention capability of
the reservoir and near accurate assessment of the retained quantum keeping the
migration and dissipation aspects in view, (iii) extraction of the gas from the coal
horizons of suitable/induced enhanced permeability to ensure sustained production
and (iv) keeping the balance of the surrounding environment and hydrological
regime as intact as possible. Merit of CBM possibilities of the high rank coals of the
potential coalfields, may be examined in the backdrop of the following equations:
(i) Generation volume of methane in coal is calculated using Meissner’s empirical

equation Meissner’s Equation (Meissner 1984):

Gg ¼ 325:6 log VMdaf =37:8
where,
Gg Volume of Methane generated in cc/g
VMdaf Volatile matter in percent on dry ash fee (daf) basis.
(ii) Adsorption capacity of coal is calculated using Kim’s equation (Kim 1977):

Ga ¼ 0:75 ð1 Wa Wm Þ K0 ð0:096DÞN0 0:14ð1:8D=100 þ 11Þ
where,
Wa Weight fraction of ash,
Wm Weight fraction of moisture,
D Depth,
K0 0:8ðFC=VM Þ þ 5:6,
N0 0:315 0:01ðFC=VM Þ,
FC is fixed carbon and VM is volatile matter.
When, Gg < Ga, Gc = Gg, where Gc is gas content of coal core measured by
canister test and Gg is volume of methane generated.
When, Gg > Ga, Gc = Ga, where Ga is adsorption capacity of coal.
Using these empirical formulae, the gas content of each seam and adsorptive
capacity of a coal seam can be found out at different depths. These data indicate the
saturation of a coal under the reservoir condition. By compiling these data for each
seam, it can be easily predicted whether the necessary conditions are fulfilled. If
not, then there is no point of further pursuing the CBM exploratory work. However,
if in a coal basin the saturation (Gc/Ga 100) is found to be more than 70%,
through well drilling, producibility is to be seen. The producibility of a coal seam is
dependent on permeability of the seam.
Based on the exercise carried out for CBM blocks in India, it appears CBM is
technically feasible in Damodar Valley Coalfields and Son River Valley Coalfields.
An account of technical feasibility of CBM for 33 awarded blocks, is presented in
Table 2.3.
Table 2.3 Technical feasibility of CBM in different coal blocks
28
Coalfield Area Depth Thickness Generation Saturation Permeability Remarks

Raniganj Adequate Suitable in major area Suitable Sufficient in deeper Adequate in deeper Good Technically
(Raniganj seams seams feasible
seams)
Raniganj Adequate Suitable in major area Suitable Sufficient Adequate Moderate Technically
(Barakar seams) feasible
Jharia Adequate Suitable in major area Suitable Sufficient Adequate Moderate Technically
feasible
East Bokaro Adequate Suitable in major area Suitable Sufficient Adequate Moderate Technically
feasible
West Bokaro Limited Suitable in limited area in Suitable Sufficient in deeper Adequate in deeper Good Marginal
deeper seams seams seams Technical
Feasibility as
stand alone
Ramgarh Adequate Too shallow Suitable Adequate Very poor – Not feasible
North Adequate Suitable in limited area Suitable Adequate Adequate only in Good Technically
Karanpura some seams feasible
South Adequate Suitable Suitable Adequate Very poor Poor Not feasible
2
Karanpura
North Adequate Suitable Suitable Poor Very poor – Not feasible
Karanpura (W)
Purnea Basin Adequate Too deep Poor Poor Very poor – Not feasible
Rajmahal Adequate Suitable Suitable Poor Very poor – Not feasible
Birbhum Adequate Suitable Suitable Poor Very poor – Not feasible
Mand Raigarh Adequate Suitable Suitable Poor Very poor – Not feasible
Tatapani Adequate Suitable Suitable Poor Poor – Not feasible
Ramkolah
Singrauli Adequate Suitable Suitable Poor Poor – Not feasible
Current Status of CBM in India
(continued)
Coalfield Area Depth Thickness Generation Saturation Permeability Remarks
Sohagpur (E) Adequate Suitable Suitable Adequate Good Good Technically
feasible
Sohagpur (W) Adequate Suitable Suitable Adequate Good Good Technically
feasible
Sonhat Adequate Suitable Suitable Inadequate Poor – Not feasible
Sohagpur (N)* Adequate Suitable Inadequate Inadequate Poor – Not feasible
Sohagpur (NE) Adequate Suitable Inadequate Inadequate Poor – Not Feasible
Satpura Adequate Suitable Inadequate Inadequate Poor Poor Not feasible
Wardha Adequate Suitable Inadequate Inadequate Poor – Not feasible
Godavari Adequate Deep Inadequate Inadequate Poor – Not feasible
Kothagudem Adequate Deep Inadequate Inadequate Poor Not feasible
2.2 Geological Feasibility of CBM in India
–
Mannargudi Adequate Suitable Inadequate Inadequate Poor – Not feasible
Ib River Valley Adequate Suitable Adequate Inadequate Poor – Not feasible
Talchir Adequate Suitable Adequate Inadequate Poor – Not feasible
Barmer Adequate Suitable in Parts and deep in Adequate Inadequate Poor Poor Not feasible
Sanchor other parts
Cambay Adequate Suitable in Parts and deep in Adequate Inadequate Poor Poor Not feasible
other parts
Upper Assam Adequate Suitable in Parts and deep in Adequate Inadequate Inadequate Poor Not feasible
other parts
*
Fresh data from hitherto unexplored small part (around 50 km2) indicated favourable trend of above parameters.
29
2.3 India’s Journey So Far and Government Policy

Towards CBM
In India share of gas, in energy mix is small (about 8%) compared to world average
(25–30%). Gas demand is predicted to be more than double by 2024. India is
endowed with large coal resources, and therefore, CBM was identified by the
Government of India (GoI) as priority area with a view to partially bridge the ever
increasing energy demand of the country. With the objective of expediting the
process of CBM exploitation trapped in coal, the Government of India formulated
CBM policy in 1997 in line with the National Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP)
of the MoPNG. A joint committee of MoC and MoPNG was formed which carved
out and cleared the coal mine free areas (called Blocks) in different coalfields in
India for CBM exploration and production. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas (MoPNG) became the administrative Ministry and the Directorate General of
Hydrocarbons (DGH) became the implementing agency for CBM policy.
These CBM Blocks are regularly carved out and put on bidding under CBM Policy
after obtaining in principle agreement from respective State Government. Through
International bidding process, the Government of India awards these Blocks to
different Companies and a commercial contract is signed. In pursuance of the same
the Companies submit application for Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) to
respective State Government. The Government of India sends recommendatory
letter to the respective State Government for issuance of license (PEL). After grant
of PEL by the State Government, the Companies start their CBM exploration work
and in due course sign the PEL deed with the State Government. The date of grant
of PEL (Effective Date) marks the beginning of Phase-I and an Operator starts its
operational activities after obtaining all statutory clearances viz. Environmental
clearance by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), mine opening
permission by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Explosive License
etc.
As described in the previous section, only the four coalfields of Damodar Valley
(Raniganj, Jharia, Bokaro and North Karanpura) and Son River Valley (Sohagpur)
have emerged as prospective for CBM exploitation. Only 8 blocks given through
round I bidding in these two river valley basins are in the development phase with
an in-place volume of 280 BCM out of total of 393 BCM i.e. 71% in-place. Out of
remaining 113 BCM of resource, it is likely that around 50 BCM in-place may
come from assessment areas as indicated in the development plans submitted by
different operators. Thus, in-place CBM in Damodar and Son River Valley may be
around 330 BCM.
All the round II blocks are either relinquished or proposed for relinquishment
showing that resource to in-place conversion is nil. In round III, 5 blocks are either
relinquished or proposed for relinquishment and as per our assessment the
remaining 5 blocks, in all possibilities, may meet the same fate. In case of blocks
given in the round IV of bidding, it is likely that only a minor addition in in-place,
may be possible from the blocks in NE and unpredictable biogenic gas in lignite
2.3 India’s Journey So Far and Government Policy Towards CBM 31
fields of Tamil Nadu (Neyveli Lignite). Taking a highly optimistic view, the
in-place CBM (Prospective Resource) cannot be more than 380 BCM (280 BCM
already established in Round I Blocks), additional 50 BCM from assessment areas
of these blocks and optimistically estimated another 50 BCM from the round IV
Blocks).
From the discussions on resource and its conversion into in-place, it can be
inferred that out of 2.6 TCM (92 tcf) of VCBM resource only 380 BCM (13.41 tcf)
can be possibly available as in-place reserves i.e. 15% only.
2.3.1 Present Status
So far, the Government of India offered several CBM Blocks in four rounds of
competitive global bidding and awarded 33 virgin CBM Blocks to different
Companies/Consortium in different coal basins of India. The details of CBM
Blocks awarded so far are furnished in Table 1.4 in the previous Chapter. Four
operators, Reliance Industries Limited in Sohagpur (E) and Sohagpur (W), Great
Eastern Energy Corporation Limited in Raniganj (S), Essar Oil Limited in Raniganj
(E), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited in Raniganj (N), Jharia, Bokaro and
North Karanpura have entered into Development Phase (Phase–III). All these
Blocks were awarded in Round I, where the operators have established 280 BCM of
in-place (Prospective Resource). The present status of development phase work of
each operator is given below.
2.3.1.1 The Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
RIL after completion of Phase-I and Phase-II has reported prospective resource of
around 100 BCM as against DGH estimated undiscovered resource of 86 BCM. It
has entered into development phase after obtaining approval of development plan
from MoPNG (DGH) in 2007–08. At this point it was learnt that development plan
envisages drilling and completion of around 500–600 wells and installation of
several gas collecting stations (GCS). Land acquisition and engineering for surface
facilities of the Phase-I of the development phase, involving drilling of around 230
wells, was to start shortly.
However, it was learnt that after drilling of few wells, the problems of CBM gas
pricing and laying of the originally planned for marketing of gas through a 300 km
pipeline got stuck due to administrative reasons. RIL deferred further drilling of
development wells. In the meanwhile, land acquisition problem in the tribal areas
was also learnt to be the deterrent factor for drilling of development wells.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PGNRB) on 11 July 2013
has authorised Reliance Gas Pipeline Ltd (RGPL) to lay, build and operate the
Shahdol-Phulpur natural gas pipeline. The 312 km gas pipeline was to connect
CBM production site at Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh to Phulpur in Allahabad
district, Uttar Pradesh. However, gas pricing still remained unresolved. It is

understood that till now RIL has drilled around 120–130 wells. The average well
production is expected to vary in the range of 5000–8000 m3/day. Part of the gas is
planned to be used initially to generate 20 MW of electricity to assess viability of
CBM as a fuel for power generation and RIL is looking into the possibility to use
the produced CBM for power generation in the nearby area close to the field.
2.3.1.2 The Great Eastern Energy Corporation Limited (GEECL)
GEECL was awarded Raniganj (South) Block, measuring 210 km2, through
nomination route by the Government of India in 2002. After completion of
exploration phase, it had reported establishment of 38 BCM in-place CBM
(prospective resource) in the block as against DGH estimated undiscovered
resource of 30 BCM. In 2005, after completion of pilot phase it had reported that its
development plan initially involves drilling of 100 wells which was likely to be
completed by 2007. It is learnt that gas reserve of 1.385 tcf (*38 BCM) would
yield a little more than 4 MMSCMD gas for 20 years i.e. a total production of
29.2 BCM in 20 years (recovery of *76%).
In 2012, the company reported that it is producing 0.3 MMSCMD of gas from its
100 wells (i.e. 3000 m3/day/well). In July 2014 the company had informed that its
production had increased by 18% to 0.58 MMSCMD (i.e. 580,000 m3/day). In
October, 2013, GEECL announced that its OGIP has increased to 2.44 tcf (*69
BCM). It had also announced 1P, 2P and 3P reserves as *78 bcf (2.21
BCM), *187 bcf (5.30 BCM) and *289 bcf (8.19 BCM) respectively. This
means, that in last 6–7 years Prospective Resource to Reserve conversion
is *8.2 BCM. The company further informed that with progress of drilling in the
southern part some undiscovered resource got converted to 3C prospective resource
and likewise up-gradation of 3C–2C and 2C–1C could be done.
For marketing by GEECL, the Government of India approved price for produced
CBM was $6.79 per MMBTU. It is learnt that at present GEECL is producing
around 0.55 million m3 gas/day from 150 wells. It is marketing the gas in local
market at price range of $8.46–$22.01 per MMBTU (as informed to the Parliament
in December, 2013) through pipeline and transportation.
2.3.1.3 Essar Oil Limited (EOL)
The company was awarded Raniganj (East) Block, measuring 500 km2, through
global bidding route by the Government of India, in 2002. After completion of
exploration phase, it had reported establishment of 4.6 tcf (130 BCM) as
prospective resource against undiscovered resource of 42 BCM estimated by DGH.
It reported recoverable resource of around 1 tcf (28 BCM). In 2011 after com-
pletion of pilot phase it had reported that the company incidentally produced small
2.3 India’s Journey So Far and Government Policy Towards CBM 33
quantity of gas from 40–50 wells and the gas was sold to a local fertiliser plant at
$4.2/MMBTU. The company sources said in July, 2013 that its Raniganj
Block was close to moving to the commercial phase. It also informed that it had
drilled over 150 wells and are producing about 100,000 SCMD of gas per day.
Presently the production is around 1MMSCMD and is expected to rise to 3
MMSCMD in a couple of years. It also reported that Essar is currently selling the
gas from its Raniganj Block at $6.25/MMBTU, which has been temporarily
approved by the oil ministry pending approval of the Rangarajan formula.
2.3.1.4 Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC)
The Company after completion of exploration and pilot phases had entered into
development phase in four blocks.
The brief on the blocks is given below:
(A) Jharia CBM Block
(i) Awarded through nomination route to the consortium of Oil and Natural
Gas Corporation Limited (90%) and Coal India Limited (10%).
(ii) Operator: ONGC
(iii) Year of Award: 2002
(iv) Area: 85.5 km2
(v) Estimated undiscovered CBM resource (DGH): 85 BCM
(vi) Established prospective resource (after Phase-I & II): 22.7 BCM
(vii) Likely cumulative long term production (in 20 years): 7 BCM
(viii) Peak gas production rate per well: 9,000 m3/day
ONGC faced problems of overlapping of the block with a coal mining company
and its CBM activities got delayed. ONGC decided to execute the development
plan by firming-in some competent operator, which will be able to handle the local
problems and bringing in advanced technology. However, the efforts have not yet
yielded results.
(B) Raniganj Block
(i) Awarded through nomination route to the consortium of ONGC (74%) and
CIL (26%).
(ii) Operator: ONGC
(iv) Area: 350 km2
(v) Estimated undiscovered resource (DGH): 43 BCM
(vi) (a) Established prospective resource (after Phase-I & II) in a part of the total
area: 7.5BCM
(b) Envisaged prospective resource for the entire area: 28 BCM
(vii) Likely cumulative long-term production (in 20 years): 8 BCM
ONGC faced problems of overlapping of the block with a private coal mining
company and Bengal Aerotropolis Project (Airport) CBM activities got delayed.
CBM development of ONGC-CIL Consortium is on a cross road.
(C) Bokaro Block
(i) Awarded through global bidding to the consortium of ONGC (80%) and
OIL (20%)
(ii) Operator: ONGC
(iv) Area: 95 km2
(vi) Established prospective resource (after Phase-I & II): 30 BCM
ONGC faced extreme difficulties to acquire land for drill sites and approach
roads besides local hostilities. ONGC decided to execute the development plan by
firming-in some competent operator, which will be able to handle the local prob-
lems and bringing in advanced technology. However, the efforts have not yet
yielded results.
(D) North Karanpura Block
(i) Awarded through global bidding to the consortium of ONGC (80%) and
IOC (20%)
(ii) Operator: ONGC
(iv) Area: 340 km2
(vi) Established prospective resource (after Phase-I & II): 23 BCM
ONGC faced extreme difficulties to acquire land for drill sites and approach
roads besides local hostilities. ONGC decided to execute the development plan by
firming-in some competent operator, which will be able to handle the local prob-
lems and bringing in advanced technology. 25% PI has been off loaded by ONGC
to a consortium of three Indian companies led by M/s. Deep Industries. It is likely
that the consortium will start Development Work in FY 2017–18.
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Chapter 3
Coalbed Methane Potential Assessment
Abstract The potential of harnessing coal mine methane (CMM) from some gassy
mines in coalfields of Damodar River Basin for its gainful utilization is described in
this chapter. Opportunities of CMM recovery in some prospective areas, wherein
coal mining will start in near future have also been discussed. Kalidaspur and
Ghusick collieries and Ichhapur, Kulti and Sitarampur coal mining blocks in
Raniganj coalfield appear to be promising sites for CMM recovery at first glance.
Gas potential of the mines in Mohuda sub-basin and Amlabad colliery and
Parbatpur and Kapuria blocks in Jharia coalfield are presented here. In Bokaro basin
two collieries viz. Jarangdih and Sawang and two coal blocks viz. Asnapani and
Kathara have been investigated and results are given. Gas content, sorption time,
proximate, ultimate and petrographic analyses of coal, composition of desorbed gas,
coal quality, coal and gas resource of the above collieries and projectized blocks
have been presented. It is found that significant amount of gas resource in these
areas may be exploited simultaneously during winning of coal which will not only
provide a clean source of energy but will also make future mining safer. While the
estimates here are for CMM, the estimates give significant amount of information
for geological blocks relevant to other forms of CBM.
3.1 Introduction
The potential of coal mine methane (CMM) as a fuel resource is widely recognized by
the coal mining industry, gas consumers and suppliers. We have perceived good scope
in the eastern coalfields in India to capture this unconventional fuel source. Using key
indices such as gas content, coal characteristics and estimates of coal deposits etc., it
has been possible to ascertain the feasibility of recovery and utilization of CMM in
Damodar Valley. The coalfields considered are Raniganj, Jharia and East and West
Bokaro coalfields. This study has discovered some gassy mines and recently allotted
coal mining blocks in these coalfields as worthy to harness CMM potential com-
mercially for its utilization. In order to screen the mines and projectized areas for
CMM extraction, coalfield-wise data are discussed in this chapter. These results have

