v>EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air and Radiation EPA/430-R 95-003
6202J April 1995
Reducing Methane Emissions from Coal
Mines in PolandlA Handbook for Expanding
Coalbed Methane Recovery and Use in the Upper
Silesian Coal Basin
/
-------
REDUCING METHANE EMISSIONS FROM COAL
MINES IN POLAND: A HANDBOOK FOR EXPANDING
COALBED METHANE RECOVERY AND UTILIZATION
IN THE UPPER SILESIAN COAL BASIN
APRIL 1995
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION PREVENTION DIVISION
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
-------
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
This report provides basic information concerning the potential for expanding coalbed methane
development in Poland, particularly in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. The study was prepared by the US
Environmental Protection Agency, as part of its efforts to identify cost-effective opportunities to reduce
methane emissions to the atmosphere. Part I of the study provides information on Poland's energy
economy, its coalbed methane resources, and methane recovery and utilization options in the Upper
Silesian Coal Basin. Part II of the study profiles 17 gassy coal mines selected according to the
opportunities for expanded methane recovery and utilization that they offer.
The study emphasizes recovery of coalbed methane from mining areas because much of this valuable
energy resource is currently being wasted. Methane is also a potent greenhouse gas affecting the global
climate.
KEY FINDINGS
Poland is confronting the need for institutional and regulatory reforms of its energy sector. The
situation is compounded by environmental and economic pressures that dictate a reduction in
coal consumption, and a significant expansion in the use of oil and natural gas, most of which
must be imported. Increased use of coalbed methane could reduce economic burdens
associated with rising energy imports, and improve financial viability of mines.
• Poland's inefficient hard coal industry is being forced to adapt to the country's new market
economy. Hard coal is the main fuel in Poland, but both output and consumption have
declined due to a reduction in the gross domestic product, higher prices, and industry
restructuring. The sector's newly-formed coal companies must increase efficiency and
productivity in order to maintain financial viability.
• Poland's known reserves of oil are nearly depleted, and, even if new fields are discovered, it
is likely that Poland will need to continue importing 95 to 99 percent of the oil it consumes.
Reserves of conventional natural gas are also limited. Poland currently imports 55 percent of
the natural gas it consumes, all of it from Russia; experts predict that, even with increased
domestic exploration, by 2010 Poland will need to import 78 to 86 percent of its gas.
• Coalbed methane is an attractive natural gas resource in Poland that has, until recently,
been overlooked. It is clean-burning, and is located in coal producing areas that traditionally
have been intensely industrialized and highly polluted. Increased recovery and utilization of
coal mine methane can help offset import costs, and improve mine productivity and
economics.
Coalbed methane is an abundant natural gas resource that is currently underdeveloped in
Poland. Although some of the methane liberated by coal mining operations is utilized, most of it
is currently vented to the atmosphere and wasted.
• The coalbed methane reserves contained in active mine concessions in the Upper Silesian
Coal Basin are estimated to range from 150 billion to nearly 200 billion cubic meters. It has
been conservatively estimated that an additional 200 billion cubic meters are contained in
-------
virgin coal fields of this basin. The Lower Silesian Coal Basin contains additional (though
much smaller) methane resources.
• Large amounts of coalbed methane are emitted by Polish coal mines each year, which
represents a serious waste of energy. In 1993, more than 774 million cubic meters were
liberated as a result of mining operations in Poland. Nearly 168 million cubic meters (22
percent) of this methane were used. This is a relatively good utilization rate compared to
some areas of the world, however, a much higher utilization rate is both desirable and
achievable.
There is great potential for expanded methane recovery and use at Poland's coal mines, and
many different options are available for expanding utilization of the coalbed methane recovered
from mining operations.
• Using demonstrated technologies, such as pre-mining degasification and enhanced gob well
recovery, it appears likely that Upper Silesian Basin coal mines could recover and use 45
percent or more of the methane currently being liberated by mining.
• Mines could recover additional resources by using an integrated approach that includes
drainage prior to, during, and after mining; in addition, it may in some cases be feasible to
use low methane concentration ventilation air as combustion air in power stations. By using
this approach at active mines, 80 to 90 percent of the methane that would be liberated and
otherwise lost by mining operations could be recovered and available for use.
• Presently, coalbed methane is used successfully to generate steam and electricity at
relatively small power plants at many Polish coal mines and a few other nearby industries.
The potential for much larger scale utilization of coalbed methane at large public power
plants exists. In addition to generating electricity, these plants generate steam which supplies
a large district heating network.
• Pipelines can transport coalbed methane directly to end users. Natural gas will soon
completely replace the coke oven gas that has been used by households for many years. If
problems concerning gas quality and supply are addressed, coalbed methane could displace
conventional natural gas in this capacity.
Poland has done much to facilitate coalbed methane development in recent years. To ensure
continued progress in encouraging coalbed methane development, however, we recommend
additional activities that will promote its recovery and utilization.
• Certain technical issues must still be addressed. In particular, there is a need for expanded
gas storage to mitigate fluctuations in supply and demand. It will also be necessary to
improve methane drainage systems to maintain drained gas at consistently high quality.
• More favorable tax conditions could help spur coalbed methane utilization. Tax incentives
could be provided on a temporary basis, and then be withdrawn once coalbed methane
becomes competitive with conventional natural gas.
• Once the best types of incentives for increased coalbed methane development have been
identified, national policies and plans to encourage investment need to be coordinated
among government ministries, and with regional and local authorities.
