The results and environmental implications of the study of the application of borehole technology for the development of methane-bearing coal deposits are outlined. Design parameters of the technology for obtaining gas fuel with increased calorific value and power generation directly at the mine field have been developed. The development of coal beds and methane extraction was substantiated with regard to the conditions of the Kuznetsk coal basin and some design parameters of the proposed technology were established.
Traditional technologies of underground development of coal deposits are characterized by high labor intensity, high costs, difficult conditions of production life and negative impact on the environment. Reduction of social, production and environmental risk can be achieved by using downhole methods. The technological scheme of borehole development of coal deposits on the basis of underground coal combustion, coal methane production and power generation in the mine field is proposed. The scheme of purification of raw generator gas using potash-absorption method is substantiated. It is shown that the use of such technology allows to reduce emissions of nitrogen and sulfur oxides 4-6 times and 4-5 times respectively, to exclude pollution of the surrounding land by waste rock dumps.