38 3 Coalbed Methane Potential Assessment
been presented in very brief form in Singh and Kumar (2016). Nevertheless, this
chapter covers the research in significantly high levels of details, with digging into
finer levels of investigation for each of the areas considered.
3.2 Raniganj Coalfield
For the purpose of scanning the Raniganj coalfield, two active mines viz.
Kalidaspur and Ghusick and three allotted coal mining blocks viz. Ichhapur, Kulti
and Sitarampur have been considered. Coal mining was first started in this coalfield
in 1774. Most of the mines are operated by a public sector company, viz. Eastern
Coalfield Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL).
3.2.1 Kalidaspur Colliery
Kalidaspur, which is situated on the southern bank of Damodar River in the

Raniganj coalfield, is a Degree III gassy mine where extraction of coal from R-IX
(Ghusick) and R-IXA (Ghusick A) seams has been in progress by conventional
Bord and Pillar method. The average thickness of R-IX seam is 3.2 m and that of
the R-IXA seam is 2.75 m. These seams are separated by 18–20 m of parting. The
leasehold area of Kalidaspur project is 9.34 km2. Presently R-IX seam is fully
developed whereas R-IXA seam is being developed. Mining methods involve drill
and blast and load out techniques. The mine is serviced via a drift and was opened
in 1984. The colliery currently produces thermal coal. The current production target
rate is 450 tonnes per day, 350 tonnes is more usual.
The area appears to be minimally affected by faulting and has not experienced
outbursts.
3.2.1.1 Gas Survey in the Mine
The mine is known to be highly gassy. Gas survey was conducted here by fol-
lowing a standard procedure. Hourly variation in gas concentration was monitored
on a particular day. Mine air samples were collected and analyzed on daily basis in
the next week. The weekly sampling on one day of every week of a month was
done in the following month. The monthly samples were then collected up to next
six months. Measurement was repeated at frequent intervals of time.
Small quantities of methane were found in all the general body mine air samples.
The hourly variation of methane concentration in the general body air is shown in
Fig. 3.1. Higher concentration of methane to a maximum of 0.17% was observed in
one of the general body air samples. When the fan stops the methane at the face is
2% (thereby terminating production).
3.2 Raniganj Coalfield 39
Fig. 3.1 Hourly variation of methane concentration in general body air sample at Kalidaspur
Colliery
The rate of methane emission was observed to be more than 10 m3 per tonne of
coal mined. The maximum and minimum values of rate of methane emission per
tonne of coal produced were 8.78 and 19.27 m3 per tonne respectively.
High percentages of methane in the range of 40.2–85.7% were observed in the
air samples collected from inside the 1.5 m deep boreholes drilled near advancing
faces after keeping them plugged for several hours.
All coal seams below R-IXA are lying virgin and there is enough virgin ground
to underpin at least a small scale CMM development. There are at least 6 potentially
producible coal seams in the area from R-IX to R-IV. There is a large potential
virgin area in the lease, which could potentially be used for CMM. The Kalidaspur
and Bakulia areas are largely unmined to date. The Bakulia Block to the west of
Kalidaspur is likely to extend CMM resources. Mining will need to drain gas in
order to expand production.
3.2.1.2 Gas Content, Sorption Time and Proximate Analysis
Coal core samples were collected from exploratory drilling of a borehole near the
Kalidaspur Colliery. In situ gas content and sorption time of the samples were
determined by “Direct Method” (Bertard et al. 1970). Portions of the samples were
analyzed for their moisture, ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon content. The
results are presented in Table 3.1.
It is observed that gas content varies between 0.70 and 5.64 m3/t and generally
increases with depth (Fig. 3.2). The trend line suggests that the gas content
increases by 0.76 m3/t per hundred meters of depth. However, no such trend was
observed for sorption time which varied between 3.48 and 5.81 days for these
Table 3.1 In situ gas content, sorption time and proximate analysis of coal core samples retrieved
from the borehole drilled near Kalidaspur Colliery
Seam Thickness Gas content Sorption time (t0) Moisture Ash VM FC
name (m) (m3/t) (days) (%) (%) (%) (%)
R-IX 2.76 0.70 4.16 6.67 14.45 32.13 46.75
R-IXA 2.90 1.00 3.48 4.31 14.27 33.90 47.52
R-VIII 1.09 1.2 3.53 3.65 18.96 33.22 44.16
R-VII 4.95 1.87 4.67 3.20 51.35 20.44 25.00
L-2 1.55 3.09 3.91 3.12 31.76 26.70 38.42
R-VI 1.67 3.43 3.49 2.58 22.15 30.99 44.28
R-VA 0.50 4.77 4.90 3.14 35.37 25.88 35.61
R-VB 0.50 4.89 4.17 2.26 25.26 28.95 43.53
R-VC 0.50 5.17 4.31 1.90 46.46 23.42 28.21
R-IV 2.20 5.10 3.87 1.93 22.60 31.35 44.12
R-III 1.00 5.36 4.25 1.87 30.19 27.99 39.95
R-II 1.19 5.64 4.73 2.12 48.13 20.66 29.10
R-I 0.53 5.55 5.81 2.05 35.34 26.02 36.60
Fig. 3.2 Gas content as a function of depth near Kalidaspur Colliery
samples. It could be seen that most of the coal seams consist of superior to medium
quality coals.
The results presented above in Table 3.1 were generated for the coal core
samples collected from a borehole drilled near Kalidaspur colliery. It is likely that
the fraction of the gas might have escaped due to mining operation in the block. Gas
Table 3.2 Average gas content and sorption time in the dip side of Kalidaspur Block
Seam/Group of seams Average gas Average sorption
content (m3/t) time (days)
R-X 2.54 4.26
R-IX(T)/R-IX(B)/R-IX(Comb.)/R-IXA 2.56 2.97
R-VIII(B1)/R-VIII(B)/R-VIII(Comb.) 2.69 2.89
R-VII/R-VIIA(B)/R-VIIA(Comb.)/ 3.96 3.50
R-VIIB(B)/R-VIIB(COMB)
R-VI 4.67 3.50
R-V/Local/R-VB(T)/R-VB(B)/R-VC 5.57 4.74
R-IV(T)/R-IVA 7.11 3.66
R-III/Local 6.19 4.14
R-II/Local 6.63 4.51
R-I/R-I ext 6.73 5.55
content data shown in Table 3.1 were used for computing gas resource in
Kalidaspur Block.
The adjoining Bakulia Block is planned to be mined within 10 years. To have an
idea of the gas resource in the Bakulia Block, average gas content of coal seams in
the neighboring CBM block was used. Seam-wise gas content values of coal
samples from six different boreholes drilled in the dip side were considered to
calculate average gas content of the group of seams in Bakulia Block. Similarly,
mean sorption time was also calculated for each of the group of seams. Average gas
content and sorption time values for different group of seams for the dip side block
is presented in Table 3.2.
3.2.1.3 Composition of Desorbed Gas
Desorbed gases of selected samples shown in Table 3.1 were analyzed using Gas
chromatography to obtain their molecular composition. Both TCD and FID
detectors were used to analyze the gas. The gas samples were analyzed to obtain the
percentage of CO2, O2, N2, CH4 and other hydrocarbons. It could be observed that
the desorbed gas in all the samples contained more than 96% of combustible gases
suggesting the gas was of very high quality.
3.2.1.4 Ultimate Analysis
Ultimate analysis was carried out on selected coal samples shown in Table 3.1 to
determine the elemental constitution (percentage of C, H, S, N, and O). The coals
were observed to be rich in Carbon and Hydrogen. Typical ultimate analysis of
selected samples from Kalidaspur Block is shown in Table 3.3.
Table 3.3 Ultimate analysis of selected samples in Kalidaspur Block

Sample No. Ultimate analysis (%)
C H N S O
KLD-1 64.740 5.189 1.743 0.443 6.373
KLD-2 65.920 5.281 1.995 0.537 6.668
KLD-3 70.890 5.552 2.221 0.690 6.22
KLD-4 76.640 6.045 2.267 0.382 6.506
KLD-5 75.840 5.848 2.487 0.453 6.422
Table 3.4 Petrographic analysis of selected coal samples in Kalidaspur Block

Sample Maceral (vol.%) Mean R0 (%)
No. Vitrinite Semi-vitrinite Liptinite Inertinite Mineral
matter
KLD-1 59.6 0.7 9.2 12.1 18.4 0.69
KLD-2 64.7 1.1 9.4 11.3 13.5 0.72
KLD-3 51.3 1.1 9.9 17.6 20.1 0.75
KLD-4 80.9 1.6 3.0 12.3 2.2 0.73
KLD-5 77.9 0.5 3.0 13.7 4.9 0.76
3.2.1.5 Petrographic Analysis
Petrographic analysis was carried out for selected samples by using standard pro-
cedures. The maceral (vitrinite, semi-vitrinite, liptinite, inertinite) and mineral
matter composition of the coal samples were determined for each sample. The mean
vitrinite reflectance was also determined for the tested samples. The results of the
tests are presented in Table 3.4. It can be seen that the vitrinite and inertinite are the
major maceral constituent varying between 51.3–77.9%, and 11.3–17.6% respec-
tively. The mean vitrinite reflectance varied between 0.69 and 0.76% suggesting the
coals to be sub-bituminous.
3.2.1.6 Coal and CMM Reserves in Kalidaspur in Bakulia Blocks
There is a significant stratigraphic section of coal at Kalidaspur and a reasonable

areal extent (including the Bakulia Block, see Fig. 3.3).
Great Eastern Energy Corporation Limited (GEECL) holds the CBM rights to
the west and south of Bakulia Block. Kalidaspur Block has been explored up to
R-IVA seam for estimation coal reserves (MECL 1991). Lower seams viz. R-III,
R-II and R-I in the Kalidaspur Block and all the seams in Bakulia Block are yet to
be explored. Estimates of coal resources in the adjoining block for the present study
have been made assuming same thicknesses of coal seams as in the Kalidaspur
Block. It could be noticed during CBM exploration in the western and southern
Fig. 3.3 Location of virgin Bakulia Block relative to the Kalidaspur Block
direction of Bakulia Block that lower seams are also present. Average thicknesses
of these seams found in six boreholes were used for coal resource assessment in
respect of lower seams viz. R-III, R-II and R-I. In other words, quantitative esti-
mates of coal resources for lower seams are based on guestimation in the back-
ground of broad geological character of the basin. Coal resource of a particular
group of coal seam was multiplied by the corresponding value of gas content to
obtain the gas resource of an individual group of seams. While, gas content data
presented in Table 3.1 were used for gas resource estimation in the Kalidaspur
Block, Table 3.2 contains average gas content data for gas resource calculation in
the Bakulia Block.
It could be seen that a gas resource of 1.274 billion m3 (BCM) is likely to be
contained within the Kalidaspur Colliery lease area, and 2.509 BCM within virgin
Bakulia Block. In view of the reasonable amount of gas resource in the Kalidaspur
and Bakulia Blocks, a small scale CMM project may be a successful venture.
In addition, Kalidaspur mine needs about 1 MW of power to run the mine
including the ventilation fan. The feed is a single loop. The mine loss of production
is 10–15% per day. Taking into account the time to flush the gas and bring men
back into the mine it is of the order of 25%. Controlling gas at Kalidaspur,
therefore, will result in a demonstrable improvement in coal mine productivity.
3.2.2 Ghusick Colliery (Sripur Area)
The Muslia unit of reorganized Ghusick Colliery is a degree III mine in Sripur Area
of Eastern Coalfields Limited, where Ghusick (*3 m thickness) and Ghusick A
Fig. 3.4 Ghusick Colliery, workings in Ghusick Seam. Old water logged workings occur to the
north (top left). Salma dyke to east (top) and the Damodar River lies to the south (lower right, off
map)
(*1.8 m thickness) seams have been worked. The old Muslia was abandoned in
the year 1958 after methane ignition and subsequent fire and is water logged at
present. The existing Muslia unit was opened in 1967 to the East of old Muslia.
A barrier of 60 m has been maintained between old and present Muslia.
The gradient of Ghusick seam is 1 in 21.8 in S 42°W directions. The parting
between Ghusick and Ghusick A seam is 3.6 m. Assuming that the Ghusick seam is
extending over whole area and is 3 m thick, the reserve in Ghusick seam was
around 12 million tonnes. The depth of Ghusick seam at the dip most point on the
boundary should be 250 m. The colliery produces Grade A thermal coal “long
flame”. Mining is by bord and pillar method with a recovery factor of about 70%.
Production is 70–80 tonnes per day only. Mining is via drill and blast, undercutting
and loading out methods.
The area appears to be structured. The mining domain is bounded to the east by a
dyke (the Salma Dyke, also present at Kalidaspur). The Salma dyke is running in S
25°E to N 25°W direction. The dyke is very hard and some 100 m thick. There is
some evidence to suggest silling of the dyke does occur. Experience suggests that
mining close to the dyke produces more gas. This is “free” (migrated) gas or just a
concentration adjacent to structure.
Two seams have currently been mined: the Ghusick (Fig. 3.4), and Ghusick A
Seams (Fig. 3.5). Four seams below the Ghusick A are expected to be mined in the
future (2.8, 1.8, 1.8, and 3.5 m thickness respectively). Plans are in place to mine
Fig. 3.5 Ghusick Colliery, workings in Ghusick A Seam. Note stratigraphic column to right
indicating main mined seams, the Ghusick and the Ghusick A
the deeper, and downdip seams—the gas problem will need to be resolved in order
to do so.
3.2.2.1 Gas Survey at Muslia Unit of Ghusick Mine
Some gas measurements have been taken underground in Ghusick and neigh-
bouring Kuardi collieries. There are several places in the mines where methane was
present in explosive limits. There are many other places where explosive mixture is
formed within 15 min of the stoppage of the fan. General body methane concen-
tration varied from 0.4 to 1.0%. It is found that methane is the dominant gas and no
evidence of any significant CO2 was found. Both the collieries have high levels of
gas at relatively shallow depths.
The rate of methane emission in m3/tonne of daily output is misleading at
Ghusick colliery as the coal production is too low being 70–80 tonnes per day and
large surface area from where the gas is coming out through dyke is being venti-
lated. All production is from Ghusick A seam which emits very little gas. Therefore,
methane emission in m3/minute was more relevant at Ghusick colliery. Month wise
rate of methane emission in m3/minute observed at Ghusick colliery during
January–September 2010 is shown in Fig. 3.6.
Workings in the Ghusick seam so far indicate it to be highly gassy both East and
West of Salma dyke. In the Muslia unit of Ghusick colliery, during the survey
Monthly variation in methane Emission

16
14
Methane Emission (m3/minute)
12
10
0
Jan-10 Feb-10 Mar-10 Apr-10 May-10 Jun-10 Jul-10 Aug-10 Sep-10
Month
Fig. 3.6 Monthly variation in make of methane (m3/minute) at Ghusick Colliery
period it was observed that make of methane varied between 11.02 and 14.2 m3/
min even when it was producing only 70 tonnes of coal per day.
Downdip development is likely to be even more affected by gas. Lower seams
are also expected to be highly gassy. The mining plan is to extend to the SE for the
next 5 years then mine to the SW ahead of the gassy area.
3.2.2.2 Coal Characteristics
The same general coal seam gas properties appear to be present at Ghusick, as seen
in the neighbouring ECL Kalidaspur Mine, and the same seams are present.
Vitrinite Reflectance (Romax) is around 0.9%.
3.2.2.3 Gas Blowers
Few gas blowers were observed at Ghusick colliery. The rate of methane emission
may be large or small and the blowers may last for a few months or for many years.
Two of the gas blowers were sufficiently large and persistent to make it worthwhile
to collect the gas. Owing to the irregular and unpredictable occurrence of blowers,
the collection of gas may not be looked upon as a systematic method of drainage of
methane, but when large persistent blowers occur, it may be advantageous to install
a range of pipes and lead the gas to the surface.
3.2.2.4 Drainage of Methane from Sealed off Districts
Abandoned Mine Methane (AMM) activities at Ghusick mine will be complicated

by seams that are currently on fire (the Ghusick Seam), and possibly flooded.
However, build up of methane in few sealed off areas were noticed in the adjoining
mines viz. Tirat and Sripur Seam Incline (SSI) mines. Excessive build up of
methane gas in the worked out gob, particularly in panel D and E of SSI colliery
was recorded. Air samples of the gob from behind stoppings in the underground
were collected at periodic intervals. Methane concentration of the samples was
estimated by gas chromatography. The gas pressure developed behind stoppings
was measured with the help of U tube water manometer. The qualitative assessment
of mine air and pressure of the gas in the gob are given in Table 3.5.
It is evident from Table 3.5 that during the days of investigation, composition of
gas and its pressure in panels D and E remained virtually unaltered. There had not
been any marked difference in gas composition inside the gob.
Table 3.5 Analyses of air samples from behind stoppings