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY i
LIST OF FIGURES v
LIST OF TABLES vi
LIST OF BOXES vi
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS vii
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS viii
PART I: THE POTENTIAL FOR COALBED METHANE DEVELOPMENT IN POLAND
CHAPTER 1 - COALBED METHANE IN POLAND'S ENERGY ECONOMY 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.2 THE ENERGY SECTOR IN POLAND 2
1.2.1 THE ENERGY ECONOMY 2
1.2.1 ENERGY CONSUMPTION OVERVIEW 2
1.2.3 SECTORAL ENERGY DEMAND 4
1.2.4 PRIMARY ENERGY SOURCES IN POLAND 5
1.3 THE ROLE OF COALBED METHANE IN POLAND 11
1.3.1 POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION OF COALBED METHANE 11
1.3.2 BENEFITS OF COALBED METHANE 12
1.3.3 POLICIES TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF COALBED METHANE 13
1.3.4 FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN POLAND 15
CHAPTER 2 - COALBED METHANE RESOURCES OF POLAND 17
2.1 INTRODUCTION 17
2.2 COAL RESOURCES 17
2.2.1 THE UPPER SILESIAN COAL BASIN (USCB) 18
2.2.2 THE LOWER SILESIAN COAL BASIN (LSCB) 27
2.2.3 THE LUBLIN COAL BASIN (LCB) 28
2.3 COALBED METHANE RESOURCE ESTIMATES 29
2.3.1 SPECIFIC EMISSIONS METHOD 30
2.3.2 METHANE CONTENT METHOD 30
2.3.3 POLISH MINING METHOD (BALANCE RESERVES) 32
2.3.4 ESTIMATES BY THE POLISH GEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE 32
2.3.5 DISCUSSION OF THE FOUR METHANE RESOURCE ESTIMATES 33
CHAPTER 3 - COALBED METHANE RECOVERY AND POTENTIAL FOR UTILIZATION
OF COALBED METHANE IN POLAND 34
3.1 COALBED METHANE RECOVERY 34
3.1.1 OPTIONS FOR RECOVERY 34
3.2 COALBED METHANE UTILIZATION 38
3.2.1 DIRECT INDUSTRIAL USE OPTIONS 38
3.2.2 POWER GENERATION OPTIONS 40
3.2.3 NATURAL GAS PIPELINE SYSTEMS 41
3.2.4 VENTILATION AIR UTILIZATION OPTIONS 44
3.2.5 IMPROVING GAS QUALITY 44
3.2.6 UNDERGROUND GAS STORAGE 45
CHAPTER 4 - CONCLUSIONS 47
in
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
PART II: PROFILES OF SELECTED GASSY MINES IN THE
UPPER SILESIAN COAL BASIN
MINE PROFILES USER'S GUIDE 49
1 MAJA 51
BORYNIA 55
BRZESZCZE 59
HALEMBA 63
JANKOWICE 67
JASTRZEBIE 71
KRUPINSKI 75
MARCEL 79
MORCINEK 83
MOSCZCENICA 87
PNIOWEK 91
SILESIA 95
STASZIC 99
WESOLA 103
ZABRZE-BIELSZOWICE 107
ZOFIOWKA 111
ZORY 115
REFERENCES CITED 119
APPENDIX A - LIST OF CONTACTS A-1
APPENDIX B - EXPLANATION OF POLISH RESOURCE, COAL RANK, AND
MINING HAZARD CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS USED IN THIS REPORT B-1
APPENDIX C - SELECTED TABLES FROM DATABASE OF PROFILED MINES C-1
IV
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Fuel Mix of Selected Countries, 1992 3
Figure 2. Energy Demand by Sector, 1988 vs. 1991 4
Figure 3. Household and Commercial Energy Sources, 1988 vs. 1991 4
Figure 4. Industrial Sector Energy Sources, 1988 vs. 1991 5
Figure 5. Transportation Sector Energy Sources, 1988 vs. 1991 5
Figure 6. Location of Coal Basins, Oil Fields, and Gas Fields, Poland 6
Figure 7. Location of Mining Concessions and Coalbed Methane Licensing Blocks, USCB 14
Figure 8. Tectonic Map of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin 19
Figure 9. Stratigraphic Correlation of Coal Bearing Formations, Poland 20
Figure 10. Map of Mining Concessions and Boundaries of Coal Mining Companies, USCB 23
Figure 11. Contour Map of Methane Liberated During Mining, USCB 26
Figure 12. Gas Distribution Network in Poland 43
Figure B-1. Polish Classification of Documented Reserves B-1
Figure B-2. Comparison of Polish, U.S., and German Coal Rank Classification Systems B-3
-------
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Hard Coal Production, Apparent Consumption, and Exports 7
Table 2. Lignite Production and Apparent Consumption 8
Table 3. Crude Oil Production and Apparent Consumption 9
Table 4. Natural Gas Production and Apparent Consumption 10
Table 5. Forecast Natural Gas Consumption 10
Table 6. Summary of Coal Basin Characteristics 17
Table 7. Hard Coal Resources of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin 21
Table 8. Key Characteristics of Gassy Upper Silesian Basin Coal Mines 22
Table 9. Upper Silesian Coal Basin Methane Emission Data For 1993 25
Table 10. Specific Emissions, Methane Content, and Estimated Methane Resources
Contained in Gassy Coal Mines, USCB 31
Table 11. Methane Ventilation, Drainage, and Production Costs at Profiled Mines 35
Table 12. Summary of Options for Reducing Methane Emissions From Coal Mining 36
Table 13. Present and Potential Methane Utilization at Mines With Drainage Systems 39
Table B-1. Comparison of Reserve Classification Systems B-1
Table B-2. Polish Classification of Coal Seams and Mine Workings With Regard to
Methane Hazard B-5
Table B-3. Classification of Coal Seams According to Spontaneous Combustion Rate B-5
Table C-1. Total Methane Liberated at Profiled Mines, 1980-1993 C-1
Table C-2. Specific Emissions at Profiled Mines, 1980-1993 C-2
Table C-3. Coal Production at Profiled Mines, 1980-1993 C-3
Table C-4. Methane Liberated by Ventilation at Profiled Mines, 1980-1993 C-4
Table C-5. Methane Drained from Profiled Mines, 1980-1993 C-5
Table C-6. Methane Utilization and Emission Data from Profiled Mines, 1990-1993 C-6
LIST OF BOXES
Box 1. Recent Coalbed Methane Recovery and Utilization Options in the USCB 37
Box2. Cofiring of Methane at the Zofiowka CHP Plant 40
Box 3. The Upper Silesian Gas Utility and the Swierklany Compressor Station: The Need for
Gas Storage and Improved Methane Drainage Systems 41
Box 4. Morcinek Mine Methane Storage Pilot Project 46
VI
-------
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The U.S. EPA acknowledges Carol Bibler and Raymond C. Pilcher of Raven Ridge Resources,
Incorporated, for authoring this handbook, and the members of the following institutions for their
important contributions to this document:
The Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse at the Polish Foundation for Energy Efficiency (FEWE)
The Central Mining Institute (GIG)
The State Higher Mining Authority
Many other Polish experts graciously provided insight and assistance.
