Gazprom proposes creation of single operator for degasation of Kuzbass coal deposits

KEMEROVO. April 12 (Interfax) - Gazprom Dobycha Kuznetsk LLC has proposed that Kuzbass coal companies create a single operator for degassing of coal deposits, the government of the Kemerovo Region said in a statement after a joint meeting.

"The company has the necessary resources to produce liquefied gas from mine methane, which can be used for the needs of the housing and utilities sector and as fuel for transport. Coal miners can now study this project and give their proposals with respect to its practical application. In the long term, cooperation between coal companies and Gazprom Dobycha Kuznetsk will make it possible to solve the strategic task of preliminary degassing of coal seams and improve the safety of miners' work," the statement said.

According to the authorities, the Kuznetsk coal basin contains more than 13 trillion cubic meters of methane, which can be used to generate electricity, heat, and produce fuel for transportation.

Currently, JSC SUEK-Kuzbass is engaged in processing of methane in the region. Since 2009, the company has processed 74 million cubic meters of coal bed methane, producing 95 million kWh of electricity.

Raspadskaya Coal Company is implementing its own project to reduce the methane content of coal seams for its mines in the Kemerovo Region, and Kuzbassrazrezugol Management Company is implementing a project to use liquefied methane as fuel for dump trucks.

Gazprom dobycha Kuznetsk, according to the company's website, holds a license to prospect, explore and produce coal bed methane as well as other hydrocarbons within the South Kuzbass group of coal fields. The company's main products are coalbed methane, compressed methane, and electric power.