Date % CO2 % O2 % CH4 % N2 Pressure (cm wg)
Stopping No. 13 (Panel D)
11 June 2010 6.42 0.30 56.0 37.28 1.20
19 July 2010 5.03 0.10 62.5 32.37 1.27
23 July 2010 4.85 0.91 61.2 33.04 1.32
26 July 2010 4.90 0.10 62.9 32.10 1.32
31 July 2010 4/17 2.72 60.5 32.61 1.20
Stopping No. 15 (Panel E)
11 June 2010 3.92 5.63 48.0 42.45 0.96
13 June 2010 4.62 2.41 56.0 36.97 1.02
19 July 2010 4.56 0.20 63.0 32.24 1.12
23 July 2010 4.33 0.40 64.0 31.27 1.14
26 July 2010 4.53 0.20 63.8 31.47 0.98
31 July 2010 4.33 0.10 64.6 30.97 1.12
Stopping No. 22 (Panel E)
11 June 2010 4.95 0.20 52.0 42.85 1.02
13 June 2010 4.64 1.81 43.7 49.85 0.98
19 July 2010 4.74 0.10 51.9 43.26 1.14
23 July 2010 4.23 0.20 61.0 34.57 1.40
26 July 2010 4.39 0.18 61.5 33.93 1.14
31 July 2010 4.15 0.10 62.6 33.15 1.02
3.2.2.5 General Impression About Ghusick Colliery
Ghusick Colliery clearly has high levels of gas, at relatively shallow depths. The
main seam gas is clearly methane—and gas contents and saturation are likely to be
favourable for CMM production. Safety issues associated with high levels of gas
may be addressed implementing a range of gas drainage technologies (inseam
drilling, compliance coring etc.).
A remaining gas resource of the order of 2.58 BCM is likely to be contained
within the Ghusick and adjoining SSI Collieries lease area. Access to this resource
from the surface will need to contend with drilling through old workings (gob)—
complicated by the fire and flooding mentioned above.
3.2.3 Ichhapur Block
Ichhapur Coal Block having an area of about 12 km2 lies in the northeastern part of
the Raniganj coalfield. The block bounded by coordinates Latitude N
23° 36′ 15.04″ and N 23° 38′ 18.29″ and Longitude E 87° 14′ 22.5″ and E
87° 17′ 55.93″ is located mainly in Paschim Burdwan district of West Bengal,
India. It is a multi seam and structurally complex block. Ichhapur Block is virgin
and devoid of any mining activities. The Block is surrounded by operating mines of
Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in the North and West. The eastern and southern
boundary is bounded by CBM blocks of CIL-ONGC Joint venture and Essar Oil
Limited.
3.2.3.1 Coal Seams in Ichhapur Block
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has drilled a number of boreholes in the
Ichhapur Block. Ten major seams (nomenclature as R-I to R-X) in Raniganj
Formation with a number of splits sections occurring at depth ranges of 250–
1100 m have been identified. None of the coal seams are outcropping in the block.
Seam nomenclature, their local names, thickness and inter seam parting ranges are
presented in Table 3.6.
3.2.3.2 Coal Quality
For the purpose of evaluation of coal properties and other parameters, 77 coal core
samples were collected from different horizons in five boreholes drilled in the
Ichhapur Block. Proximate analyses of the samples were performed to find out
moisture, ash, volatile matter (VM) and fixed carbon (FC) percentages of the
samples. Seam-wise average values of these parameters are shown in Table 3.7.
Table 3.6 Coal seams in Ichhapur Block

Seam nomenclature Thickness ranges (m) Inter seam parting ranges (m)
R-XI: Local 1.10–2.00 24.00–42.00
R-X(T): Hirakhun Seam 3.20–7.50 35.00–66.00
R-X(B): Hirakhun Seam 1.80–5.80 50.00–83.00
R-IX(T): Kajora Seam 1.00–6.00 23.00–32.00
R-IX(B): Kajora Seam 1.00–3.20 50.00–86.00
R-VIII: Jambad Seam 1.60–7.30 26.00–66.00
R-VII: Bonbahal Seam 1.50–4.70 17.00–32.00
R-VIIA: Bonbahal Seam 1.60–3.10 12.00–21.00
R-VIIB: Bonbahal Seam 0.60–1.80 32.00–61.00
R-VI: Chora/Kenda Seam 4.40–8.26 11.00–36.00
R-V: Dobrana Seam 3.54–6.00 60.00–85.00
R-IV: Dishergarh Seam 8.00–10.00 24.00–72.00
R-III: Bamanbad Seam 3.00–12.00 33.00–40.00
R-II: Poniati Seam 1.10–2.00 42.00–50.00
R-I: Taltore Seam 0.67–1.15
Table 3.7 Overall proximate analysis of coal in Ichhapur Block

Seam Moisture (%) Ash (%) VM (%) FC (%)
R-XI/Local 7.0 19.5 31.0 42.5
R-X(T) 6.8 22.7 31.0 39.5
R-X(B) 6.0 33.0 26.6 34.4
R-IX(T) 5.8 20.1 31.0 43.1
R-VIII 4.6 24.8 30.7 39.9
R-VII 3.7 25.1 29.8 41.4
R-VIIA 4.2 23.6 30.0 42.2
R-VIIB 2.8 38.4 36.0 22.8
R-VI 3.0 18.6 32.5 45.9
R-V 2.8 17.8 33.3 46.1
R-IV & III(Comb.) 2.2–2.7 10.6–17.4 31.7–37.1 42.8–55.5
R-II 2.2 17.3 31.1 49.4
R-I 1.9 27.1 28.9 42.1
Ultimate analysis was performed for selected number of samples to ascertain the
seam-wise elemental composition in the Ichhapur Block. Results are presented in
Table 3.8. Results of elemental analyses reveal that the coals are rich in carbon and
hydrogen.
The average quality of seams varies from Grade-D to Grade-B (Gross Calorific
Value ranges between 5089 and 6454 kcal/kg) thermal coal.
Table 3.8 Elemental analysis of coal in Ichhapur Block

Seam Ultimate analysis (%)
C H N S O
R-XI/Local 54.27 3.94 1.28 0.45 7.67
R-X(T) 56.18 3.90 1.22 0.52 6.95
R-X(B) 45.20 3.31 1.21 0.48 5.96
R-IX(T) 58.54 3.97 1.25 0.46 9.00
R-VIII 59.06 3.93 1.63 0.48 5.65
R-VII 59.99 4.21 1.54 0.38 7.52
R-VIIA 60.13 3.97 1.47 0.66 6.54
R-VIIB 59.06 4.27 1.56 0.36 7.82
R-VI 64.59 4.46 1.57 0.38 5.81
R-V 62.74 4.40 1.55 0.42 7.36
R-IV 64.96 4.52 1.56 0.39 10.29
R-III 59.61 4.25 1.26 0.57 6.07
R-II 52.82 3.86 1.23 0.52 4.60
R-I 50.82 3.82 1.21 0.54 6.58
3.2.3.3 Gas Content of Coal Seams in Ichhapur Block
In situ gas content of 77 number of coal core samples collected during exploratory
drilling of five different boreholes drilled in Ichhapur Block were estimated. Gas
content of 15 number of coal samples collected from an exploratory borehole was
determined and is presented in Table 3.9. As expected, gas content was found to
increase generally with depth. However, significant lateral variation in gas content
values was observed for samples collected from different boreholes. Seam-wise
average gas content values were computed for calculation of gas resource in the
block. Sorption time of the coal samples ranges between 3.16 and 5.53 days.
3.2.3.4 Coal and Gas Resource in Ichhapur Coal Block
Coal reserves of R-IV to R-XI seams have been estimated during regional and detailed
exploration data. However, coal reserves for R-I to R-III seams have not been estimated
by the coal exploration companies. Coal thickness data is available for R-I to R-III
seams, which have been used to assess the coal reserve of the lower seams. Coal reserve
of an individual seam has been multiplied by the average gas content of the respective
seam to arrive at the gas resource values. Seam-wise coal reserve, average gas content
and estimated gas resource in Ichhapur Block has been presented in Table 3.10. It is
estimated that the R-IV seam has the largest value of 150.95 million tonnes coal reserve
as well as the largest value of gas content (7.06 m3/t). Consequently the R-IV seam
appears to be the largest repository of the gas (1065.71 MCM). Total gas resource of the
Ichhapur is estimated as 3.83 BCM. A CMM project of medium scale therefore appears
to be feasible in the Ichhapur Coal Block.
Table 3.9 Depth-wise gas content of coal samples collected from an exploratory borehole drilled
in Ichhapur Block
Sample Depth interval Weight of Lost gas Desorbed Residual Gas
No. (m) sample (g) (Q1) (ml) gas (Q2) gas (Q3) content
(ml) (ml) (m3/t)
1. 232.00–232.80 1120 59.69 1183.12 361.78 1.43
2. 260.62–261.12 960 102.70 899.48 255.71 1.31
3. 278.70–279.22 1070 136.90 863.40 252.35 1.17
4. 288.48–289.00 850 145.00 1788.62 150.15 2.45
5. 332.40–332.90 3400 384.90 1561.77 1106.89 0.90
6. 340.86–342.36 2500 110.90 2243.78 604.65 1.18
7. 394.75–395.25 1000 237.00 4203.38 332.56 4.77
8. 397.69–396.19 1070 293.70 4487.31 452.88 4.89
9. 431.60–432.10 1050 297.20 4881.75 349.19 5.26
10. 435.50–436.00 1120 681.10 3413.72 406.33 4.02
11. 502.00–502.50 900 334.60 4303.48 299.30 5.49
12. 505.00–505.50 1100 523.00 12,035.16 518.79 11.89
13. 510.50–511.00 1100 552.10 12,161.62 565.35 12.07
14. 511.50–512.00 1250 2704.00 6400.71 340.12 7.56
15. 541.00–541.50 1250 4297.00 1676.24 626.83 5.28
Table 3.10 Coal reserve, average gas content and gas resource in Ichhapur Block
Seam nomenclature Coal reserve Average gas Gas resource
(million tonnes) content (m3/t) (MCM)
R-XI: Local 23.70 1.34 31.76
R-X(T): Hirakhun Seam 32.37 2.26 73.15
R-X(B): Hirakhun Seam 32.36 2.28 73.78
R-IX(T): Kajora Seam 44.36 2.91 129.09
R-IX(B): Kajora Seam 20.00 3.48 69.60
R-VIII: Jambad Seam 118.18 3.49 412.45
R-VII: Bonbahal Seam 103.44 3.50 362.04
R-VIIA: Bonbahal Seam 23.13 3.38 78.18
R-VIIB: Bonbahal Seam 31.40 3.54 111.16
R-VI: Chora/Kenda Seam 87.56 3.81 333.60
R-V: Dobrana Seam 68.14 4.21 286.87
R-IV: Dishergarh Seam 150.95 7.06 1065.71
R-III: Bamanbad Seam 100.00 6.56 656.00
R-II: Poniati Seam 22.14 4.20 92.99
R-I: Taltore Seam 12.99 4.26 55.34
Total 870.72 3831.71
3.2.4 Kulti Block
The Kulti Coal Block covering an area of about 7.8 km2 lies in the western part of the
Raniganj Coalfield and east of Barakar River. Bounded by the coordinates Latitude N
23° 42′ 18″ and N 23° 44′ 02″ and Longitude E 86° 49′ 48″ and E 86° 52′ 14″ this
coal block is situated in the Paschim Burdwan district of West Bengal, India. Kulti
Block is virgin and no mining activity is currently in progress. It is surrounded by
Mahatadih Raidih (unexploited block of Steel Authority India Limited) in the west
and in the North, Begunia (running) and Victoria West (Suspended) mines in the
West; Ramnagar (running mine) in further North; and Victoria (closed mine) in the
north-eastern part. All the surrounding mines are developed by Bord and Pillar
method and then SDL or splitting as final operation. The Begunia and Laikdih seams
at neighbouring Begunia Colliery are Degree III gassy seams.
3.2.4.1 Coal Seams in Kulti Block
Barakar is only coal bearing formation in the Kulti Block, which is about 600 m
thick and overlies Talchir Formation. The Barakar Formation comprises of fine to
very coarse grained sand stone, grey sandy and carbonaceous shale and numerous
coal seams. It is overlain by Barren measure whose thickness varies from 300 to
480 m in the Kulti Block. The upper most seam occurs at a minimum depth of
380 m in this area. Major coal seams, their thickness ranges and inter seam parting
ranges in the Kulti Block are presented in Table 3.11. The lower seams viz. Laikdih
(T) and Laikdih (B) are of considerable thicknesses with a parting of only 3–4 m.
Kulti Block is structurally complex. The Laikdih group of seams is extensively
intruded by mainly Mica-Peridotite and dolerite. Main boundary faults consist of a
series of large en-echelon faults. Many cross faults disturb the strata. Throw of
faults varies from 10 to 120 m approximately. In the northern and north-western
part of the block, the strike is NNW–SSE. In rest of the block strike is more or less
is E–W. Dip varies 10° in the north and north-west and 5° in the rest of the block.
Table 3.11 Coal seams in Kulti Block

Seam nomenclature Thickness ranges (m) Inter seam parting ranges (m)
Local 0.10–1.14 66–74
Begunia 0.30–3.00 62–72
Begunia Special 0.30–1.75 134–203
Ramnagar 3.10–5.35 24–77
Laikdih (T) 2.00–6.95 3–4
Laikdih (B) 17.00–23.00
Total 47 number of coal core samples was collected during exploratory drilling of
four boreholes in the Kulti area. Proximate analyses of the samples were performed
to obtain moisture, ash, volatile matter (VM) and fixed carbon (FC) contents of the
samples. Overall proximate analyses of the coal seams and their coke type are
presented in Table 3.12. Coal seams are of high quality Steel Grade-I or II coking
coals.
3.2.4.3 Gas Content in Kulti Block
Altogether 47 coal core samples of NQ size and 50 cm length were collected from
four boreholes drilled in the Kulti Block. In situ gas content in respect of all the
samples were determined by Direct method. Gas content of coal core samples
collected in the months of October 2009 is shown in Table 3.13. All the samples
except for the first one showed high value (>9 m3/t) for gas content.
Table 3.12 Overall proximate analysis of coal seams in Kulti Block

Seam Moisture (%) Ash (%) VM (%) FC (%) Coke type
Begunia Seam 1.34 21.55 20.18 56.93 G
Ramnagar (T) 1.12 22.94 17.46 58.48 G
Ramnagar (B) 1.06 25.61 17.50 55.83 G
Laikdih (T) 1.14 21.19 17.25 60.42 G
Laikdih (B) 1.15 21.65 14.89 62.31 G
Table 3.13 Gas content of coal core samples retrieved from an exploratory borehole in Kulti
Block
Sample Desorbed Weight of the Lost gas Desorbed Residual gas Gas content
No. interval (m) sample (g) (Q1) (cc) gas (Q2) (cc) (Q3) (cc) (m3/t)
KULTI-01/1 786.45–786.95 1070 197.6 1696.38 190.90 1.95
KULTI-01/2 1021.27–1021.83 1240 603.1 15,937.57 309.30 13.59
KULTI-01/3 1034.22–1034.72 1000 402.9 10,767.97 290.62 11.46
KULTI-01/4 1092.70–1093.20 1180 475.2 10,488.12 322.36 9.56
KULTI-01/5 1096.00–1096.50 1200 650.9 13,592.97 383.62 12.19
KULTI-01/6 1108.3–1108.82 1300 614.7 13,911.25 340.49 11.44
KULTI-01/7 1110.87–1111.37 1250 395.7 13,240.47 290.06 11.14
KULTI-01/8 1114.80–1115.60 1300 591.2 10,987.73 279.03 9.12
KULTI-01/9 1116.80–1117.30 1120 1208 16,567.35 182.53 16.03
KULTI-01/10 1120.96–1121.46 1250 626.6 12,397.84 232.50 10.61
KULTI-01/11 1123.90–1124.40 1020 581.4 12,103.05 278.11 12.71
KULTI-01/12 1125.00–1125.50 1150 453.6 10,020.56 334.67 9.40
3.2.4.4 Coal and Gas Resource in Kulti Coal Block
Average gas content of coal seams was then computed. Seam-wise coal reserves
were also estimated using coal seams thickness and block area. Gas reserves were
then computed by multiplying the coal reserves and average gas content.
Seam-wise coal reserve, their average gas content and estimated gas resource are
summarized in Table 3.14.
It is observed that about 210 million tonnes of coal reserve is available in the
Kulti Block. Total gas resource in the Kulti Block is estimated as 1.77 BCM.
Laikdih group of seams contain the major share of coal and gas.
3.2.5 Sitarampur Block
The Sitarampur Coal Block covering an area of about 9.00 km2 is situated in the
western part of the Raniganj coalfield in Paschim Burdwan District, West Bengal,
India. It is bounded by the coordinates Latitude N 23° 43′ 25″ to N 23° 45′ 28.11″
and Longitude E 86° 51′ 23″ to E 86° 53′ 28.16″. There is a 700 m common
boundary with Kulti block in south west of the block.
The structure is comparatively simple with regional dip towards south in the
major part of the area. The dip of strata varies from 5° to 10° from north to south.
The strike of the formation in Sitarampur Coal Block is almost NE–SW. The strike
rotates locally in the northern part of the block mainly due to the presence of
number of faults. Altogether 14 faults have been reported, all of which are more or
less strike to oblique faults. The throw of the faults varies from 0 to 240 m. In
general, the trend of fault is WSW–ENE. No mining activity is reported from the
block.
Table 3.14 Coal reserve, average gas content and gas resource in Kulti Block
Seam Coal resource (Mt) Average gas content (m3/t) Gas resource (MCM)
Begunia Seam 20.83 5.21 108.52
Ramnagar (T) 15.97 7.18 114.66
Ramnagar (B) 16.66 8.18 136.28
Laikdih (T) 32.24 8.27 266.62
Laikdih (B) 124.93 9.16 1144.36
Total 210.63 1770.44
3.2.5.1 Coal Seams in Sitarampur Block
The coal bearing Barakar Formation of thickness more than 600 m at places in
Sirampur Block is overlain by Barren Measures and is underlain by Talchir
Formation and is mostly devoid of exposure. The Barren Measure is incroping in
northern part of the block and maximum 502 m thick in the area. It is characterized
by massive black shales and ironstone intruded by mica-peridotite/Lamprophyre at
places and also micaceous and sandy at places. Coal seams of Barakar formation are
present in the Sitarampur Block. There are 19 correlatable and laterally persistent
coal seams in this block. These seams in descending order are Local (above
Begunia), Begunia, Begunia Special, Ramnagar (Top), Ram Nagar (Bottom),
Laikdih (B)-T2, Laikdih (B)-T1, Laikdih (B)-Top, Laikdih (B)-B2, Laikdih (B)-B1,
Laikdih (B)-Bot, New Seam Top, New Seam Mid, New Seam Bot, Gopinathpur,
Brindawanpur (G), Brindawanpur (C), Brindawanpur (A) and Salanpur. The entire
thickness up to Laikdih seam of Barakar Formation have been reported during coal
exploration. The sequence of coal seams, thickness and parting ranges are shown in
Table 3.15.
Raniganj Formation which overlies Barren Measure Formation comprises
medium to fine grained sandstone, shale and coal seams. Coal seams of Raniganj
Formation are constant in their thickness and quality and are rarely affected by
igneous intrusive.
The available data indicates consistency and increase in seam thickness with
reduced number of faults and improvement in coal quality in the dip side of
Sitarampur Block.
3.2.5.2 Coal Quality in Sitarampur Block
The quality of seams is assessed on the basis of overall proximate analysis. Average
values of moisture, ash, volatile matter (VM) and fixed carbon (FC) contents of
some tested coal samples are present in Table 3.16.
The workable coal seams from the block are low in moisture and ash content.
The grade of the seam varies from Steel Grade I to Washery Garde IV with
non-coking coal in few cases. The ultrabasic intrusives have caused widespread
Table 3.15 The sequence of coal seams in Sitarampur Block

