Use of methane from the mines of the Karagandy Coal Basin
Country and location:
Republic of Kazakhstan
Location: Central Kazakhstan, Karaganda basin
Background:
Type of the principal GHGs targeted for reduction by the project- CH4
Project category: - fugitive capture
Sector of economy is under restructure
Extraction of coal in methane- bearing coal deposits is accompanied by emanation of methane during the mining works. The potential accumulation and explosion of methane is a steady threat for the mine and their employees not only from the mines in exploitation but from the uncontrolled closed down ones too.
Project description:
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Objectives:
The main objective of the project is the capture and further utilization of the emanating methane of the Karagandy Coal Basin Mines. The combustion of the extracted methane from the mines will also replace coal as an energy source and will therefore lead to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
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Current situation and expected outcomes:
Amount of 8- 10 mln. tons of coal are extracted annually in the underground mines of the Karagandy Coal Basin with gas content 16-57 m3/ton, while captured methane is the amount of 277 mln. m?: by degassing( 35 mln m3) and venting(242 mln m3). Currently only the amount of 12 mln m3 is utilized from the degassed amount (4,3% of total). There is lack of local technology for utilization of coalmine methane (CMM). CMM gas from gas drainage system is vented to the atmosphere. The proposed gas recovery project includes pipeline injection, local use of gas as a fuel for mine equipment and power generation.
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Outcomes:
The extracted methane will be used in two demonstration facilities: a gas boiler for exclusive methane combustion and a coal boiler. Extracted methane will be fed in a coal boiler in order to increase efficiency rate. Also facilities for power generation will be installed. Opportunities for methane utilization for domestic needs through its concentration and accumulation in special tanks shall be studied. The possibility to produce methanol from methane for increasing the octane number in gasoline shall be investigated. This would allow to get rid of adding lead additives to gasoline that is a general practice these days.
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Current status:
A rough technical project design has been worked out, while a comprehensive feasibility study is still lacking.
Total project capital costs: - 3,7mln USD
Expected environmental benefits including GHG emission reductions (tons CO2 per year or total emission reduction over the project's technical life time (t CO2) assuming project's technical life period- X years)
GHG emissions reduction -TBD
Compliance with national and local development objectives and contribution to Sustainable development:
The project corresponds with the strategic governmental program of Kazakhstan's development up to 2030 aimed to provide sustainable economical development of Kazakhstan. | 
