What is the difference between coalbed methane and coal mine methane?
Coalbed methane refers to methane that is found in coal seams. It is formed during the process of coalification, the transformation of plant material into coal. Coalbed methane is also known as “CBM,” or virgin coal seam methane or coal seam gas. It is widely considered an “unconventional” source of natural gas. In the U.S., coalbed methane is a valuable resource that accounts for about 10% of total U.S. natural gas production annually. More information on CBM production in the U.S. ยป Coal mine methane (CMM) refers to methane released from the coal and surrounding rock strata due to mining activities. In underground mines, it can create an explosive hazard to coal miners, so it is removed through ventilation systems. In abandoned mines and surface mines, methane might also escape to the atmosphere through natural fissures or other diffuse sources. Like CBM, coal mine methane is a subset of the methane found in coal seams, but it refers specifically to the methane found within mining ar