Name of seam Thickness ranges (m) Parting ranges (m)
Begunia 0.82–2.65 110.00–210.00
Ramnagar 0.12–2.93 50.00–80.00
Laikdih (T2) 1.02–2.90 1.16–7.40
Laikdih (T1/Top) 1.06–3.65/3.00–6.02 16.00–30.00
Laikdih (B2) 0.85–2.10 1.10–1.93
Laikdih (B1/Bottom) 10.35–13.50/12.30–18.40 50.00–75.00
Table 3.16 Proximate analysis of coal samples in Sitarampur Block

Seam Average Average Average Average
moisture (%) ash (%) VM (%) FC (%)
Begunia 1.37 22.16 20.55 55.92
Ramnagar (T) 1.28 26.25 20.45 52.02
Ramnagar (B) 1.24 31.26 19.08 48.42
Laikdih (T) 1.23 19.93 18.91 59.93
Laikdih (B) 1.14 18.69 18.33 61.84
devolatilisation of upper three seams. The lower seams have been comparatively
less affected by these irregular intrusives. In Sitarampur Block, Ramnagar Seam
thin down towards east-north-east direction and splitted into numerous bands.
Almost all the seams have been affected by igneous intrusion converting the
seams partially to heat affected coal and jhama (burnt coal).
3.2.5.3 Gas Content of Coal Seams in Sitarampur Coal Block
Coal core samples were collected from an exploratory borehole of NQ size drilled
in the Sitarampur Coal Block for determination of gas content of coal samples. Six
coal core samples were collected from different depths. Gas desorption studies were
carried out in the field and the laboratory at reservoir temperature. Gas content of
the samples is presented below in Table 3.17. A maximum of 7.21 m3/t was esti-
mated as in situ gas content for the coal sample collected from the depth of
480.45 m. It is observed that coal seams encountered from 462.50 to 490.50 m
depth are moderately gassy.
Altogether 40 coal core samples were collected from five different boreholes
drilled in the Sitarampur coal block. In situ gas content of the samples were
evaluated and subsequently seam-wise average gas content was estimated. Coal
reserve in each of the coal seams was also calculated. Due to erratic behaviour of
pyrolitisation, 25% deduction was made to Gross Reserves to arrive at Net
Reserves. Coal reserve was then multiplied with the average gas content to arrive at
Table 3.17 Gas content of coal samples retrieved from and exploratory borehole drilled in
Sitarampur Block
Sample Depth of Weight of Lost gas Desorbed Residual gas Gas
No. sample (m) sample (g) (Q1) (ml) gas (Q2) (ml) (Q3) (ml) content
(m3/t)
SITRAM-1 462.50–463.40 2100 1325.90 4468.34 1862.67 3.65
SITRAM-1 467.83–469.31 2450 1108.50 9385.48 778.69 4.60
SITRAM-1 477.06–478.18 2500 510.43 12,758.31 2541.44 6.32
SITRAM-1 480.45–481.50 2450 803.69 14,646.13 2205.97 7.21
SITRAM-1 484.85–485.85 2550 481.78 7920.86 3721.05 4.75
SITRAM-1 489.35–490.50 2450 840.16 8781.08 707.90 4.22
Table 3.18 Coal reserve, Average gas content and Gas Resource in Sitarampur Block
Seam Coal reserve (Mt) Average gas content (m3/t) Gas resource (MCM)
Begunia Seam 20.83 1.40 29.16
Ramnagar (T) 15.97 5.74 91.66
Ramnagar (B) 16.66 6.22 103.62
Laikdih (T) 32.24 8.90 286.93
Laikdih (B) 124.93 8.98 1121.87
Total 210.63 1633.24
gas resource figure. Coal reserve, average gas content and gas resource of
Sitarampur Block are given in Table 3.18. The Sitarampur block is having a good
potential for mining of high quality coal as the available data indicates consistency.
There is considerable amount of gas resource as well. Total gas resource in
Sitarampur Block is estimated as 1.63 BCM.
3.2.5.4 Possibility of a Combined CMM Project in Kulti

and Siarampur Blocks
As described above, gas resources of 1.77 BCM and 1.63 BCM are likely to be
contained in the Kulti and Sirampur Blocks respectively. In addition to the total gas
resource of 3.40 BCM in both the blocks there is a 700 m common boundary
between Kulti and Sitarampur Blocks. Same coal seams are generally present in
both the blocks. Unlike Kalidaspur block, sorption time is quite favourable in both
the blocks which vary between 1 and 2 days in Kulti and Sitarampur blocks.
Therefore, a CMM project of medium scale may scale may be started in these
blocks.
3.3 Jharia Coalfield
There are more than 90 operational coal mines in the Jharia Coalfield including 45
underground, 20 open cast and some mixed mines. Five underground mines are
having Degree-III gassy seams. Some coal blocks have been allotted for coal
mining. The following mines and allotted blocks have been investigated for CMM
resource assessment in Jharia coalfield.
(i) Mines in the Mahuda sub-basin and Amlabad colliery
(ii) Parbatpur and Kapuria coal blocks
3.3.1 Mines in the Mohuda Sub-basin
Raniganj formation outcrops in the west central part of Jharia coalfield commonly
known as Mohuda Sub-basin. The total thickness of the formation is 725 m. The
total number of coal seams is 14 (Seam R-XIV to R-I) with cumulative coal
thickness varying from 8 to 35 m. With splits total number of coal horizons is 24.
This is established over 58 km2. 4A cross section of strata in the center of the basin
is shown in Fig. 3.7. The Barakar formation in the center of the basin is touched at
1050 m depth cover and seam XV is crossed at nearly 1550 m depth cover. The
continuity of the Barakar formation under Raniganj Formation and a part of Barren
measure is beyond mineable limit.
3.3.1.1 Underground Coal Mines
Two coal seams viz. Mohuda Top and Mohuda Bottom of Raniganj formation have
been worked in the Mohuda sub-basin. The entire block is methane prone. There
was an explosion of methane on 6th September 2006 at Nagda unit of Bhatdih
colliery, which was a ‘degree’ III gassy mine. Fifty miners died after the explosion.
The coal seams of sharp gradients were developed by Bord and Pillar method.
Every operation including drilling of holes in the mine face, laying explosives,
collecting the recovered coal, and carrying coal to the haulage line, was performed
manually. The roof of the mine did not collapse due to the explosion. Mining
operations have been suspended at Bhatdih since the disaster occurred in September
2006.
Fig. 3.7 Strata section in the central part of Jharia coalfield

3.3 Jharia Coalfield 59
Fig. 3.8 Workings in Mohuda Top Seam at Bhatdih and Murulidih 20/21 Pits Collieries.
Stratigraphic column to left indicating main mined seams, the Mohuda Top and Bottom
Murulidih 20/21 Pits colliery is an operating underground mine in the Mohuda

Sub-basin which is around 2 km from Bhatdih. Extraction of coal from Mohuda
Top Seam at Murulidih 20/21 Pits Colliery has been in progress by conventional
Bord and Pillar method. The average thickness of Mohuda Top seam is 2.85 m and
that of the Mohuda Bottom Seam is 2.70 m. The gradient of the Mohuda Top seam
is 1 in 8. Mohuda Top and Bottom seams are separated by a parting of about 55–
65 m. The present production of about 200 tonnes per day is obtained from
Mohuda Top seam only. However, pumping out of water was being done at
Mahuda bottom seam during the period of investigation. The mine was ventilated
by a fan make of Voltas PV-300 of 8500 m3/min capacity. Air quantity in the main
return measured at 21 Pit fan drift was 6977 m3/t.
Workings in the Mohuda Top Seam at Bhatdih and Murulidih 20/21 Pits col-
lieries are shown in Fig. 3.8. Only a little virgin coal is left in the property of
Bhatdih and Murulidih 20/21 Pits collieries. However, the neighbouring Kalyanpur
block holds sufficient quantity of unmined coal. The Kalyanpur block is being
planned for mining in the next 5 years. The entire property belongs to Coal India
Limited and the gas resource in all the blocks may be tapped by an integrated CMM
project.
A systematic gas survey was conducted in the Murulidih 20/21 Pits colliery to
assess the gassiness of the mine. A borehole was drilled in the virgin property of
Bhatdih colliery to collect coal core samples for evaluation of gas content and also
for characterization of the coal samples.
3.3.1.2 Gas Survey at Murulidih 20/21 Pits Colliery
Gas survey was carried out. Suitable sites were selected at the main as well as the
district returns for the purpose of measurement of air quantity and methane per-
centage to determine the rate of methane emission per tonne of coal produced.
A number of 1.75 m deep boreholes were drilled by electric drill in the advancing
working faces and/or in the adjacent pillar sides of the working districts of Mahuda
top and bottom seams. Gas samples were collected from inside the boreholes after
keeping them plugged for 1 h and subsequently for 7 days. Analysis of air samples
collected from the boreholes was performed by gas chromatography.
Small quantity of methane was observed in all the general body air samples.
Methane concentration in the return air was 0.01% only. There was not much
variation in methane concentration in the mine air samples. Low concentration of
methane in the ventilation air was mainly due to lower rate of coal production and
high value of air quantity in the return airways. The rate of emission of methane per
tonne of coal raised from the mine was 4.66 m3/t. A maximum of 74% methane
was detected in the air sample collected from a plugged borehole at 5 Dip/1 Level in
Mahuda Bottom seam. Methane percentage was found to rise with time in the
boreholes after keeping them plugged for seven days which indicated moderate
potentiality of gassiness of the seam.
3.3.1.3 Gas Potential of Raniganj Coal Seams
A NQ size borehole was drilled in the virgin property of Bhatdih colliery for
assessing the gas potential of Raniganj formation coals. Total 13 coal core samples
were collected from 10 different horizons starting from 332.0 to 514.5 m of depth.
Maximum 5.61 m3/t was observed as in situ gas content of the coal core sample
retrieved from the depth range of 386.71–387.21 m. Gas content of other samples
was recorded between 1.74 and 5.53 m3/t. Proximate analysis of these samples
revealed that moisture content varied between 1.3 and 2.7%, ash content between
20.3 and 47.2%, VM between 25.2 and 31.9%, and vitrinite reflectance between
0.86 and 0.89%. The Raniganj coals of Mohuda sub-basin are therefore placed
under high volatile bituminous ‘A’ type coals and are good repository of methane
gas of thermogenic origin. Adjoining Kalyanpur block is virgin and the same coal
seams are present. This block is explored and substantial coal reserves are there.
Since, only one borehole could be drilled in the Raniganj formation for gas content
determination in the Mohuda sub-basin, hence a large amount of uncertainty exists
in gas resource estimation. Assuming average value of in situ gas content as 4 m3/t
and cumulative thickness of Raniganj coals as 17 m, it was estimated that the
Raniganj formation in the Mohuda sub-basin contains 1.52 BCM of coal mine
methane.
The main seam gas at both collieries viz. Bhatdih and Murulidih also appears to
be methane and again gas contents and saturation are favourable for CMM pro-
duction. AMM activities will be extremely complicated as the goaves are stowed,
and mining is hindered by a history of mine explosions, and flooding in

upper seams. The steep dips at Bhatdih render it generally unsuitable for CMM
activities—providing a drilling and completion challenge.
3.3.1.4 Gas Potential of Barakar Coal Seams
There are 18 number of Barakar coal seams (from XVIII to I) with cumulative
thickness of 90–125 m. The Baraker seams are storehouse of low to medium
volatile type (UVM 15–33%) coals. The mean vitrinite reflectance of the coal seams
varies from 0.9 to 1.3%. It has been found that the maceral composition of Barakar
coals varies both along the strike and dip. The Barakar coals are vitrinite rich coals.
Vitrinite content varies from 45% (mmf) to over 60% (mmf). These coals are
categorized as medium to low volatile bituminous coals.
Twenty Four coal core samples were collected from different depths for evalu-
ation of gas content of Barakar coal seams. It was observed that coal seams
encountered from 580.04 to 1047.78 m depth are moderately gassy. While gas
content values varied from 1.54 to 8.47 m3/t, it hovers around 4.0 to 5.0 m3/t for
most of the samples. Sorption time varied between 1 and 3 days for most of the
samples. Following the methodology used for gas resource estimation in earlier
sections, it was found that the Barakar coals in this block contain 3.46 BCM of gas.
However, these coals can be degasified through surface boreholes only in view of
greater depth of occurrence.
3.3.2 Amlabad Colliery, East Jharia Basin
Amlabad Colliery is located south of the Damodar River, and is a designated

Degree III gassy mine. Other similarly gassy mines (e.g. Sudamdih Colliery) sur-
round it. The area is known to be highly gassy, and there are a number of seams
(Fig. 3.8).
No mining is currently underway at Amlabad, constrained by gas issues. XVIII
Seam exploded in 1955 and is sealed since then. XVII Seam is abandoned and
workings are depillared and sand stowed. XVI Seam is flooded. Both XV and XIV
seams have been recently worked. Plans are in place to mine the deeper and
downdip seams—the gas problem will need to be resolved in order to do so.
Spontaneous combustion is an issue in mine goaves at Amlabad.
The area of the lease is 1.4 km2 and is close to Parbatpur CBM Block of
CIL-ONGC. There is an area to the south of virgin coal suitable for primary gas
capture. Amlabad is located on a structural dome and permeability may be more
favourable consequently. Seam dip is about 1:6–1:7. Cleat are open and there
appears to be little secondary mineralisation.
Only longwall mining was envisaged originally but the operation at Amlabad
has traditionally utilized partly longwall with stowing and partly bord and pillar
method due to pyrolitisation. Presently the production was up to 70 tonne per day
only. The management is aiming at resuming production within few years. The
mine may have a life of 25 years of targeted production of 0.57 million tonnes per
year. The rate of emission is 23 m3 of methane per tonne of coal mined. Methane
concentration in ventilation air is 0.3–0.5%.
The neighbouring Sudamdih Colliery (Fig. 3.9) is also a degree-III mine. The
seam dips at 40°–45° towards the southern lease boundary bordering the Damodar
River. Old mine working down to 200 m have not been mapped and are likely to be
water filled. The mine is serviced by two shafts. The operation is bord and pillar.
The mine produces 100 tonnes per day. There is no gas content data but the
methane in return airways is 0.1–0.2%.
A United Nations Development Project (UNDP) resulted in the delivery of an
inseam drill and steering system for underground predrainage. The project has not
been a success, and the rig is currently parked underground.
Amlabad and Sudamdih Collieries also clearly have high levels of gas, and at
relatively shallow depths. No outburst events have taken place, but this may be a
function of the low rates of production and higher rates of permeability.
The steeply dipping seams at Sudamdih make it difficult for CMM activities—
providing a drilling and completion challenge like Bhatdih. However, many safety
issues associated with high levels of gas may be addressed by implementing a range
of gas drainage technologies like inseam drilling, compliance coring etc. Utilizing
the UNDP underground rig and survey tool at Sudamdih should be part of that
strategy. CMM production may be better on the Amlabad dome. ONGC is pro-
ducing close by but not at very high rates.
There is a significant stratigraphic section of coal at Amlabad, but a small areal
extent (constrained by lease boundaries) is a concern.
Following the methodology described earlier, it is estimated that a gas resource
of 0.76 BCM is likely to be contained within the Amlabad Colliery lease area, and
0.80 BCM within Sudamdih Shaft Mine and 0.67 BCM within Sudamdih Incline
Mine.
3.3.3 Parbatpur Block
The Parbatpur Block which appears to be the most promising site at first glance for
CMM recovery in India, is one of the large underground mine blocks and is virgin
at present. This block located to the South of Damodar river in the South Eastern
part of Jharia coalfield, covers an area of about 18 km2. It is bounded by the
coordinates latitudes N 23° 39′ 30″ and N 23° 42′ 55″ and longitudes
E 86° 19′ 15″ and E 86° 22′ 30″. The central sector of Parbatpur Block covering an
Fig. 3.9 Upper coal seam stratigraphy at Amlabad Colliery