VII
-------
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
Weights and Measures: All units are metric system (S.I.)
cm centimeter =10"2 meter
gW gigawatts = billion Watts = 109 Watts
EJ exajoule = 1018 Joules
kg kilogram =103 grams
kJ kilojoules =103 Joules
km kilometer =103 meters
km2 square kilometer
kt kilotons =103tons
kW kilowatt = 103 Watts
kWh kilowatt hours = 103 Watt hours
m meter
m3 cubic meter
MJ megajoules = 106 Joules
mm millimeter = 10~3 meter
Mt megatons = 106 tons
MW megawatts =106 Watts
MWh megawatt hours =106 Watt hours
megawatts of electricity
megawatts of thermal energy
t ton = metric ton = 103 kg
Acronyms
CHP combined heat and power
CIAB Coal Industry Advisory Board
EEE Eastern European Energy (Financial Times)
EEER Eastern European Energy Report
EIA Energy Information Administration
EIU Economist Intelligence Unit
ESMAP Joint UNDP/World Bank Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme
FBIS Foreign Broadcast Information Service
GDP gross domestic product
GOZG Upper Silesian Gas Utility = Upper Silesian Regional Gas Works
1C internal combustion
LCB Lublin Coal Basin
LPG liquefied petroleum gas
LSCB Lower Silesian Coal Basin
MEPNRF Ministry of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources, and Forestry
OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
PGI Polish Geologic Institute = Panstwowy Instytut Geologiczny = PIG
POGC Polish Oil and Gas Company=Polskie Gornictwo Naftowe I Gazownictwo=PGNG
RO reverse osmosis
ROM run-of-mine
STIG steam injected turbine generator
IDS total dissolved solids
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNECE United Nations Economic Commisssion for Europe
USCB Upper Silesian Coal Basin
USDOE United States Department of Energy
USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
VIM
-------
PARTI
THE POTENTIAL FOR COALBED METHANE
DEVELOPMENT IN POLAND
-------
CHAPTER 1
COALBED METHANE IN
POLAND'S ENERGY ECONOMY
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Poland is the sixth largest producer of bituminous coal, supplying 4 percent of the world's total
(USDOE/EIA, 1994) and accounting for an estimated 4 percent of world coal mine methane emissions
(USEPA, 1993). The release of methane from coal mines is undesirable because it wastes a valuable
energy resource, and contributes to global warming.
Inefficient use of energy, declining resources of hard coal, and increasing dependency on imported oil
and natural gas have created a critical need for new indigenous energy sources in Poland. Faced with
severe environmental problems resulting from coal mining and burning, Poland is beginning to use more
natural gas and less coal and coke oven gas. This will benefit the environment tremendously, but will
require significant expenditures for natural gas imports. Utilization of Poland's coalbed methane
resources could help offset this expense.
Poland is confronting other serious economic challenges. Forty years of central planning heavily
distorted the country's economic structure: loans from the west financed the push to heavily develop
industry. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU, 1993) estimated that Poland's international debt was $US
44.6 billion at the end of 1993. The country appears to slowly be recovering from the deep recession into
which it fell in 1990 when its radical stabilization plan was introduced, however. Preliminary figures
suggest that there was a modest growth in GDP of 2.5 percent in 1993.
Despite the early signs of success in economic reforms, inflation continues, unemployment is high, and
industrial output is declining. The insecurity of national energy supplies is widely recognized as a central
cause of these problems (Land, 1993a). A national energy strategy that would diversify energy sources
and facilitate economic growth, while addressing environmental concerns, is thus an urgent concern in
Poland. It appears that coalbed methane should be an integral part of this strategy.
