Union Minister of State for Coal Pratik PrakashBapu Patil has said that Coal India (CIL) is pursuing development of coal mine methane (CMM) from its mining areas as it would be beneficial on mine safety as well as environment. Ministry of Coal has made CMPDI, the Nodal Agency for development of coal mine methane in India. At Moonidih mine of Bharat Coking Coal (BCCL), CIL/CMPDI has successfully implemented a CMM demonstration project, which is funded by the Union government.

With the implementation of the coal mine methane project successfully it is proved the efficacy of the technology of CMM extraction and its utilisation in Indian geo-mining condition. Based on success of the demonstration project, steps have been taken for identification of prospective areas for development of CMM projects and coalfields characterised by occurrence of multi-seams of high rank coals which were considered potential areas for CMM development.

The Government has approved the gas price formula based on the Rangarajan Committee recommendations, which will be applicable from April 1, 2014 for a period of 5 years. These gas prices will be applicable to all natural gas including CBM, the Minister said.