area of about 9 km2 was been allotted to Electrosteel Castings Limited, a private
sector company to run a captive mine. Of late the coal mine block in the central
sector of Parbatpur block has been given to Steel Authority Limited (SAIL), a
public sector company. ONGC, another public sector company is developing its
CBM project in remaining part of the Parbatpur Block.
The central sector, which belongs to SAIL now, is situated to the West of
Amlabad colliery, South of North Parbatpur CBM Block, North of Bhojudih–
Mohuda railway line and East of Singara Block of Jharia coalfield.
The dip varies all over the area. In the northern part of the central sector the dip
is 9°–12° towards west, in the western part 15° towards NW–WNW, in the south
western part 15° towards west and SW, in the north eastern and eastern part 4°–6°
towards WNW to ESW to SE. The strike also varies widely in different directions in
different parts of the area.
The Block is affected by considerable tectonic disturbance and magmatic flow at
various times during and after formation. Area is cris-crossed by 11 major faults
encountered and intercepted on the basis of 86 boreholes drilled by CMPDI. There
is a major fault of about 160 m throw which divides the property into two
sections—Eastern part is Block 2 and the Western part is Block 1. Four inclines are
being driven to connect the coal seams for underground mining. Incline No. 1 and 2
are driven at Block 1 and Incline No. 3 and 4 are driven in at Block 2. The inclines
are proposed to be driven up to 940 m in length and the gradient is 1 in 4.8. It is
proposed to work the six upper seams with these inclines. It is proposed to adopt
Longwall method of mining with powered support for cavable areas and strip
mining or Mechanized Bord and Pillar with stowing in non-cavable areas.
Envisaged production level is 2–2.5 million tonnes per annum.
3.3.3.1 Coal Seams in the Parbatpur Block
The Barakar formation is extensively developed in almost all parts of the Parbatpur
Block. It is extending under the thick cover of Barren Measures all along the
Southern boundary. Almost all coal seams of Barakar formation developed in Jharia
Coalfield are present in this region. The uppermost coal horizon is XVIII seam
which is underlain successively by XVII, XVI, XVI and XV seams and so on up to
Seam I. The entire thickness up to Seam I have been reported during exploration by
CMPDI. The seams are well persistent in the area. The stratigraphic sequence of
coal seams, their thickness and parting ranges are given in Table 3.19.
Table 3.19 Stratigraphic Name of seam Thickness ranges (m) Parting ranges (m)
sequence of coal seams in
Parbatpur Block XVIII T 0.98–5.30 7.45–38.70
XVIII B 0.12–2.65 25.06–73.54
XVII 0.50–5.29 6.99–29.44
L-1 0.17–1.28 0.59–15.44
L-2 0.22–2.16 53.97–105.63
XVI T 0.63–3.70 16.54–47.01
XVI B 0.97–3.75 59.00–136.75
XV A 0.13–2.53 46.81–91.97
XV 8.73–16.40
XV T 2.03–7.00 0.35–19.73
XV B 1.80–7.88 0.39–9.55
L-3 0.57–5.46 1.70–7.15
L-4 0.40–2.16 34.95–66.11
XIV 4.75–16.16 19.43–66.93
XIII 3.68–11.40
XIII T 1.46–7.39 0.34–27.56
XIII B 2.54–5.20 12.40–69.98
XII 5.18–11.02 19.78–62.40
XI 4.01–11.57 8.08–37.27
X 6.44–6.95 6.58–20.49
IX 2.13–3.07 21.58–69.80
VIII C 1.42–6.73 14.13–39.24
VIII B 1.00–1.90 1.76–4.48
VIII A 0.75–3.04 22.89–34.92
VIII 4.02–6.43 9.05–49.36
V/VI/VII 13.73–19.00 5.65–20.11
IV Ta 2.09–2.55 6.13
IV Ba 1.41 69.16
IIIa 26.59 2.12
IIa 5.90 12.25
Ia 2.00
a
Result based on one borehole only
All the coal seams are pyrolitised to varying extent. The burning pattern is
irregular and varies from seam to seam.
Proximate analysis was carried out for some selected number of samples retrieved
during exploratory drilling of boreholes. The results of proximate analysis are
provided in Table 3.20. It was observed that moisture content of all the samples was
Table 3.20 Proximate analysis of coal samples in Parbatpur Block

Seam Moisture (%) Ash (%) VM (daf) (%) FC (daf) (%)
XVIII T 1.62 22.35 31.73 68.27
XVIII B 1.48 13.08 29.69 70.31
XVII 1.20 27.38 29.68 70.32
XVI T 1.08 28.69 29.18 70.82
XVI B 1.29 18.70 29.12 70.88
XV A 0.99 11.99 29.36 70.64
XV Combined 1.14 15.21 28.42 71.58
XIV 1.12 16.65 23.62 76.38
XIII Combined 0.99 20.89 19.74 80.26
XII/XI 0.91 17.98 27.07 72.93
X 0.90 11.68 25.69 74.31
IX 0.82 11.09 24.26 75.74
VIII Combined 0.72 26.70 24.20 75.80
V/VI/VII 0.90 24.63 22.50 77.50
IV Combined 0.82 07.78 22.06 77.94
III 0.80 19.85 18.28 81.72
II 0.80 18.10 18.16 81.84
I 0.80 20.26 17.29 82.71
less than 1.62% and ash content of the all samples was less than 30%. The max-
imum value of volatile matter (VM) on dry ash free (daf) basis was recorded as
31.73%. Fixed carbon (FC) of the samples on dry ash free (daf) basis varied
between 68.27 and 82.71%.
Ultimate analysis of few selected samples was also performed and elemental
carbon, hydrogen, sulphur, nitrogen and oxygen percentages were evaluated. The
results are given in Table 3.21. Results indicate that the coals are carbon rich and
hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen contents are lower than the Raniganj coals. Sulphur
content of the samples is also low.
Maceral studies and reflectance of selected number of samples were also made.
Vitrinite content of the samples varied between 44.7 and 81.2, semi-vitrinite
between 2.6 and 4.9%, liptinite between 0.6 and 3.9% and inertinite between 15.6
and 50.7% on mineral matter free (mmf) basis. Mean vitrinite reflectance was found
to increase with depth of the samples and varied between 0.85 and 1.41%.
Broadly speaking, all the coal seams possess the characteristics of prime coking
coal.
Table 3.21 Ultimate Seam C (%) H (%) S (%) N (%) O (%)

analysis of coal samples
XVIII B 74.01 4.54 0.41 1.97 3.16
XVII 79.00 4.54 0.32 1.51 5.07
XVI T 59.47 3.92 0.63 1.47 1.51
XVI B 68.61 4.21 0.50 1.79 2.02
XV 77.84 3.95 0.49 1.75 2.43
XIV 71.40 4.16 0.68 1.46 3.74
XIII 69.20 3.59 0.67 1.31 1.24
XII/XI 72.49 4.03 0.67 1.55 1.66
X/IX 77.26 4.13 0.58 1.37 3.22
VIII 62.64 3.69 0.60 1.34 1.66
VII 63.02 3.74 0.50 1.34 1.46
V/VI 66.86 3.59 0.55 1.44 1.69
IV/III 80.96 4.52 0.64 1.65 2.85
II/I 71.01 4.06 0.41 1.48 2.55
3.3.3.3 Coal Resource, Average Gas Content and Gas Resource
Proved geological reserves of coal from XVIII T to XV B seams have been esti-
mated by CMPDI. Coal reserve data for the lower seams have been estimated on the
basis of their thickness and density. These are conservative estimates and actual
resource may be 10–20% higher than the estimated values. Coal core samples were
collected from four exploratory boreholes drilled in the central region of the
Parbatpur Block. In situ gas content of the samples was determined by Direct
Method. Seam-wise average gas content was then computed. Coal resource when
multiplied by the average gas content, gave the gas resource of the individual seam.
Seam-wise coal resource, average gas content and gas resource in the central sector
of Parbatpur block are shown in Table 3.22. It was found that the XV seam contain
the highest quantity of CMM followed by the XIV and XVI seams.
A total of 5.31 BCM of CMM reserves have been estimated in the central sector
of Parbatpur Block. To control the emission of methane in the mine workings
especially while exploiting the XVI, XV and XV seams, degasification would be
absolutely necessary.
Table 3.22 Coal resource, average gas content and gas resource in Parbatpur Block
Seam Coal resource Average gas Gas resource (MCM)
(million tonnes) content (m3/tonne)
XVIII T 22.376 2.84 63.55
XVIII B 9.012 3.12 28.12
XVII 24.556 3.47 85.21
L-1 1.586 0.99 1.57
L-2 11.313 3.86 43.67
XVI T 23.037 9.94 228.99
XVI B 28.948 14.53 420.61
XV A 8.306 12.15 100.92
XV 91.846 15.08 1385.04
XV T 5.676 12.75 72.37
XV B 4.572 12.98 59.34
L-3 11.90 1.23 14.64
L-4 13.546 1.74 23.57
XIV 42.289 11.96 505.78
XIII 19.80 10.57 209.29
XIII T 3.46 7.84 27.13
XIII B 4.95 9.13 45.19
XII 16.73 11.33 189.55
XI 14.45 9.08 131.21
X 12.80 8.39 107.39
IX 19.66 7.61 149.61
VIII C 13.12 6.26 82.13
VIII B 15.34 6.95 106.61
VIII A 14.31 7.05 100.89
VIII 9.50 7.57 71.92
V/VI/VII 43.20 10.14 438.05
IV T 14.56 8.79 127.98
IV B 12.93 7.57 97.88
III 21.42 9.05 193.85
II 12.45 8.02 99.85
I 11.17 9.04 100.98
Total 558.813 5312.87
3.3.3.4 Quality of Gas
Selected number of desorbed gas samples was analyzed by gas chromatography to

assess the quality of gas. Composition of some of the samples is presented in
Table 3.23. It was found that hydrocarbon content of the gas samples was between
95 and 98%. Small concentration of hydrogen was also found in some of the
samples. Carbon dioxide was less than 3% in all the samples.
Table 3.23 Composition of desorbed gas collected in Parbatpur Block

Sample No. Methane (%) Ethane (%) Hydrogen (%) Carbon Nitrogen (%)
dioxide (%)
PARG-01 96.03 1.92 0.00 0.81 1.14
PARG-02 97.44 0.74 0.52 1.22 0.08
PARG-03 97.61 0.29 0.00 0.86 1.00
PARG-04 96.17 1.39 0.00 0.57 1.87
PARG-05 96.94 0.71 0.00 0.94 1.41
PARG-06 91.30 4.88 0.22 2.97 0.67
PARG-07 91.30 2.90 0.41 1.97 3.40
PARG-08 93.77 2.28 0.45 1.53 1.99
3.3.3.5 General Impression
It is noted that even proper ventilation will not secure adequate dilution of methane
below statutory levels in the prospecting mines. Application of typical methods of
degasification in Parbatpur mine specially while working below XVI seam will
have be done with safety.
On the other hand, gas resource in the central sector of Parbatpur Block is
substantial. Out of 5.31 BCM of gas resource, 2.7–3.2 BCM of gas can be safely
recovered for its utilization.
3.3.4 Kapuria Block
Kapuria Block covering an area of 6.4 km2 and identified as one of the under-
ground mining blocks of Jharia reconstruction plan, is situated in the Dhanbad
district of Jharkhand, India. It is located in the north central part of Jharia coalfield.
The block is virgin and owned by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a sub-
sidiary to Coal India Limited. Exploration and mining have been outsourced to a
private sector company. Bhelatand and Malkera collieries of Tata Steel Limited are
two operating underground mines on the north eastern and north western bound-
aries of Kapuria Block. The block is bounded by coordinates latitude N 23° 44′ 30″
and N 23° 44′ 25″ and longitudes E 86° 16′ 50″ and E 86° 19′ 55″.
Kapuria Block is mostly under soil cover. The block is occupied by rocks of
Barren measure formation which is underlain by the coal bearing Barakar
formation.
The general strike of the area changes progressively from WNW–ESE to NW–
SE towards South Eastern part of the Block. The beds are dipping gently at 5°–12°
towards SSW and turns SW in the Eastern part of the Block.
There are nine normal faults out of which 9 are strike faults and one is an oblique
fault. While 7 faults are dipping southerly and two are dipping north. The throw of
Table 3.24 Geological Seam Geological reserve (million tonnes)

reserve of coal in Kapuria
Block XVIII A 9.84
L-6 13.80
L-5 15.49
XVIC 22.21
XVIB 17.07
XVIA 36.65
XV 31.11
XIV 25.22
XIII/XII/XI 33.46
X 12.59
IX 10.01
VIII 27.46
VII/VI/V 42.92
IV 17.81
III 11.76
II 36.52
I 6.59
Total 370.51
the faults varies from 10 to 290 m. The dip of the faults generally ranges between
55° and 60°.
3.3.4.1 Coal Seams in Kapuria Block
All the mineable seams are deep seated and are not outcropping within the mining
lease boundary. XVIIIA, L-6, L-5, XVIC, XVIB, XVIA and XV seams have been
identified as extractable seams by CMPDI. The uppermost seam L-14 is of thick-
ness less than 0.6 m. XVIIA, XVIA and XV seams are highly affected by intrusive
in larger area.
Geological reserve from XVIIIA to XV seams as per geological report of
Kapuria block is shown in Table 3.24. Coal resources for the lower seams were
estimated on the basis of thickness of the seams encountered in few boreholes.
Estimated Reserves of the lower seams are also presented in Table 3.24.
3.3.4.2 Coal Quality, Gas Content and Gas Resource
Coal core samples were collected from two boreholes drilled in the Kapuria Block.
Coal samples were analyzed and similar properties as in the case of Parbatpur Block
were obtained. However, gas content of coal seams was not as high as those of
Parbatpur Block. XV seam was found to have an average gas content of 7.09 m3/t.
Gas content of other seams varied between 1.68 and 6.23 m3/t. Coal seams of
Kapuria Block were found to contain 1.51 BCM of gas resource. A medium size
CMM project is therefore a feasible option in the Kapuria Block.
3.4 Bokaro Basin
East and West Bokaro Coalfields are huge repositories of high rank medium coking
metallurgical coals. Jarangdih and Sawang collieries are two underground mines
with known history of gassiness. A gas resource of 34 BCM has been found in the
CBM block allotted to ONGC-IOC in the Bokaro Basin. Two Blocks viz. Asnapani
and Kathara located in the south central part of East Bokaro Coalfield are virgin.
Options for CMM recovery in Jarangdih and Sawang collieries and Asnapani and
Kathara Blocks have been discussed in this section.
3.4.1 Jarangdih and Sawang Collieries
Jarangdih colliery is a Degree III mine where Jarangdih group of seams (Jarangdih
Top, 18, 10 and 6 ft) and Kargali seam have been worked by Bord and Pillar
Method. Mining activity was started here in 1922 to develop Kargali seam below
Jarangdih group of seams through a pair of shafts (Shaft No. 1 and 2) driven in
Kargali seam which was developed on the rise side of the shafts along the strike
direction. This Kargali seam working has been abandoned since 5th August 1936
due to explosion in the mine.
Mining operation is underway at the Jarangdih group of seams. Full thickness
(1.30–2.48 m) of the Jarangdih Top Seam has been developed up to 36th level and
depillared with caving leaving 1.8 m rib against the goaf. Depillaring was com-
pleted in December 1993 and the area is sealed off. The Jarangdih 18 ft Seam was
also fully developed partitioning the seam into 11 panels. Full thickness (4.65–
7.67 m) of the seam was worked in two lifts. Four panels were depillared with sand
stowing and subsequently sealed off. The remaining panels are standing on pillars.
The Jarangdih 10 ft seam (2.36–6.75 m) was developed up to 26th level towards
dip side. Further development could not be done due to splitting of seam into two
sections caused by thick carbonaceous shale. This seam was also depillared with
sand stowing. The Jarangdih 6 ft (1.26–3.46 m) was fully developed up to the
leasehold boundary by dividing the seam into 21 panels. Depillaring in 7 panels
was completed with sand stowing and the depillared panels are sealed off. Rest of
the panels are standing on pillars and panel-wise depillaring will be completed.
Sawang colliery is another Degree III mine situated in the northern limb of the
main synclinal basin of East Bokaro Coalfield. The formation has the strike along
WNW–ESE with the dip varying from 15° to 20° towards SSW. Oblique faults are
fairly common and mica-periodotite intrusions also exist. The high emission of
methane in the South Eastern section of Kargali Top Seam had prevented
advancement of the headings and made it unproductively slow. The coal of Kargali
Top seam is low moisture, medium volatile metallurgical coal. The Kargali Top
Seam is the third from the top among the four seams viz. Kathara, Uchitdih ‘A’
(Sawang 7 ft), Kargali Top and Kargali Bottom.
The upper seams of the colliery have been developed through a pair of inclines
and all the seams have been exploited by bord and pillar method except in Kargali
Top where longwall panels have also been operated. All depillaring is immediately
followed by stowing.
Development of Jarangdih 6 ft seam at Jarangdih colliery was completed,
depillaring with stowing was in progress and production was 120 TPD. Extraction
of coal from Jarangdih 6 ft seam at Sawang colliery was in progress in the west
section. The average production was 120 TPD where development was in progress.
3.4.1.1 Gas Survey at Jarangdih and Sawang Collieries
The rate of emission of methane per tonne of coal produced from Jarangdih 6 ft
seam at Jarangdih colliery was insignificant. Coal starts emitting its gas as a result
of mining. As the development of Jarangdih 6 ft seam of Jarangdih colliery was
completed before 1971, therefore most of the gas of coal standing on pillars was
degassed. The emitted methane from the depillaring panel on dilution by high
quantity of ventilation air near the main return of the mine became undetectable by
the standard instruments used for the purpose. However, the rate of methane
emission per tonne of coal produced at Jarangdih 6 ft seam, Sawang colliery was
observed to be 17.12 m3/t as development was in progress.
Air samples collected from behind 1.5 m deep plugged boreholes at Jarangdih
6 ft seam of Jarangdih colliery showed low percentage of methane. The maximum
methane percentage in the plugged borehole of the mine was observed to be 3.88%
and there had been no significant rise in methane percentage with time in any of the
boreholes after keeping them plugged for seven days. Similar studies were carried
out at Jarangdih 6 ft seam of Sawang colliery to assess the presence of methane in
1.5 m deep plugged boreholes. A maximum of 12% methane was observed in one
of the plugged boreholes and no significant rise in methane concentration with time
was observed.
3.4.1.2 Previous Methane Drainage Trial at Sawang Colliery
Indigenously designed in-seam degasification system was installed in Kargali Top