-------
1.2 THE ENERGY SECTOR IN POLAND
1.2.1 THE ENERGY ECONOMY
The energy sector in Poland yields 10 percent of national income, employs 5 percent of the population,
and accounts for 12 percent of total investment (Land, 1993b). During most of the post-war period
Poland was a net exporter of energy, but subsidies and an inadequate pricing system created high
domestic energy expenditures relative to output, pushing up costs at home and limiting the availability of
coal for export. Consequently, despite being one of the world's top coal producers, Poland is no longer a
net energy exporter. In 1993, the value of the nation's energy exports (mainly hard coal and coke) was
$US 2.5 billion, while value of its energy imports (mainly electricity, oil and natural gas) was $US 3.4
billion (UNECE, 1994a).
Poland is faced with energy shortages that affect most aspects of its economy. Inefficient production,
wasteful use of power, and serious environmental damages have led to growing pressure for reform of
the energy sector, and Poland's industry planners are thus rethinking the way it must produce and
consume energy. A 1993 study by the World Bank concluded that the country must now launch new and
sweeping economic reforms affecting the gas, hard coal, lignite, heating and electricity industries. Energy
price reforms are already underway; as a result, energy prices are climbing faster than inflation. While
price increases mean the energy industry is more profitable, they barely cover the rising cost of energy
production, while placing a heavy burden on Polish households (EEER, 1994a).
1.2.2 ENERGY CONSUMPTION OVERVIEW
Coal dominates the nation's fuel mix, comprising 76 percent of the energy consumed in Poland in 1992
(Figure I) (USDOE/EIA, 1994). Lignite (brown coal) accounts for approximately 18 percent of all coal
consumed; the remainder is hard coal. Though all Eastern European countries rely heavily on coal,
Poland is the most dependent nation in the region, and is far more dependent on coal than industrialized
nations such as Germany, the United States or Japan. In the United States, for example, coal accounted
for only 23 percent of all the energy consumed in 1992. The higher proportion of coal usage in
comparison to that of other fuel types means that coal prices heavily influence energy prices in Poland.
In recent years, hard coal production has decreased in Poland, for reasons that are discussed in Section
1.2.4; this has caused a decline in both hard coal exports and domestic coal consumption. For economic
reasons, exports are a high priority and must continue, creating a shortage of hard coal available for
domestic use. This gap has been filled in part by increasing the domestic consumption of low-energy,
high sulfur lignite, especially for generation of electricity; lignite consumption in turn contributes heavily
to Poland's severe air pollution. Recent trends indicate that consumption of natural gas and oil are also
increasing in response to declining coal production (further details on fuel production, consumption, and
trade are presented in Section 1.2.4).
Improvements in energy efficiency will help relieve the growing shortages. Poland is second only to the
former Soviet Union in energy intensity, and in 1989 the average Pole consumed almost twice as much
energy as the average West European (Land, 1993b). Because the government subsidized energy for so
long, prices for heating and electricity still fall well below the cost of production. But conservation alone is
insufficient to meet Poland's energy needs. The country is therefore is embarking on radical reform of its
energy sector, through privatization and reorganization programs supported in part by the World Bank.
The essence of the framework proposed by the World Bank is that domestic energy supplies must be
more efficient, reliable, and financially viable, and that Poland must move away from its heavy
dependence on coal toward more use of oil and gas.
-------
FIGURE 1-1. FUEL MIX OF SELECTED COUNTRIES, 1992
POLAND
HARD COAL 62%
CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAKIA*
GAS 19%,
HYDRO 1%
LIGNITE
BROWN
COAL 14%
GAS 10%
OIL 12%
OIL 17
LIGNITE OR
BROWN COAL
25%
COAL
25%
DRO t%
UCLEAR
12%
FORMER USSR
GAS 45%
HARD
COAL
16%
'HYDRO 5K,
ARS*
LIGNITE OR
BROWN COAL 2%
OIL 27%
GERMANY
GAS 17%
OIL 41%
HARD
iCOAL 13%
OIL 56%
JAPAN
GAS 11%
^Hp HYDRO 2*
UCLEAR
11%
LIGNITE OR
BROWN COAL 16%
"Czechoslovakia did not divide until January 1993
Source: U.S. DOE EIA, 1994; UNECE, 1992
HYDRO
5%
NUCLEAR
11%
UNITED STATES
GAS 25%
OIL 41%
HARD COAL
22%
HYDRO
3%
NUCLEAR
8%
LIGNITE OR BROWN
COALHt
-------
1.2.3 SECTORAL ENERGY DEMAND
According to the United Nations (1993), Poland's final energy demand in 1991 was 2.56 exajoules (EJ).1
Energy consumption decreased by 24 percent from 1988 levels, due largely to the decline in industrial
output resulting from economic reforms.
FIGURE 2. ENERGY DEMAND BY SECTOR,
1988 VS. 1991
Sectoral end use is divided
into three categories which
are commonly used in
international energy
statistics reporting: Industry
(including manufacturing,
mining and construction),
Household And Commercial
(which includes agriculture,
forestry, and hunting), and
Transportation (rail, road,
water, and air). In 1991, the
household and commercial
(1.17 EJ) plus industrial (1.05 EJ) sectors accounted for 87 percent of the energy consumed in Poland
(Figure 2). The third sector, transportation, accounted for the remaining 13 percent of energy consumed
(0.34 EJ). Transportation's share has increased considerably since 1988, when it accounted for only 4
percent of energy demand; this can be attributed primarily to sharp increase in the number of cars in use.
At the end of 1991, 6.1 million private cars were registered, an increase of 15 percent over 1990, and
more than twice as many as in 1980 (EIU, 1993).
