Removing methane from the mining process
Coal mine methane (CMM) refers to the methane released from coal and surrounding rock during mining activities. Methane in mines poses a safety risk due to its explosiveness when mixed with air, and, as we are all too aware, methane is a greenhouse gas (GHG) that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide, on a mass basis over a 100-year time period, and is a huge contributor to global warming and climate change.
It is therefore no surprise that removing the environmental risks associated with methane is topping the agenda for nations around world as we move toward achieving net zero ambitions. While safety and environmental risks are major drivers for ensuring that CMM is dealt with correctly, it is worth noting that CMM emissions also represent a potential source of energy that is wasted when not captured.
Methane associated with mining
Firstly, let’s consider the role of methane in different mining activities. CMM is common in different types of mines including:
- Active underground mines release methane through degasification systems and ventilation systems. Underground mines currently account for majority of methane emissions from coal mining globally.
- Active surface mines, though they emit less methane than underground mines, they still play an active role in methane emissions during mining.
- Abandoned or closed mines risk emitting methane from diffuse vents, pipes, boreholes and fissures in the ground. Older mines are at higher risk of emitting methane due to not being maintained properly.
In a study, McKinsey states that: “Coal mining produces an estimated 10 to 15 percent of anthropogenic methane. According to our analysis, the sector has the potential to achieve a 2 percent reduction in its methane emissions by 2030 and a 13 percent reduction by 2050. The vast majority of coal-mine-methane (CMM) emissions emanate from either working or abandoned deep mines. There is a significant challenge in measuring and recovering these emissions.”
Benefits of capturing CMM
Methane does not only pose a huge risk to safety, but the environment. In 2020, methane accounted for about 11% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Energy and industry, including natural gas and petroleum systems, was the second largest source of methane emissions that year.
CMM emissions represent a potential source of energy and the recovery and use of CMM emissions has benefits for local community as well as the global environment.
Before CMM can be used, it must be captured and brought to the surface but once captured it can be used for power generation, as a district heat source or boiler fuel, manufacturing feedstock for other industries and the production of grey hydrogen, to name but a few.
Utilising existing technology to capture methane
A wide variety of technologies and measures are available to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations – but these technologies have applications in other sectors, such as mining.
Despite practical hurdles, technical abatement solutions are available now, and many industries rely on existing technologies that can support companies as they progress toward their net-zero targets. Enteq Technologies is already providing low-cost proven solutions for capturing – or abating – methane in mining applications.
The introduction of our Steer-At-Bit Enteq Rotary (SABER) Tool has represented a radical evolution in RSS design, capable of precise control with greater uptime and reliability thanks to a more mechanically simple design, which achieves steering force via internally directed pressure differentials.
SABER is currently aimed at use for its more obvious applications in the oil and gas industry, but it has also performed initial testing for its use for methane abatement.
SABER offers:
- A cost-effective solution for methane abatement before mining
- Greater reliability through simple and enhanced design
- Improved safety for people, planet and the environment
Methane abatement in the mining sector is becoming more and more important. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched its Coalbed Methane Outreach Program (CMOP) which aims to reduce methane emissions from coal mining activities, and the Global Methane Initiative, of which Enteq is a member, also places strategic importance on reductions of methane emissions in mining too.
As a global industry, mining still has a role to play in many energy ecosystems around the world. It’s key that we make this industry as environmentally sound as we possibly can and to do that, we need to have open and honest discussions about making meaningful impacts.
While demand and consumption will always be a concern, at Enteq our goal is to create meaningful change and support improvements in these industries through utilising technology to do good.
Talk to Enteq about how we can support your operations in mining today.