Seam, Sawang Colliery in 1980s. The make of methane in the zone of 27 Level and
in the developed headings of Main dip and Companion dip beyond 27 Level at
Kargali Top seam was about 3.5 m3/min. Attempts were made to drill a borehole at
the eastern wall on the junction of 27 Level and Companion Dip for determination
of gas content of coal. After 2 m of drilling, heavy influx of methane and water
3.4 Bokaro Basin 73
from the borehole was observed necessitating suspension of drilling operation. An

emission rate of 10 m3 of methane per min could be measured from the 2 m deep
borehole. A degasification program was drawn and designed by CMPDI and
CSIR-CIMFR (the then CMRS) to recover methane from the Kargali Top Seam by
in-seam degasification method. The equipments were fabricated in different
workshops. Salient features of the drainage arrangement at Kargali Top Seam,
Sawang Colliery are summarized in Table 3.25.
The first borehole drilled near the junction of 27 Level and Companion dip was
commissioned in August 1981 with a methane flow rate of 295 l/min (CMRS
Project Report 1991). The next Level (28 Level) was driven at about 30 m from the
previous level (27 Level). The second hole was drilled near the junction of 28 Level
and Companion dip and the third at about 30 m distance from the second hole about
5 m away from the Companion dip as shown in Fig. 3.10. The direction of drilling
was maintained at 11.11, 12.22 and 10.00 gon inclination to the roadway for
borehole 1, 2 and 3 respectively at an angle of 5.56 gon to the horizontal. The angle
and inclination was considered to cover a maximum length in coal and made
slightly rising to the horizontal to obtain free passage of water percolation from the
boreholes.
Table 3.25 Methane drainage implementation at Kargali Top Seam, Sawang Colliery
Number of boreholes 03
Length of pipeline 1250 m
Diameter of pipeline 150 mm
Nature of joints Flanged with rubber gaskets
Average gradient of pipeline 1:2.9
Number of bends 12
Number of water traps 10
Number of gas sampling points 10
Flow measuring units in line Orifice plates
Nature of suction arrangement Venturi
Suction head—max 145 mm Hg
Alternative flow measurement Rotameter
Release arrangement in return air Diffuser
Nature of methane drainage Advance boreholes parallel to companion dip
Distance apart of holes 30 m
Length of stand pipe 6m
Diameter of stand pipe 75 mm
Stand pipe sealing Bentonite infusion
Length of drill rod 1.65 m
Diameter of drill rod 52 mm
Diameter of drill bits 115 and 65 mm
Fig. 3.10 Regional location map of mines along the Damodar River. Amlabad Colliery in the
west, and Sudamdih mines to the east. ONGC’s Parbatpur CBM pilot lies to the south and west of
Amlabad
Table 3.26 Composition of Gas Concentration (%)

recovered gas at Sawang
colliery Methane 91.20
Carbon dioxide 6.05
Carbon monoxide 0.00
Hydrogen 0.00
Oxygen 0.40
Nitrogen 2.35
The entire length of the drainage holes of 65 mm diameter was done through the
stand pipe. Once the entire length was drilled, each borehole was connected to the
gas main with a hose of 80 mm diameter. Water traps and an orifice meter con-
nected to each branch, were used respectively to separate water from gas and
measure it. Quality of gas was measured periodically by analytical apparatus in the
laboratory. The quality of gas from different sampling points in the entire range was
found to vary little indicating insignificant leakage. Typical analysis of the gas
recovered at Sawang colliery is presented in Table 3.26 (CMRS Project Report
1991).
The sealing of stand pipe by Bentonite suspension under pressure was good
enough to maintain quality of methane in the pipeline above 91%. Rate of methane
recovery was 0.10 l/s/m for boreholes at Sawang colliery, which was remarkable.
Methane was produced from three boreholes for a period of three years. However,
3.4 Bokaro Basin 75
Table 3.27 Life and gas yield of boreholes at Sawang colliery

Borehole No. Life of borehole Specific production (pure
From To methane basis) (m3)
1. August 1981 September 1984 221,000
2. September 1982 January 1985 188,000
3. March 1984 March 1985 71,000
Total specific production 480,000
gas production was discontinued by the colliery mainly due to considerable

improvement of gas problem in the workings and degasification was not required.
The life and gas yield of the boreholes are shown in Table 3.27 (CMRS Project
Report 1991).
The lower seams at Jarangdih and Sawang collieries are virgin and are good
repository of gas. A coal mine methane project may be successful if gas is
recovered from the mines and adjoining Asnapani Block discussed in detail in the
following section.
3.4.2 Asnapani Block
The Asnapani block is located in the south central part of East Bokaro coalfield
shown in Fig. 3.11. The upper few seams have been worked at Jarangdih under-
ground mine. Rest of the coal seams lying below the Jarangdih group of seams are
virgin with sizeable reserve.
The block covering an area of about 4.0 km2 and delineated as a promising site
for CMM exploitation is situated in the Bokaro district of Jharkhand state. It is
bounded by coordinates latitudes N 23° 45′ 38″ and N 23° 46′ 51.65″ and longi-
tudes E 85° 53′ 36.5″ and E 85° 55′ 31.5″. The area is located to the East of CBM
Block allotted to IOC-ONGC. The Konar River flows almost North to South in the
East direction of the area and meets Damodar River in the South Eastern part of
block (Fig. 3.12).
The Asnapani block is a part of the Jarangdih-Asnapani graben formed by two
major faults viz. Govindpur–Pichri fault in the North with down throw towards
South and Borea fault in the South with down throw towards North. As a result,
Gondwana sediments Barren Measures underlain by coal bearing formations
Barakars and Karharbaris are preserved within this block. Altogether there are 19
faults in the area.
Fig. 3.11 Borehole location in Kargali Top Seam, Sawang Colliery. Source CMRS Project
Report (1991)
3.4 Bokaro Basin 77
Fig. 3.12 South Central Part of East Bokaro Coalfield showing Asnapani and Kathara CMM
Blocks delineated by CMPDI
3.4.2.1 Coal Seams in Asnapani Block
The Karharbari formation resting unconformably over the Archaean basement is the
oldest formation of the Lower Gondwana containing four coal seams Karo-I to IV
in ascending order. The Karharbari formation is overlain by the Barakar formation
which contains Karo-V to XI, Bermo, Kargali, two seams of Uchitdih group, two
seams of Kathara group, three seams of Sawang group and five seams of Jarangdih
group in order of succession.
The Karo-V seam of Barakar formation and Karo-I to IV of Karharbari for-
mation represent lower group of thin seams of thickness 0.5–5.0 m. Similarly,
twelve seams of Barakar formation viz. two seams of Uchitdih group, two seams of
Kathara group, three seams of Sawang group and five seams of Jarangdih group
constitute upper group of thin seams of thickness 1–7 m. The middle group of thick
seams with thickness varying from 5 to 50 m are Karo-VI to XI, Bermo and Kargali
seams. A seam of Uchitdih group have been affected by mica-Peridotite intrusions
of varying degrees.
Stratigraphic sequence of coal seams in the Asnapani Block with thickness
ranges are shown in Table 3.28.
Table 3.28 Stratigraphic sequence of coal seams in Asnapani Block

Name of Seam Thickness ranges (m) Parting ranges (m)
Jarangdih Top 1.29–2.48 12.0–40.0
Jarangdih 4.65–6.67 5.0–18.0
Jarangdih 10′ 0.91–6.52 7.0–32.0
Jarangdih 6′ 1.26–3.46 116.0–147.0
Sawang A 0.25–1.20 29.0–41.0
Sawang B 0.15–0.90 40.0–56.0
Sawang C 0.30–2.59 9.0–25.0
Local-2 0.35–2.08 13.0–28.0
Local-1 0.30–1.45 5.0–18.0
Upper Kathara 0.88–3.00 43.0–89.0
Kathara 1.65–6.17 11.0–64.0
Uchitdih 0.91–5.33 1.0–24.0
Uchitdih A 0.20–3.50 37.0–39.0
Kargali Top 6.50–27.71 2.0–50.0
Kargali Bottom 5.73–19.94 42.0–87.0 (with Bermo)
Kargali Combined 34.13–49.38 29.0–40.0
Bermo 12.64–20.58 45.0–50.0
Karo-XI 2.14–3.00 11.0–18.0
Karo-X 9.87–12.82 7.0–9.0
Karo-IX 0.25–0.58 31.0–45.0
Karo-VIII 34.90–35.40 20.0–20.0
Karo-VII 3.58–3.58 10.0–10.0
Karo-VI 11.17–14.75
As discussed in the previous sections, the Jarangdih group of seams within the
Asnapani Block have been mined and Sawang A and Sawang B are very thin
seams. The coal seams from Sawang C to Karo-VI having considerable thickness
lying virgin below the Jarangdih group of seams are suitable objects for CMM
recovery. Proximate analysis of coal samples was performed to assess the quality of
coal of these seams. These seams are low moisture (0.5–1.9%), medium ash (16.8–
41.9%) including all bands. The ash percentage varies from 12.0 to 33.3%
excluding the bands. While unit volatile matter (UVM) of these seams varies from
19.9 to 34.5%, the unit carbon ranges between 85.2 and 91.0% and the value of
hydrogen on unit coal basis lies between 4.2 and 5.6%.
Petrological characteristics of few samples were also studied. It was found that
the presence of reactive macerals is moderate for Sawang C to Kargali Combined
seams (Vitrinite 47.3–62.7%, Exinite 7.8–21.5% on mineral matter free basis). It
was found that the Bermo and Karo group of seams contained moderate vitrinite
3.4 Bokaro Basin 79
(32.2–48.7%) and high inertinite (40.8–62.7%) and liptinite varied widely from
traces (Bermo Seam) to as high as 10.9% (Karo-X Seam).
The mean vitrinite reflectance (Av. R0) was found to increase from Sawang C to
Karo group of Seams. Av. R0 varied from 0.92% (Sawang C) to 1.17% (Bermo).
Mean vitrinite reflectance varied between 1.0 and 1.09 for other seams.
The chemical and petrological characteristics of coals of Sawang C to Karo-VI
Seams suggest that the coals are high volatile bituminous to medium volatile
bituminous in rank. The coal seams are therefore rich objects for thermogenic
methane.
3.4.2.3 Coal Reserve, Average Gas Content and Gas Resource

in Asnapani Block
Coal reserves of seams have been established by MECL and CMPDI during coal
exploration program. Coal core samples were also collected during exploratory
drilling of five boreholes and gas content was also determined. Seam-wise average
gas content was then computed and multiplied by the coal resource of respective
seams to obtain the gas resource. Seam-wise coal resource, average gas content and
gas resource are shown in Table 3.29.
It was reported that the coal reserve for Sawang C to Karo-VI Seams in the
Asnapani Block was 615.94 million tonnes. Kargali Combined appears to be the
most important seam owing to its thickness and quality. Bermo and Karo-VIII are
other important seams owing to thickness, quality and substantial gas reserves.
Total estimated gas resource of Asnapani Block was 6.64 BCM, which is con-
siderable for a medium to large scale CMM project.
Table 3.29 Coal resource, average gas content and gas resource of Asnapani Block
Seam Coal resource (Mt) Average gas Gas resource (MCM)
content (m3/t)
Sawang 6.22 8.50 52.87
Upper Kathara 5.91 9.0 53.19
Kathara 17.71 6.18 109.45
Uchitdih 8.37 10.4 87.05
Uchitdih A 4.99 11.8 58.88
Kargali Combined 153.18 11.1 1700.30
Bermo 87.55 14.5 1269.48
Karo-XI 11.16 11.7 130.57
Karo-X 55.80 12.9 719.82
Karo-VIII 184.14 10.6 1951.88
Karo-VII 19.53 7.4 144.52
Karo-VI 61.38 5.9 362.15
Total 615.94 6640.15
3.4.2.4 Quality of Gas in Asnapani Block
Desorbed gas samples were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography. It was
found that methane was the main constituent. While methane concentration varied
from 91 to 94%, carbon dioxide was found to lie between 3.0 and 6.5. Ethane in
small quantity (0.5–1.0%) was also found in the desorbed gas samples. Calorific
value of the gas was 7800–8000 kcal/kg.
3.4.3 Kathara Block
The Kathara Block situated in the South Central part of East Bokaro coalfield is
adjacent to the Asnapani Block. The CBM block allotted to IOC-ONGC is on its
North and Damodar River in the South direction of the Kathara Block (Fig. 3.11). It
is located to the West of Asnapani Block. It covers an area of about 6 km2 and is
bounded by coordinates latitudes N 23° 45′ 15″ and N 23° 46′ 27″ and longitudes
E 85° 51′ 10″ and E 85° 54′ 22″. CMPDI has delineated this CMM block on the
dip side of Kathara Opencast Mine and Uchitdih workings.
There are a number of faults including some major faults in the northern part of
the block. The Borea fault is in the north of the Kathara Block with down throw of
about 280 m towards north. The Kathara fault is in the south east of the
Kathara CMM Block with down throw of about 200 m towards north. Similar to
Asnapani Block, the entire sequence of Barakar coal seams having cumulative
thickness of around 100 m has been preserved in this block.
3.4.3.1 Coal Seams in Kathara Block
There is a significant stratigraphic section of Barakar coals between Sawang C and

Karo-VI in the Kathara Block. The coal seams from Karo-IV to Karo-I of
Karharbari formation are also present in the Block. While average thickness of the
entire Barakar column is about 800 m, that of Karharbari formation is only 80 m.
Based on detailed exploration of the area, the stratigraphic sequence of coal seams
and inter seam parting reported by CMPDI/MECL is depicted in Table 3.30.
It may be observed that generally the same seams present in the Kathara Block
as seen in the Asnapani Block. However, the Jarangdih group of seams occurs in a
limited area. Coal seams from Sawang C to Karo-VI are suitable for CMM.
3.4.3.2 Coal Properties
The same general coal seam gas properties were found at Kathara Block, as seen in
the adjacent Asnapani Blcok. Coal seams are low in moisture and medium ash. The
ash content ranges between 10.0 and 30.8% on exclusion of bands. The unit volatile
3.4 Bokaro Basin 81
Table 3.30 Coal seams and Name of seam Thickness Parting

inter seam parting ranges ranges (m) ranges (m)
Jarangdih Top 0.72–2.94 18.0–45.0
Jarangdih 3.05–9.78 2.0–13.0
Jarangdih New 0.72–6.55 9.0–36.0
Jarangdih 6′ 0.48–4.75 5.0–20.0
Jarangdih A 0.12–2.60 25.0–59.0
Sawang A 0.21–1.44 8.0–32.0
Sawang B 0.19–1.21 37.0–86.0
Sawang C 0.32–2.90 22.0–54.0
Upper Kathara 0.25–3.86 31.0–92.0
Kathara 1.22–8.35 10.0–47.0
Uchitdih 0.20–3.00 4.0–29.0
Uchitdih A 0.40–2.44 15.0–87.0
Kargali Combined 22.40–64.67 1.0–38.0
Kargali Bottom 9.27–22.78 20.0–69.0
Bermo 4.29–26.40 19.0–34.0
Local-2 0.33–2.39 13.0–14.0
Local-1 0.17–2.81 2.0–14.0
Karo-XI 0.47–5.84 1.0–35.0
Karo-X/IX 5.05–15.44 15.0–40.0
Karo-IX 0.25–0.58 31.0–45.0
Karo-VIII 10.48–31.79 4.0–16.0
Karo-VII/VI 10.95–22.51
matter of the coal seams varies between 26.80 and 37.54% and unit carbon varies
from 85.2 to 90.02%. Hydrogen content of the coal seams on unit basis varies
between 4.9 and 5.4%.
Petrographic analysis of coal samples revealed moderate percentage of reactive
macerals on mineral matter free basis in the upper seams (vitrinite 52.1–58.2%).
However, higher inertinite content was found for lower seams. Average vitrinite
content (Av. R0) varied between 0.92 and 1.12%, which is well above the threshold
of thermogenic generation of methane. The chemical characteristics and vitrinite
reflectance suggest that the coals in Kathara block are high volatile to medium
volatile bituminous coal.
3.4.3.3 Coal Reserve, Average Gas Content and Gas Resource

in Kathara Block
Based on detailed exploration of the block, coal reserve has been reported by
CMPDI/MECL. Coal core samples were collected from two boreholes to determine
Table 3.31 Coal and gas resource in Kathara Block

Seam Coal resource (Mt) Average gas Gas resource (MCM)
content (m3/t)
Sawang C 4.006 8.23 32.97
Upper Kathara 6.099 8.73 53.24
Kathara 20.199 6.26 126.45
Uchitdih 7.268 9.80 71.23
Uchitdih A 5.611 10.94 61.38
Kargali Top 55.009 11.12 611.70
Kargali Bottom 49.860 11.25 560.93
Kargali Combined 120.163 11.52 1384.28
Bermo 98.094 14.67 1439.04
Karo-XI 31.248 11.63 363.41
Karo-X/IX 85.932 11.48 986.50
Karo-VIII 195.30 9.82 1917.85
Karo-VII/VI 156.24 6.47 1010.87
Total 835.029 8619.84
gas content of coal seams. Gas resource of the block was estimated by multiplying
the coal reserve and average gas content of the coal seam. Seam-wise coal reserve,
average gas content and gas resource are shown in Table 3.31.
It was observed that Kargali and Bermo seams are very important both in terms
of coal quality and gas resources. It was estimated that about 8.62 BCM of coal
mine methane is contained in the coal seams of Kathara Block. A large size CMM
project may therefore be viable at Kathara Block of East Bokaro coalfield.
3.4.3.4 Quality of Gas in Kathara Block
Quality of desorbed gas was similar to Asnapani block with methane concentration
ranging from 91.2 to 94.0%. Carbon dioxide concentration was maximum 6.6% and
ethane in low concentration was also present.
References
Bertard, C., Bruyet, B., & Gunther, J. (1970). Determination of desorbable gas concentration of
coal (direct method). International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 7, 43–65.
CMRS Project Report. (1991). Methane drainage at Kargali Top Seam. Dhanbad: Sawang
Colliery, CMRS.
MECL. (1991). Geological report on exploration for coal in Kalidaspur. Seminary Hills, Nagpur,
India: Raniganj Coalfield, Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited.
Singh, A. K., & Kumar, J. (2016). Fugitive Methane emissions from Indian Coal Mining and
handling activities: estimates, mitigation and opportunities for its utilization to generate clean
Chapter 4
Economic and Environmental Aspects
Abstract This chapter initially reviews the economic aspects in a CBM project.
A hypothetical economic analysis of a CBM project is presented. It is our obser-
vation that these economic figures generally apply to most of the commercial
projects. Further, a brief discussion of the CBM policy of the government,
underlying legal issues and socio-political issues is given. Subsequently, a glimpse
of our own work of CBM produced water is given. To conclude, we present a brief
SWOT chart of CBM in India.
4.1 Economic Aspects
CBM projects are frontloaded capital intensive and extremely time sensitive
activities. After assessment of producibility and reservoir characterization on the
basis of performance study of the existing exploratory and pilot wells, careful
reservoir simulation with numerous variables for production forecasting is required
to be made. Optimum number of wells to be drilled with suitable spacing and
orientation are very important to reach the peak production and maintaining the
plateau production for longer period. For production to reach the economy of scale
high number of wells are required to be drilled in the early years of the project life.
Differed revenue flow is very dangerous for a CBM project. Efficient drilling,
completion (including hydraulic fracturing), dewatering and flowing the wells in
full potential ensure economic safety of a CBM project. Unlike conventional gas
well the production rate of a CBM well is very less and this has to be overcome by
drilling large no of wells to attain the economy of scale as mentioned earlier. To
make a viable coal reservoir to produce for making profit an extremely efficient
project management is a prerequisite.
As per CBM contract, an Operator is free to market produced CBM at the arm’s
length discovered prices in domestic market. However, the Government of India
has formulated the New Domestic Natural Gas Pricing Guidelines, 2014 wherein it
has been stipulated that the gas produced from coal seams will be priced at par with
conventional natural gas.