DTRANSPORTATION
•INDUSTRY
• HOUSEHOLDAND
COMMERCIAL
1988
1991
'Source: U.N., 1990, 1993
FIGURE 3. HOUSEHOLD AND COMMERCIAL
SECTOR ENERGY SOURCES, 1988 VS. 1991
• COAL AND COKE*
• OIL
DGAS
• ELECTRICITY
As shown in Figure 3, about
44 percent of the household
and commercial sector's
energy in 1991 was derived
directly from coal and coke,
down substantially from 56
percent in 1988. Indirect use
of coal via electricity and
steam2 accounted for 39
percent of this sector's
energy demand. In 1991,
natural gas made up 12
percent of the sector's fuel
mix, while oil accounted for 5 percent. Note the trend toward more use of natural gas and electricity, at
the expense of direct use of coal and oil; this pattern is likely to continue in the future, particularly as it is
anticipated that all households consuming coke oven gas (as did more than 300 thousand Silesian
households in 1992) will be converted to high methane natural gas by the end of 1995 (Fronski et al,
1994).
1988
1991
* Includes Coke Oven Gas
Source: U.N.. 1990. 1993
11.054 EJ = 1 quadrillion (1015) BTU
95 percent of Poland's electricity is produced from coal
-------
FIGURE 4. INDUSTRIAL SECTOR ENERGY
SOURCES, 1988 VS. 1991
• COAL AND COKE*
DOIL
DGAS
• ELECTRICITY
Most of the energy used by
the industrial sector is also
derived directly or indirectly
from coal, as shown in
Figure 4. In 1991, half of
industry energy was derived
indirectly from coal in the
form of electricity and
steam, only slightly less
than in 1988; direct use of
coal and coke accounted for
36 percent of this sector's
share in 1991, up from a 30
percent share in 1988. The proportion of natural gas consumed by industry in 1991 remained the same
as in 1988, at 10 percent. Oil's share dropped from 8 percent in 1988 to 4 percent in 1991, presumably
due to the sharp increase in the cost of imported oil which occurred in that year. Seven percent of the
industry sector's energy needs in 1991 were met by derived gases (primarily coke oven gas). The
availability of coke oven gas has declined sharply over the period 1988-1993, as a result of the ongoing
closure of coking plants. In response to this, the Polish Oil and Gas Company has undertaken a program
to switch its consumers from coke oven gas to natural gas (Tokarzewski and Bednarski, 1994). Coalbed
methane could help meet this increased natural gas demand.
1988
1991
* Includes Coke Oven Gas
Source: U.N.. 1990. 1993
FIGURE 5. TRANSPORTATION SECTOR ENERGY
SOURCES, 1988 VS. 1991
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
• COAL AND COKE*
DOIL
• ELECTRICITY
1988
1991
* Includes Coke Oven Gas
Source: U.N.. 1990. 1993
Figure 5 shows that in 1991
the transportation sector was
fueled primarily by oil (86
percent), with 9 percent of its
energy generated indirectly
from coal and coke as
electricity and steam, and 5
percent generated directly
from coal and coke. Increased
passenger-car ownership is
responsible for the significant
increase in oil's share of the
transportation fuel mix over
its 1988 value of 63 percent.
1.2.4 PRIMARY ENERGY SOURCES IN POLAND
Hard Coal: The Dominant Fuel
Hard coal is produced from three basins: The Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB), Lower Silesian Coal
Basin (LSCB), and Lublin Coal Basin (LCB). The locations of these basins, as well as other energy
producing regions, are shown in Figure 6. The USCB has the highest output, and its 65 mines produced
127 million tons3 of hard coal in 1993. All coal shipped for export comes from the USCB.
Polish coal production reached a peak of 201 million tons in 1979, declined and then stabilized from
1983-1988, dropped sharply in 1989 (Table I) and has continued to decline. The most profound problem
contributing to declining coal production is that although hard coal reserves are ample, increasingly
difficult mining conditions have caused coal production costs to increase prohibitively. In recent years
this has been compounded by the reduction of GDP, industry restructuring, and, to a more limited extent,
the substitution of other fuels for coal.
' S.I. ("metric") units are used throughout this report and "tons" thus indicates metric tons.
-------
FIGURE 6. LOCATION OF COAL BASINS, OILFIELDS, AND GAS FIELDS, POLAND
POLAND
jpsfe.
iStUBCfti
COAL BASH*..
LOWER SILESIAN
COAL BASIN
UPPEF) SILESIAN
COAL BASIN
mm*#m KRAKOW
?.;.;.;./ -.-^K,_
o
EXPLANATION
COAL BASIN
GAS FIELD
OIL HELD
SOURCE: BOJKOWSKI AND PORZYOa. 1383.
AND ROBSTSON GBOUP, PLC. PROSPECTUS
-------
TABLE 1. HARD COAL PRODUCTION,
APPARENT CONSUMPTION AND EXPORTS (MILLION TONS)
YEAR
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
PRODUCTION
191.6
192.1
193.0
193.0
177.6
147.7
140.4
131.5
130.6
APPARENT
CONSUMPTION
156.5
158.9
163.2
162.0
149.7
120.2
121.0
112.0
104.6
EXPORTS
36.2
34.4
31.0
32.2
28.9
28.0
19.5
19.6
26.1
SOURCE: PlanEcon, 1992, 1994;UNECE, 1994b
Production is expected to remain at 1993 levels over the next few years (UNECE, 1994b). The coal
produced in 1993 was characterized by higher quality, higher calorific value, and lower ash and sulfur
content than previous years, as a result of more selective extraction.
