Latest Technology Transfer Could Reduce Chinese Coal Mining Deaths
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Latest Technology Transfer Aims to Reduce Coal Mining Deaths in China
Summary
In China, over 15 coal miners tragically lose their lives each day, primarily due to gas explosions when new tunnels are opened. A groundbreaking drilling technology from Australia could potentially reduce these fatalities and help curb air pollution by capturing methane before it escapes into the atmosphere.Article
China is urgently seeking solutions to address the high fatality rate in its coal mines. This was evident at the recent Pre-Mining Degasification Symposium held in Guizhou province from March 31st to April 1st. Sponsored by the province's Coal Mines Administration Bureau and the Coal Mine Safety Inspection and Supervision Bureau, the symposium brought together coal industry leaders from China's second-largest coal-producing region. Over 80 representatives from 40 coal mines gathered in Guiyang, a city of over three million people, to explore how foreign technologies could improve mine safety and reduce air pollution.As coal is formed from organic matter over centuries, methane?"also known as CH4?"is produced and stored in coal seams. This gas is released during mining operations, with over 90% of methane emissions stemming from underground mining. Greater depths increase safety risks, making degasification crucial for miner safety.
Tragically, volatile gases in China's coal mines contribute to over 15 daily fatalities, accounting for about 80% of global coal mining deaths. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, a trained mining engineer, has called for improved conditions for miners. Critics highlight a lack of investment in safety equipment, suggesting it's cheaper for companies to pay modest death benefits than to invest in safety improvements. Reports indicate some Chinese coal miners earn as little as $60 per month.
China is also focused on reducing air emissions. In 2000, the global coal mining industry released over 436 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, contributing to about 8% of total industrial methane emissions. China, along with Russia, Poland, and the United States, accounted for more than 77% of these emissions. Without intervention, China's share of worldwide emissions could rise to 45% by 2020. Capturing methane for energy instead of venting it could significantly reduce these emissions.
At the Guiyang symposium, significant attention was paid to a new drilling technology developed by Australian companies, Pacific Asia China Energy (PCE) and Mitchell Drilling Company (MDC). This Dymaxion drilling technology aims to improve mine safety by effectively capturing methane gas.
Executives from 50 mines expressed interest in this revolutionary drilling method. Tunaye Sai, Director of China Operations for PCE, explained that four Chinese mining companies showed immediate interest due to their current gas-related challenges. Earlier this year, a joint venture between PCE and MDC was announced to introduce this technology to China. MDC, Australia's largest privately owned drilling company, has widely recognized the benefits of the Dymaxion method.
The Dymaxion technique combines horizontal and vertical drilling, extracting methane gas from coal seams and capturing it at the surface. Using specially designed rigs and personnel, the method involves drilling a 60 to 90-degree hole from the surface to the coal seam, and steering it horizontally up to 1200 meters toward a pre-drilled vertical production well. Cost efficiencies and improved flexibility make this technique a game changer compared to traditional methods.
Interest in Dymaxion technology is significant, with one of the interested companies producing 10 million tons of coal annually. By implementing this technology, companies can safely release methane gas before starting tunnel mining, potentially avoiding fatal gas explosions.
PCE and the Chinese coal companies are in preliminary discussions. The companies are considering allowing PCE to demonstrate this technology in sections of mines not currently in operation. PCE's strategy involves continuous monitoring and gas extraction, ensuring steady methane capture rather than temporary solutions.
Targeting larger mines, PCE aims to collaborate with companies producing over four million tons annually. Drilling equipment is expected to arrive in China by October, with plans to implement operations soon after. This initiative could provide unexpected revenue for Pacific Asia China Energy and, more importantly, save lives by improving coal mining safety in China through this technology transfer.
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