84 4 Economic and Environmental Aspects
4.1.1 Economic Analysis of a CBM Project
For working out the techno-economics of a Project we have to ultimately work out
a production profile of an area for which we have to fix the geological and reservoir
model with various parameters collected in Phase-1 and 2. Statistical geological and
structural geological models are first to be generated with the depth contour,
thickness contour maps at each seam level and also the fault disposition at each
seam level. The iso-ash, iso-volatile and iso-gas content maps are also to be gen-
erated to understand the variation of these parameters in time and space. The static
geological models thus prepared for all target coal seams of the area, then used as
primary source of data, from which critical reservoir parameters are to be deci-
phered for the reservoir modeling. These mapped parameters along with all other
key parameters such as gas content, Langmuir isotherm, saturation, reservoir
pressure and permeability are used. The data required are seam depth, gas flow and
reservoir characteristics like drainage area, seam thickness and Langmuir parame-
ters. Of course, well parameters like fracture spacing, permeability and matrix
porosity will play an important role in the cost-effectiveness of the project. The
average gas-water production for this well is shown in Fig. 4.1. Note that the initial
erratic nature of water production rate is due to increase in number of wells during
starting years.
For a hypothetical Project Plan for a 100 km2. CBM Block in Damodar Valley,
the project economics is worked on the basis of assumptions on all aspects as
described in the preceding sections. The Project Economics has been worked out
after imposing an operating efficiency of 90%. The Project Economics Indices (IRR
and NPV) are worked out on the basis of estimated capital costs (CAPEX) and
operating expenditure (OPEX) given above. Estimated sales revenue through sale
Fig. 4.1 Average gas and water production rates

4.1 Economic Aspects 85
of gas at GCS fence has been worked out on the basis of gas price prevailing in India
assuming Government will abide by the CBM contract as discussed under policy.
The development cost is the capital expenditure for drilling and completion of
155 wells. The cost has been worked at exchange rates of Rs. 47.00/USD, Rs.
48.50/USD and Rs. 50.00/USD. Well cost has been calculated on the basis of cost
as per present day cost of drilling, completion and fracturing as per procedure and
technology discussed earlier. Capex also includes cost of surface facilities (GCS,
ETP, flow lines, etc.), administrative cost, land acquisition and other costs
(Table 4.1). Capex is escalated at 6% p.a. Separate element-wise cost for surface
facilities, as described under technology selection, is given in Table 4.2.
Opex has been worked out with element wise break-up of expenditure like
electric power and fuel for wells and GCS work over jobs, manpower, project
establishment and overheads. The rate of escalation of OPEX has been considered
at 8% p.a. The summary of the Opex estimation is given in Table 4.3. Gas price is
Table 4.1 Estimated cost of surface facilities, LAQ, administrative costs and project supervision.
All costs in Rs. Crore
S. No. Creating surface facilities Cost (Rs. Crore)
1
(a) Flow Lines (gas and water) 25.78
(b) Plant and Machinery (GCS and ETP) Including Land for GCS 30.56
(c) Dehydrator, Med. Compressor and Associated Units 26.66
(d) Project Management Consultancy, detailed Engineering and Others 12.00
Total 95.00
2 Administration, Land Acquisition and Project Supervision 110.50
Grand total 205.50
Table 4.2 Shows our estimations for capital investments required for a typical (hypothetical)
CBM project
Year Wells Other costs Total
Patch Total well GCS, water Administrative CAPEX Escalated cost
A cost handling cost at 6%
1 9 1 1 1.00
2 25 137.5 18.0 18.75 174.25 184.71
3 41 225.5 20.0 30.75 276.25 310.39
4 39 214.5 20.0 29.25 263.75 314.13
5 15 82.5 19.0 11.25 112.75 142.34
6 8 44.0 18.0 6.00 68.00 91.00
7 9 49.5 6.75 56.25 79.79
8 9 49.5 6.75 56.25 84.58
Total 155 803.0 95.0 110.5 1008.5 1207.94
86
Table 4.3 Estimated financial details (O&M) for the hypothetical CBM project
Year No. of Power Work over Office Field Project Total Fuel Opex Overheads Total Total Opex Cum.
wells costs for jobs (incl. manpower manpower supervision and O&M charges (Rs. at 5% Opex with 8% Opex
wells (Rs. manpower) (Rs. Lakh) (Rs. Lakh) establishment charges for GCS Crore) (Rs. escalation (Rs.
Lakh) (Rs. Lakh) (Rs. Lakh) (Rs. (Rs. Lakh) Crore) (Rs. Crore) Crore)
Lakh)
1 9 25.27 1.17 4.94 14.90 8.87 4.26 3.44 0.63 0.03 0.66 0.66 0.66
2 33 92.08 4.27 18.00 54.30 32.30 15.51 12.53 2.29 0.11 2.40 2.60 3.26
3 75 226.03 10.49 44.18 133.29 79.28 38.08 30.76 5.62 0.28 5.90 6.37 9.63
4 114 371.04 17.22 72.53 218.80 130.15 62.52 50.49 9.23 0.46 9.69 10.46 20.10
5 129 453.45 21.05 88.64 267.40 159.06 76.40 61.71 11.28 0.56 11.84 12.79 32.88
6 137 520.10 24.14 101.67 306.70 182.44 87.63 70.78 12.93 0.65 13.58 14.67 47.55
7 146 598.61 27.79 117.02 353.00 209.98 100.86 81.46 14.89 0.74 15.63 16.88 64.43
8 155 686.35 31.86 134.17 404.74 240.76 115.64 93.40 17.07 0.85 17.92 19.36 83.79
9 155 741.26 34.41 144.90 437.11 260.02 124.89 100.87 18.43 0.92 19.36 20.90 104.69
10 155 800.56 37.16 156.49 472.08 280.82 134.88 108.94 19.91 1.00 20.90 22.58 127.27
11 155 864.61 40.14 169.01 509.85 303.29 145.67 117.65 21.50 1.08 22.58 24.38 151.66
12 155 933.77 43.35 182.53 550.64 327.55 157.33 127.07 23.22 1.16 24.38 26.33 177.99
4
13 155 1008.48 46.81 197.14 594.69 353.75 169.91 137.23 25.08 1.25 26.33 28.44 206.43
14 155 1089.15 50.56 212.91 642.26 382.05 183.51 148.21 27.09 1.35 28.44 30.72 237.15
15 155 1176.29 54.60 229.94 693.65 412.62 198.19 160.07 29.25 1.46 30.72 33.17 270.32
16 155 1270.39 58.97 248.34 749.14 445.63 214.04 172.87 31.59 1.58 33.17 35.83 306.15
17 155 1372.02 63.69 268.20 809.07 481.28 231.16 186.70 34.12 1.71 35.83 38.69 344.84
18 155 1481.78 68.78 289.66 873.79 519.78 249.66 201.64 36.85 1.84 38.69 41.79 386.63
19 155 1600.33 74.29 312.83 943.70 561.36 269.63 217.77 39.80 1.99 41.79 45.13 431.76
20 155 1728.35 80.23 337.86 1019.19 606.27 291.20 235.19 42.98 2.15 45.13 48.74 480.50
17,039.94 791.00 3330.98 10,048.30 5977.25 2870.96 2318.78 423.77 21.19 444.96 480.50
Economic and Environmental Aspects
4.1 Economic Aspects 87
taken as at US$ 5.1/MMBTU. Moreover, it is learnt that in the nearby Raniganj

area, a CBM producing company is marketing CBM at US$ 6.79/MMBTU. it has
been envisaged that the maximum gas price in the area on the producer end may be
as high as US$5.86/MMBTU. With exchange rate of INR 50 it works out at INR
293/MMBTU. Hence, techno-economics has been carried out with gas prices of US
$6.0/MMBTU, US$5.21/MMBTU and also at the lower end at US$4.50/MMBTU
with escalation of 5% after every 2 years in the gas price at different exchange rates
(INR 47.00, 48.50 and 50.00 per US$).
Sale price of gas includes Royalty at 10% payable to the State Government. No
Production Level Payment (PLP) will be payable, as the production envisaged is
below 1 MMSCMD. VAT/Sales Tax on the sale price is not included, as it will be
borne by the customer. The project economic indicators net profit-loss and net cash
flow under different gas prices and exchange rates are given in Fig. 4.2.
4.2 Regulatory Issues
In the absence of any CBM specific regulation, blanket application of existing Oil
Mine Regulations is acting as a barrier for development of CBM projects in India.
Though same types of drilling and production equipment are required in both
conventional oil and CBM exploration and exploitation but drilling and production
mechanism has certain distinct differences and hence it would require separate set
of safety and environmental regulations. The abnormal delay in environmental
clearance (mainly on the part of state Govt. for holding Public Hearing) for the
CBM activities is the other factor in regulatory environment which is delaying fast
CBM development in India. Recent new environmental impact assessment
(EIA) notification may further delay whole process of environmental clearance.
4.2.1 CBM Policy of the Government of India
The Government of India approved the CBM policy on 19th July 1997 (DGH
2017). The salient features of the fiscal and contractual terms of the CBM Policy
included global competitive bidding, fiscal stability provision in the contract,
Freedom to market gas in domestic market, Ad-valorem biddable Production Level
Payment (PLP), payable to the Central government, no customs duty on imports
required for CBM operations and tax holiday for seven years from the date of
commencement of commercial production.
It is pertinent to mention that CBM policy of the GoI covers only the areas of
different coalfields which are coal mining free i.e., it is the virgin CBM (VCBM)
recovery only. The other methods of CBM recovery viz. CMM, AMM and VAM
probably being the exclusive area of mining industry were not covered under CBM
Policy. Moreover, sequential operations of VCBM and mining as an integrated
model of CBM and coal exploitation had not been envisaged in the Policy. Though
the CBM Policy was formulated with the understanding of MoC and MoPNG that
only “Yes Areas” i.e. the areas where mining is not envisaged up to 2035 would be
opened up for CBM exploration and exploitation but within five years of com-
pletion of CBM round-I, to meet the increase demand of coal, MoC started allo-
cating coal blocks to Private and some PSUs for captive mining, overlapping the
previously allocated CBM blocks. In this process, ONGC and its Consortium
partner Coal India was worst affected. No solution to this problem is yet to be
found.
The CBM Operator has to complete the Minimum Work Programme (MWP) as
committed by it in the bid. There are some provisions for extension due to valid
reasons. Such MWP commitment is applicable in Phase-I and II. At the end of
Phase-II, the Operator has to submit its Development Plan and plan for processing,
marketing and infrastructure development. On approval of the Development Plan
by the GoI, the Operator has to take up the work for execution of the approved
Development Plan after obtaining necessary Petroleum Mining Lease (PML), forest
clearance, environment clearance and other relevant statutory clearances.
4.2.2 Legal Issues
There are certain legal issues which have cropped up during the operations of CBM
in different Blocks in India. As per CBM contract the total time period for which a
CBM block is awarded by the Government is for 35 years with the following
phases:
• Phase-I (The Exploration Phase). The Exploration Phase is for a maximum
period of 2 contract years from the date of contract. The operator has the option
to terminate the Contract or exit or proceed to Phase-II at the end of Exploration
Phase (Phase-I).
• Phase-II (The Pilot Assessment, Market Survey and Commitment Phase). The
Pilot Assessment, Market Survey and Commitment Phase is for a maximum
period of three 3 consecutive contract years after the expiry of Exploration. The
Company has the option to terminate the Contract or exit or to proceed to the
Development Phase at the end of Phase-II.
• Phases-III and IV (Development and Production Phases). The development and
production period cannot exceed a period of thirty consecutive contract years.
The Development Phase (Phase-III) cannot exceed a period of five 5 consecutive
contract years, whereas, Production Phase (Phase-IV) would be for a period of
twenty five consecutive contract years.
A CBM Operator has the option to withdraw at the end of Phase-I or Phase-II
and also has the option of part relinquishment at the end of Phase-II. But in several
cases even before completion of Phase-I and II, allocation of coal block by the
4.2 Regulatory Issues 89
Fig. 4.2 Profit/loss and net-cash flow for hypothetical CBM project
Ministry of Coal, Government if India overlapping the CBM Block had taken place,
which appears to be in contravention to the provision of the CBM Contract.
4.2.3 Land Acquisition
There exists land which is recorded as ‘Gair Majurwa’ or GM land (Government