Hard coal exports account for a significant portion of Poland's hard currency for use in foreign exchange,
and Poland was the world's fifth largest hard coal exporter in 1993. Exports declined sharply in 1991 and
1992; this was due to largely to a lack of export coordination. This reduction in coal sales resulted in
continuous decrease of revenue and a rise in the unit cost of coal production in several mines (Piekorz,
1994). Coal exports rebounded in 1993, however, and preliminary data indicate that the 1994 export
volume was equally strong. In 1993, about 85 percent of exports were handled by one company, which
before 1990 held the coal export monopoly. Finland, Denmark, Germany, France, the Czech Republic,
United Kingdom and Ukraine are among the top importers of Polish coal. In addition to exporting
unprocessed coal, Poland exports coke. Poland also imports small amounts of hard coal.
Much of the hard coal production in Poland has been heavily subsidized; in 1992, only six of 70 mines
were profitable, with total industry losses amounting to 11,000 billion zlotys (about $US 800 million)
(Mining Annual Review, 1993). In 1993, the total sale price of coal did surpass production costs (by a
mere 88 zlotys4 per ton), but the industry was still in bad financial straits (EEER, 1994a). Accordingly, a
restructuring program, announced in 1993, called for liquidation of a total of 17 coal mines, thirteen of
which are in the USCB and the remaining four of which are in the LSCB. According to the proposal, the
entire liquidation process would be completed by the end of 1995. Reduction in the workforce would
continue at remaining mines, with an estimated 113,800 jobs eliminated between August 1993 and the
end of 1995.
A new parliament was elected two months after this plan was proposed, and while it is likely that some
components of the plan will eventually be enacted, it appears that this new government will have a more
lax attitude toward mine closures (PlanEcon, 1994). Therefore, the above schedule for mine closures will
probably be delayed. Other aspects of the government's overall plans to restructure the coal mining
industry have proceeded, however. Among these is the creation of joint stock companies that are
responsible for the exploration and development of coal resources, and the subsequent sale of coal to
the developing free market.
Mine closures alone will probably have minimal impact on exports and domestic consumption of hard
coal in Poland, as the mines slated for closure account for less than 8 percent of the country's hard coal
production. The future of Poland's fuel mix and hard coal export capabilities depends more upon the
country's ability to
In 1993, the exchange rate was approximately Zl 20,161 to $1 USD; Zl 88 was thus about $0.004 USD.
-------
meet its goal of increased natural gas use at the expense of coal. If efforts to improve energy efficiency,
pricing policies, and environmental problems are successful, domestic coal demand will continue to
decline, releasing more coal for export. In the event that these efforts are not successful, however, some
forecasters predict that Poland's hard coal consumption could increase to as much as 135 million
tons/year by 2000, and that it could become a net importer of hard coal by 2010 (ESMAP, 1993a).
Lignite or Brown Coal
Lignite, sometimes called brown coal, is a low-energy, high sulfur fuel used primarily for electric power
generation. Lignite production doubled between 1980 and 1988, and though production began to
decrease in 1989, it rose by 1.9 percent in 1993 (Table 2). Lignite is exported, and sometimes imported,
in small quantities (Poland was actually a net importer of lignite in 1993).
TABLE 2. LIGNITE PRODUCTION AND
APPARENT CONSUMPTION (MILLION TONS)
YEAR
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994*
PRODUCTION
57.7
67.3
73.2
73.5
71.8
67.6
69.4
66.9
68.1
68.0
APPARENT
CONSUMPTION
57.5
67.3
73.2
73.5
71.8
67.4
68.2
65.9
68.2
N/A
*1994 data are forecasts made by the UNECE in 1993
SOURCE: PlanEcon, 1992, 1994; UNECE, 1994b
Lignite yields only about half the energy per weight as hard coal, and its use in many of Poland's power
stations contributes heavily to excessive emissions of sulfur dioxide and other pollutants. Because of
these problems, Poland hopes to decrease its lignite consumption.
ON
Poland has produced oil since the 1870's, but its known reserves are nearly depleted. Present-day oil
production is essentially confined to two regions: the southeasternmost part of the country, and along the
Baltic coast (Figure 6). The Polish Oil and Gas Company (POGC), whose oil division has been partially
privatized, carries out most of the exploration and production activity.
Poland produced 152 thousand tons of crude oil in 1993, less than one percent of the crude oil it
consumed (Table 3). Until the end of 1990, the Soviet Union provided most of Poland's oil imports.
Presently, Russia supplies about 41 percent of Poland's oil, with the remainder imported from Iran and
other Middle Eastern nations. Diversity of oil import sources is considered satisfactory at present
(Czerwinski, 1994).
Substantial growth in oil imports is anticipated, partly in response to the increase in car ownership. Investment
in expanding and upgrading the country's ten oil refineries, its pipelines, and oil storage capacity is underway.
According to the EEER (1994b), the oil sector's annual investment outlay for this purpose is $US 318 million
for the period 1994-1997. Oil giants Neste, Conoco, Exxon, Statoil, and Total are interested in buying into
8
-------
Poland's oil refining and transportation business (Land, 1993b). Eastern Europe's largest refinery is at Plock
(near Warsaw), with a capacity of nearly 10 million tons/year; two major new units are being installed at this
refinery to help meet Polish demand for low sulfur and reformulated fuels (Oil and Gas Journal, 1994a).
Another large refinery, with a capacity of about 3 million tons/year, is located in Gdansk. Plans for a new
refinery, "Poludnie", are also being developed. It is expected that the refinery, which will have a projected
capacity of 6 million tons per year, will not be built until after 2000 (Czerwinski, 1994).
TABLE 3. CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION AND APPARENT CONSUMPTION IN POLAND
(THOUSAND TONS)
YEAR
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
PRODUCTION
196
167
149
163
159
163
158
156
152
APPARENT
CONSUMPTION
13,908
14,306
14,318
15,129
15,144
13,171
11,805
12,608
13,402
SOURCE: PlanEcon, 1992, 1994
Natural Gas
Natural gas is a relatively new fuel in Poland, with production beginning in the 1950's. The largest gas
fields are located in the extreme southeastern part of Poland (Figure 6). Gas is also produced in the
west-central part of the country (Gustavson, 1990).
A peak production rate of 7.9 billion cubic meters was attained in 1978; gas production declined sharply
after 1985 (Table 4). In recent years, gas consumption has rebounded, and a continued expansion of
demand is expected (Tokarzewski and Bednarski,1994; ESMAP 1993b). Table 5 summarizes gas
consumption forecasts by the POGC, the World Bank, and the UN for the years 2000 and 2010.
At present, Poland imports about 55 percent of the gas it consumes. Domestic production in Poland has been
declining because of depletion of fields and lack of investment. Poland's gas reserves are limited; according
to Tokarzewski and Bednarski (1994), documented (identified) reserves are estimated at 155 billion m
Investment in existing fields and production from new fields could raise total domestic production to as much
as much as 5.4 billion m3 annually by 2000. Even if this is possible, however, depletion would cause the
level of production in 2010 to decline to 4.9 billion m3 - the same as 1993 levels.
-------
TABLE 4. NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION AND APPARENT CONSUMPTION
(BILLION CUBIC METERS)
YEAR
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
PRODUCTION
6.4
5.8
5.8
5.7
5.4
3.9
4.1
4.0
4.9
APPARENT
CONSUMPTION
12.3
13.0
13.3
13.2
13.3
11.7
10.7
10.3
10.8
Source: PlanEcon, 1992, 1994
TABLE 5. FORECAST NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION (BILLION CUBIC METERS)
FORECASTER
Polish Oil and Gas Company
World Bank
United Nations
YEAR 2000
Low
14.7
Not Available
Not Available
High
21.6
Not Available
23.0
YEAR 2010
Low
27.0
38.3
30.0
High
35.0
43.4
35.0
Source: Tokarzewski and Bednarski, 1994; ESMAP, 1993b;UNECE 1994c
The availability of gas imports will be crucial, but there is considerable uncertainty about how reliable
supplies can be obtained (ESMAP, 1993b). Currently, all of Poland's imported natural gas comes from
Russia via the Siberian Pipeline. The future of this gas supply is increasingly uncertain, as political unrest
and a decaying oil and gas infrastructure in Russia contribute to its tendency toward unreliability as an
exporter. In fact, Russia abruptly halted the flow of gas to Poland in January 1992 due to Yeltsin's
unilateral suspension of a barter agreement with Poland, shutting down 180 of Poland's major steel mills
and factories until a new agreement could be reached. Despite these problems, the POGC hopes to sign
a long-term agreement with Russia to import 8 billion m3 of gas through the Siberian pipeline.
Poland is seeking to diversify its sources of imported natural gas. In the medium term, the existing pipeline
from Bremen, Germany to Berlin could be used to obtain access to North Sea and Russian gas. There are also
several longer-term possibilities under consideration (Tokarzewski and Bednarski, 1994; Clifford Chance,
1994 ;Knott, 1993):
• A northern route, in which the POGC envisions the installation of a 1100-km pipeline that could carry
British, Norwegian or Danish gas to the Polish port of Niechorze, via Denmark. It is anticipated that the
project, known as POLPIPE, will begin in 1997.
An eastern link to the existing Northern Lights pipeline. The line, which currently brings gas from Russia's
Barents Sea and Tyumen Province to Byelorussia, would be extended westward through Poland into
Western Europe. A section is also to be added to the opposite end of the pipeline, extending it northeast to
Russia's Yamal Peninsula. When complete, it would transport a projected 67 billion m3 of gas annually
from the Yamal Peninsula to Western Europe. Agreement on construction of the Polish section of the
pipeline is to be signed early in 1995.
10
-------
• A southern route to Algeria and/or Iran. Because of higher costs and longer investment periods, this option
is least likely to materialize.
Natural gas prices in Poland must rise to levels that are sufficient to finance the costs of increased
development, transmission and distribution. Gas price subsidies have been virtually eliminated, causing
gas prices to rise sharply in recent years; in June, 1991 consumers paid 1000 zlotys/m3 ($US
90/thousand m3), and in June 1994 they paid 3,648 zlotys/m3 ($US 166/thousand m3).5 Delivered prices
are still below those in Western Europe, however, and additional price increases are planned.6
In order to meet the transportation sector's growing fuel needs, several liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stations
have begun operating in Poland, and gasoline-to-LPG retrofits in cars are increasing accordingly. There has
been some discussion and research in Poland about use of compressed natural gas as a transport fuel, but
thus far it is not being utilized on a commercial scale (Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse, 1994).
1.3 THE ROLE OF COALBED METHANE IN POLAND
A 1993 World Bank study concluded that Poland must launch new and sweeping reforms affecting the
gas, hard coal, heating, electricity and lignite industries (ESMAP, 1993c). The study emphasized that "an
efficient energy sector will be fundamental for sustaining the conditions for growth in the Polish
economy." The World Bank concludes that domestic energy supplies must be more efficient, reliable,
financially viable, and environmentally sound. This will require an energy sector that encourages
competition, harnesses economic incentives, and emplaces effective regulations.