Land) but cannot be physically acquired due to illegal encroachment by local
villagers. Moreover, there are situations where the land records show it as forest
land whereas there is no forest but agricultural land and even after getting the forest
clearance the land cannot be acquired. As per law, tribal land cannot be acquired
under normal procedure. Following stipulated procedure to acquire such land is
prohibitively time consuming. As per provision of the CBM contract, the
Government should extend all assistance to the Operator but in actual situation no
backing can be made.
4.2.4 Socio-political Issues
Among the socio-political factors the activities of the different insurgent groups
often put spanner on CBM operations causing insecurity in the working personnel.
Poor socio-economic conditions also pose challenges for undertaking any activity
as the local societies often put forward unrealistic demands like providing perma-
nent employment, building of permanent roads etc. In many instances, local people
resorted to manhandling, road blockades, protests etc. Generally lukewarm
responses from police and civil authorities to resolve such issues are experienced by
the operators. Though there are provisions in the CBM contract that an operator can
seek help of Government for conducting smooth operations, but in such cases no
solutions could be found by the industry.
It may not be out of place to mention that three important CBM blocks are situated
in Jharkhand province. The political instability in Jharkhand continues since for-
mation of the state on 15th November 2000. There was so much of instability in the
Government that very frequent changes in top level of district administration and
police used to take place. As a result, the committed process supposed to be followed
by predecessor was mostly not followed by the new incumbent till the matter was
discussed again and agreed. This course used to be repeated even for small issues. On
the other hand in West Bengal, wherein three CBM blocks are located, unwarranted
interference from local political parties was experienced by the operators.
4.3 Environmental Aspects
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) studies for a CBM project in each phase of
activities of CBM has to be carried out by an operator for obtaining environmental
clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change,
Government of India. The assessment involves monitoring of (i) Air quality
(ii) sound (iii) water (iii) safe disposal of solid and liquid waste (iv) seasonal change
in nearby water bodies, river, flora and fauna etc.
No hazardous wastes are produced in general during drilling and later during
execution of a project. The earth cuttings generated at drill site are mostly inorganic
in nature and are used either for land filling or road making. These solids could be
collected and transported to the identified sites. Impacts on the air environment is
likely to be temporary due to very short period and time bound nature of
exploratory drilling work. A number of sources in onshore oil and gas drilling
which may have potential impacts on air quality are:
– Emissions from DG sets used during drilling of well;
– Flaring of gases primarily during the testing phase which may contribute to
additional emissions;
– Emissions from vehicular movement.
4.3 Environmental Aspects 91
For the purpose of impact on air environment emission, sources can be classified
into point and area sources. There are no area sources considered for the purpose of
predictions. The point sources identified are diesel generator sets, Rig Engine and
Mud Pump Engine at drilling sites. Emissions are likely to consist of mainly NOx,
CO2, traces of SO2 and suspended particles. It has been reported that the concen-
trations of SO2, NOx and Non-methane Hydrocarbon are below the stipulated
standards of CPCB for the designated landuse in the CBM blocks being developed
by the four operators. Volatile chemicals and fuel are stored at the site. Fugitive
emissions may emanate from these, if not properly handled with due care.
However, such emissions will not disperse widely and can only affect workers’
health at site. Emission from Vehicles will principally arise during transportation of
construction materials and drilling rig equipment. Vehicles used at site should be
pollution under control (PUC) certified to reduce the effect to some extent.
The impact of noise generated by the drilling on the general population is
expected to be insignificant. Ground water can be affected by the drilling activ-
ities. The compaction of the working areas for setting up heavy machineries and
equipment’s like the rig may lead to increased runoff and reduced infiltration,
thereby affecting subsurface groundwater recharge at local level. However, the
drilling operation being a temporary activity will not become a cause of perma-
nent loss to ground water recharging. Hence, the effect on the groundwater regime
will not affect water availability of the area by drilling operation. The CBM
produced waters may be considered for beneficial use or discharge in with a little
treatment. Produced water is found predominantly sodium-bicarbonate type and
sodium is the major cation. All the trace elements are generally below permissible
limit, except iron. Sodium absorption ratio (SAR) values are high. High SAR
values can be reduced by partial removal of sodium by proper treatment of this
produced water. An effective and cost-efficient way to remove sodium from
natural gas co-produced water like Coalbed Methane (CBM) produced water is
required for safe discharge and potential use for irrigation. The treated water can
be blended with untreated water to whatever level of SAR is desired for discharge
or irrigation.
Many studies have been performed globally with regard to understanding
CBMW chemistry. McBeth et al. (2003a) concluded that no consistent trends could
be drawn out with respect to trace element concentrations in CBMW in the Powder
River Basin. McBeth et al. (2003b) established that conductivity and total dissolved
solids (TDS) in CBMW increased moving from the Cheyenne River (CHR) to the
Little Powder River (LPR) watersheds. Rice (2003) estimated that the sodium and
chloride ion concentrations for some CBMW samples from Central Utah were very
high. This led to the TDS being consistently higher than 6000 mg/L, and sometimes
even higher. Ganjegunte et al. (2005) studied the impacts on soil chemistry after
being irrigated with CBMW and found significant buildup on sodium. It has also
been observed that CBMW has considerable impact on soil chemistry in Powder
River Basin (Stearns et al. 2005). However, as Sintim et al. (2017) point out,
dilution of CBMW with good-quality water can be used for irrigation purposes. It is
noteworthy that the CBMW chemistry across regions can be highly variant. It has
been suggested by Benko and Drewes (2008) that the TDS in samples from western
United States varies from 1000 to 400,000 mg/L. In the Rocky Mountain region
also, similar variations in TDS (from 150 to *40,000 mg/L) are noticed (Dahm
et al. 2011). This creates a rationale for studies, in which CBMW chemistry from
the three major coalfields can be described. Pashin et al. (2014) correlated high NH3
concentrations in samples to high brine concentrations and suggested that both are
derived from silicate minerals.
Off late, several prospects have been raised regarding treatment/dilution of
produced water to fulfil domestic water needs in areas adjoining coalfields Mondal
and Wickramasinghe (2008) studied the feasibility of nanofiltration and reverse
osmosis on produced water. Their results suggest that the recovery as well as the
quality of the permeate is largely dependent on the produced water quality. For
instance, the recovery of a sample with TDS of 722 mg/L was 13–84%, while it
was only 6–31% for a sample with TDS of 2090 mg/L. Duong et al. (2015)
attempted to treat CBMW with combination of RO/ultra-violet and spiral-wound air
gap membrane distillation (AGMD) techniques. They suggested that an overall
water recovery in excess of 90% could be possible using this method. Other novel
treatment methods adopted for produced water include microbial capacitive
desalination cell (Stoll et al. 2015), multi-effect distillation (Nghiem et al. 2015),
direct contact membrane distillation (Cho et al. 2016) and hollow fibre membrane
(Zhao et al. 2017).
The environmental impacts due to drilling and operation of gas wells in CBM
Blocks in India will not cause any adverse impacts on flora and fauna as the
vegetation identified in is in the form of sparse vegetation cover for grass, herb,
shrub and trees and fauna are the insects, animals and birds. Certain welfare
measures should be implemented for the benefit of local population. Employment
opportunities should also be considered for local population. Exclusive develop-
ment programme under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme should be
taken in the area of project to generate the employment for the people of the area.
4.3.1 Produced Water Characteristics for Indian Coalfields
With financial support from IPSHEM, ONGC, we carried out water quality analysis
for CBM water in Jharia coalfield. The water quality characteristics are shown in
Table 4.4.
The results show that all twenty two water samples, collected from eleven CBM
producing wells of ONGC have pH values ranging between 7 and 9, which is
neutral to alkaline barring the water sample collected from one well for which pH
value is 6. It may be observed from the above tables that majority of the samples
exhibited pH values between 6.5 and 8.5 which meets the recommended guidelines
of IS: 2296. pH values of very few samples are out of this range. This does not
Table 4.4 Range, average and standard deviation of parameters from CBM produced water at
Jharia coalfield (Singh et al. 2015)
Min Max Average Standard deviation
pH 6 8.58 7.735 0.614176
EC 700 3990 2678.938 924.6561
Turbidity 10.3 50.5 26.41875 11.6991
TDS 550 2280 1317.688 506.0737
TH 68 252 130.4375 61.59035
DO 0.4 1.5 0.88875 0.259034
BOD 0.32 1.7 0.921875 0.378124
Alkalinity 403 2765 1901.125 681.2224
Chloride (as Cl−) 56.5 344 154.7125 79.55255
Fluoride (as F−) 0.3 0.8 0.5875 0.131696
Sodium (as Na+) 326 2273 1275.813 566.91
Calcium(as Ca2+) 12.9 68.3 30.76875 18.77884
Magnesium (as Mg2+) 5.76 98.36 29.52813 22.22342
Sulphate (as SO4 2 ) 4.6 12.5 8.3625 2.54113
Nitrate (as NO3 ) 0.78 2.65 1.809375 0.485714
Bicarbonate (HCO3 ) 1622 3021 2157.063 336.0646
B 0.028 0.233 0.088875 0.058824
Al 0.012 0.182 0.06325 0.04934
Cr 0.011 0.047 0.02075 0.008511
Mn 0.019 0.177 0.071063 0.05266
Fe 0.097 2.715 1.117375 0.737845
Ni 0.002 0.019 0.008188 0.00567
Cu 0.005 0.056 0.017 0.015322
*Zn (ng/g) 0.02 28.234 4.878625 9.722687
*As (ng/g) 0.128 2.541 0.473313 0.570931
Mo 0.001 0.01 0.003462 0.002308
*Cd (ng/g) 0.061 0.512 0.14575 0.128992
Ba 0.01 0.07 0.035688 0.023808
*Pb (ng/g) 0.647 17.742 3.500063 4.181997
All concentrations in mg/l (ppm) concentration* of Zn, As, Cd and Pb which are in ng/g (ppb)
Turbidity: NTU
EC: µs/cm
pH: no unit
require separate treatment but will be taken care of during the general treatment,
which will be required for further treatment. The odour, colour and taste are under
the acceptable standards in all the water samples.
The turbidity of the water is very high in all the samples ranging between 10.3
and 50.5 NTU against the standard value of 1–5 NTU. These higher values may be
attributed to presence of high suspended solids and may be reduced automatically
on settlement. The values of total dissolved solids (TDS) fall within the standard
limit of 2000 mg/l in all the samples a couple of wells where it varies between 2036
and 3549 mg/l. TH: The total Hardness as CaCO3 ranged from 68 to 600 mg/l in
the study area which did not exceed the permissible limit of the IS: 10500 and IS:
2296 standards indicating that the CBM wells waters are generally soft. DO
(Dissolved Oxygen) and BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand): The DO values varied
between 0.40 and 2.10 mg/l with corresponding BOD values of 0.32 and 1.78 mg/l.
These values did not exceed the permissible limit of the IS: 2296 standard.
The total alkalinity as CaCO3 mg/l present in the samples tested were recorded
between 1216 and 2765 mg/l, in all the CBM wells of Jharia Coalfield except two
wells where it is 403 and 618 mg/l respectively which are very close to the per-
missible limit of 600 mg/l. Calcium and Magnesium: The limits of the Calcium and
Magnesium are 200 and 100 mg/l respectively as per IS: 10500 (for drinking
water). All the water sampling locations showed values below these.
Sodium and Bicarbonate: Sodium and bicarbonate are not the specified
parameters of water directly but do have impact on the irrigation water quality.
Therefore, the concentration of these ions in the samples cannot be ignored owing
to their effects on TDS and ionic ratio.
The physico-chemical parameters of twenty two water samples of eleven CBM
producing wells of ONGC and presented in different tables above, illustrate that the
physical and chemical characteristics of Jharia. CBM produced waters are similar.
Except a few, most of the parameters are under the permissible limits as specified in
IS: 10500 and IS: 2296 adopted by CPCB for drinking water and surface water
categories respectively. It is also observed from the data presented in different tables
above that the CBM produced waters may be considered for beneficial use or
discharge in Jharia, Bokaro and North Karanpura coalfields with a bit of treatment.
In these coalfields, water is predominantly sodium-bicarbonate type and sodium
is the major cation. All of the trace elements are below permissible limit, except
iron. Due to depleted calcium and magnesium and high sodium, sodium absorption
ratio (SAR) values are high. However, high SAR values can be reduced by partial
removal of sodium by proper treatment of this produced water. The high salt
content, expressed as the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), makes the water detri-
mental to plants, fish, and the environment in general. Current acts and laws pro-
hibit discharge of this type of water, which limits natural gas production. An
effective and cost-efficient way to remove sodium from natural gas co-produced
water like Coalbed Methane (CBM) produced water is required for safe discharge
and potential use for irrigation.
In all cases, water generated by production wells will be collected in the water
gathering system and taken directly to the ponds. In the summer months, the high
surface area of the ponds, coupled with hot, dry air and wind, will generate high
levels of evaporation. To further encourage evaporation, sprinkler systems set
within the ponds raise a mist of fine water droplets. This increases surface area and
Table 4.5 Water quality parameters after treatment with pureflow NF unit (Singh 2017)
Parameters Untreated Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 3
pH 7.7 7.8 7.53 7.49
Salinity(ppt) 2.4 0.23 0.1 0.09
TDS (ppm) 4102 239 104 93
Sodium (mg/l) 1700 135 55 45
Table 4.6 SWOT chart for CBM in India

Strengths Weaknesses
• India’s CBM resources are estimated as • CBM Projects are generally front loaded
2.6 TCM. These resources are only for capital intensive and deferred revenue
virgin areas i.e., mine free areas only earning venture
• A rough estimate indicate that including • Rate of production per well is low,
mining and adjoining areas it may be of the generally of the order of few thousands,
order of 4 TCM consequently large number of wells are
• India has already opened up the mine free required to attain the economy of scale and
areas in different coal basins for exploration hence extremely time sensitive
and exploitation of VCBM and already a • Land use in CBM projects is very high as
Policy is in place large number of wells is required, as
• The fiscal terms of the CBM Policy is mentioned above. This problem is very
considered to be favourable to the CBM crucial in Indian context and it is felt that
operators only advance high tech wells (horizontal,
• As per the policy and on-going contract deviated directional and SIS) which use
provision an operator can sell CBM at arm’s minimum no. of land pieces in an area to
length discovered price access the subsurface coal seams may be
• The CBM production potential in the required
coalfields of eastern India, where several • Problems and potential conflict of overlay
operators have started production, is the land use on the surface
most gas starved area in the country and gas • Lack of infrastructure, local problems
price and demand both can be termed as (including insurgency in places), extreme
lucrative difficulties in acquiring land, lukewarm
• Due to multiple thick seam occurrences responses from local civil and police
within depth range, as shallow as 200 m to authorities are some of the socio cultural
reasonable depth of 1200 m, resource problems in the areas
concentration is very attractive in • The potential prospective areas restricted
prospective coal basins only in two river valleys viz. Damodar and
• VCBM, CMM and AMM combined Son. It is unlikely any other area with
potential appears to even brighter significant resource base will emerge
• Technology is evolving and in near future
seems to mature to exploit different Plays in
a variety of manner
Opportunities Threats
• Prospective blocks are located in areas where • Overlapping issues with coal mining and
huge gas demand exists other surface activities
• Gas price in these areas is expected to be • Unavailability of sufficient land for the
higher than other parts of the country activities
• Around the areas good R&D institutes are • Due to lack of reservoir understanding
located for providing back up in specific and lack of entrepreneurship to adopt
problem areas suitable technology for Indian basins
taking risk may deter the investors
significantly improves the rate of evaporation. Mist water that does not evaporate
falls back into the ponds.
During the hot, dry summer months, if not countered, amount of dust generated
by vehicles using the access tracks around the lease is likely to be considerable. In
order to suppress dust generation, water from the ponds will be sprinkled at regular
intervals along tracks. If the water is found to be below Government of India’s
limits for disposal into rivers, it may be disposed off into the natural drainage
systems.
Nanofiltration is also found to reduce TDS levels at reasonably lower levels of
energy consumption, as compared to energy consumption (as shown in Table 4.5)
with number of passes.
4.4 Conclusions
The CBM Industry in India has shown much increase in the last five years and is
expected to further grow in the next five. Commercial gas production is already
underway by several companies, and researchers have also chipped in with their
valuable inputs. Recent research in India has focussed on conventional CBM, as
well as enhanced CBM, wherein CO2/N2 is injected underground to increase gas
recovery. Prusty (2008) has however pointed out the preferential adsorption of CO2
on the coal matrix may not be true for all the coals. Dutta et al. (2011) have
established that adsorption tends to increase with increase in coal rank and vitrinite
matter. Prusty et al. (2009) studied the ventilation air methane (VAM) prospects in
two mines and estimated recovery of 6000 t-CH4 annually, leading to yearly rev-
enue generation of US$ 1.1 million. Singh and Kumar (2016) have evaluated coal
mine methane (CMM) opportunities in Jharia, Bokaro and Raniganj coalfields, and
concluded that Asnapani and Ichhapur coal blocks show maximum CMM resource
potential. Nevertheless, there are aspects in a CBM project which are technical, as
well as non-technical that have been addressed in the textbook. The approach here
has been to not divorce these two types of aspects, rather understand the roles in an
holistic manner. Thus, we have covered from the beginning the various
cross-cutting issues which can influence the growth of the CBM industry in India.
Thus, this has not been a traditional review. Rather, we have tried to summarize in
our understanding the major issues relevant to the subject. We conclude by giving
the SWOT chart as Table 4.6 and hope that these summarized points are taken care
of while carrying out further research or policy making in this context.
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Coalbed Methane in India Opportunities, Issues and Challenges For Recovery and Utilization

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SPRINGER BRIEFS IN ENERGY

Ajay Kumar Singh

Coalbed Methane in India

ISSN 2191-5520 ISSN 2191-5539 (electronic)

© The Author(s) 2018

Printed on acid-free paper

This Springer imprint is published by Springer Nature

A pioneering climate scientist, Leader of the

Bangalore, India C. N. R. Rao

Subsequently, in Chap. 2, we have made a preliminary understanding of the

Dhanbad, India Ajay Kumar Singh

1 Coalbed Methane in India: Its Relevance and Current Status ..... 1

3.3 Jharia Coalﬁeld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Fig. 1.1 The process of peatiﬁcation, which occurs on the surface is

Fig. 3.8 Workings in Mohuda Top Seam at Bhatdih and Murulidih

Table 1.1 Underground working mines having different degree of gassy

Table 3.13 Gas content of coal core samples retrieved from an

© The Author(s) 2018 1

1.1.1 Coaliﬁcation Vis-à-Vis Generation, Storage

1.2 Occurrence of Coal in India

Fig. 1.4 Coal and lignite distribution in India

sub-bituminous coal deposited are generally found in the sedimentary cover in

1.2.1 Coal Mining in India

1.2.1.1 Gassiness of Coal Seams in India

Gassiness of coal seam is characterized by the quantity of emission of methane

1.2.1.2 Estimates of Methane Emitted from Coal Mining

Table 1.2 Disasters in Indian coal mines

Table 1.2 (continued)

Fig. 1.6 Statistics of causes Fall of Roof

1.3 Current Status of CBM in India

1.3.1 Exploration and Exploitation of Coal-Mine Methane

Due to non-inclusion CBM as a mineral under mining statute of India, CBM

1.3.2 Current Development of VCBM Recovery in India

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India in consultation

Table 1.3 CBM blocks awarded so far in India

Table 1.3 (continued)

Table 1.3 (continued)

role for establishing this non-conventional gas as a viable supplementary source of

A few coalﬁelds have signiﬁcant potential for CBM in India, especially in

© The Author(s) 2018 21

2.2 Geological Feasibility of CBM in India

Gondwana sedimentation is divided into Lower Gondwana and Upper

2.2.1 Coal Deposit in Gondwana Formations

Table 2.1 Occurrence of Gondwana coal deposits of India

Karharbari formation recorded the ﬁrst appearance of coal seams in Lower

2.2.2 Stratigraphy of Gondwana Sediments

2.2.2.1 Upper Gondwana Formation

Upper Gondwana rocks referred as Panchet and Supra Panchet/Mahadeva forma-

2.2.2.2 Lower Gondwana Formation

2.2.2.3 Gas Storage in Coal Beds

(i) Generation volume of methane in coal is calculated using Meissner’s empirical

Coalﬁeld Area Depth Thickness Generation Saturation Permeability Remarks

2.3 India’s Journey So Far and Government Policy

2.3.1 Present Status

2.3.1.1 The Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)

district, Uttar Pradesh. However, gas pricing still remained unresolved. It is

2.3.1.2 The Great Eastern Energy Corporation Limited (GEECL)

2.3.1.3 Essar Oil Limited (EOL)

2.3.1.4 Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC)

Acharya, S. (2001). Cretaceous—Eocene volcanism along eastern coast, India—Its implications.

© The Author(s) 2018 37

3.2 Raniganj Coalﬁeld

3.2.1 Kalidaspur Colliery

Kalidaspur, which is situated on the southern bank of Damodar River in the

3.2.1.1 Gas Survey in the Mine

3.2.1.2 Gas Content, Sorption Time and Proximate Analysis