Based on the World Bank's restructuring proposal, the Government of Poland has approved an energy
reform program, the details of which are being worked out. According to the working document
Development Strategy for Poland's Energy Sector (Czerwinski, 1994) the main objectives of the reform
program are commercialization of the energy sector and environmental protection. In order to achieve
energy security, the document states, it is necessary to:
• establish a pricing policy for fuel and energy; this will require long-term energy price increases;
• diversify sources of fuel and energy, allowing for substitutions in response to changes in the
economy; and
• improve energy efficiency.
To improve energy efficiency, the document maintains, Poland needs to operate coal mines, utilities and
energy companies on a sound commercial basis, and also, reduce its heavy dependence on coal by
using more oil and gas. This will include diversification of sources for imported gas and increased
exploration and development of the country's domestic gas reserves.
1.3.1 POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION OF COALBED METHANE
Coalbed methane can help Poland meet its goal of increasing the share of natural gas in the primary fuel
mix. As discussed in Section 1.2.4, substantial increases in natural gas demand are expected, and
Poland is attempting to diversify its sources of conventional natural gas. Increased development of
coalbed methane is another option for diversification. Poland contains substantial resources of coalbed
methane, at least 2.3 times as much as its conventional natural gas reserves (Chapter 2 contains a
complete discussion methane resource estimates). These reserves can be broken in to two categories:
those associated with active coal mines (the focus of this report), and those located outside the area of
active mining.
51 m3 = 35.3 ft3; therefore, $90/thousand m3 = $2.55/mcf, and $166/thousand m3 = $4.70/mcf
6 According to Tokarzewski and Bednarski (1994), average delivered gas prices ($US/thousand
Industry- W. Europe = $150, Poland = $125; Household - W. Europe = $450, Poland = $170.
11
-------
Presently, USCB mines liberate 754 million m3 of methane annually, of which 213 million m3 are
recovered, yielding a recovery efficiency of 28 percent. The Coal Industry Advisory Board (CIAB, 1994)
estimates that Poland's recovery efficiency could be increased to 45 percent, which would result in
recovery of 340 million m3 of methane annually. Using the integrated approach to methane drainage
described in Chapter 3, it may be possible to increase recovery efficiency even further.
It is likely that much more methane can be produced with aggressive exploration and drilling programs in
virgin coal areas. Late in 1994, Amoco Poland started a three-year, $US 10 million program which, if
successful, could lead to a $US 150-200 million development program of several hundred wells (FT
International Gas Report, 1994). Poland's deputy energy resources minister Wilczynski believes Amoco's
exploration program will produce 5 billion m of coalbed methane annually by 2000. When added to the
amount of methane that can be recovered from coal mines, this brings Poland's potential coalbed
methane production to 5.3 billion m3 annually, more than one-third of the volume of gas that Poland will
otherwise have to import in year 2000 (Tokarzewski and Bednarski, 1994).
1.3.2 BENEFITS OF COALBED METHANE
Environmental Benefits
Unutilized, coalbed methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Utilized, it is a remarkably clean fuel. The
burning of methane emits virtually no sulfur or ash, and only about 32 percent of the nitrogen oxides, 35
percent of the carbon dioxide, and 43 percent of the volatile compounds emitted by coal burning (Oil and
Gas Journal, 1991; USEPA, 1986). Many of the coking plants in Poland are being closed, and to help
Poland meet its air quality goals, natural gas is being substituted for coke oven gas.
One of the most promising utilization options for coalbed methane is for power generation in large public
plants (Surowka, 1993). About 378 thousand tons of sulfur dioxide and 77 thousand tons of particulates
are emitted from public power plants in the USCB annually. Surowka calculated the amount of sulfur
dioxide and particulate emissions that would be avoided if coalbed methane were burned in Silesia's
power plants, according to three scenarios:
1. Coalbed methane recovery remains at present level, but utilization is increased to from 74 percent to
100 percent. In this scenario, emission of 2.6 thousand tons of SO2 and 0.5 thousand tons of
particulate matter would be avoided.
2. Recovery of coalbed methane increases by 30 percent, and all of it is utilized. In this scenario,
emission of 13.1 thousand tons of SO2 and 2.7 thousand tons of particulate matter would be avoided.
3. Recovery of coalbed methane increases by 300 percent, and all of it is utilized. In this scenario,
emission of 40.3 thousand tons of SO2 and 8.2 thousand tons of particulate matter would be avoided.
Scenario 1 could be acheived merely by increasing utilization; scenario 2 could be achieved by
expanding drainage of methane from active coal mines, and increasing its utilization. Scenario 3 would
require development of coalbed methane projects outside of coal mining operations (such as the Amoco
project discussed in Section 1.3.1).
12
-------
Economic Benefits
Poland's import bill for natural gas in 1993 was estimated at $US 560 million. By 2000, based on current
gas prices and the POGC's forecast import level of 15.5 billion m3, that bill will increase to $1,463 million
by (unadjusted for inflation). Substituting 5.3 billion m3 of coalbed methane for the imported natural gas
would reduce this bill by $US 504 million, or 34 percent.
Coalbed methane use is cost-effective in other ways. Drainage and utilization of methane improves mine
efficiency and profitability-less money is spent on installation and maintenance of large ventilation fans
and other safety measures, and a waste product is converted to a useable and marketable energy source
(Dixon, 1990). The reduced potential of injury or death to miners as a result of methane explosions is, of
course, an immeasurable benefit of methane drainage.
Coalbed methane could also be substituted for hard coal in local power plants through cofiring or direct
combustion with burner retrofitting in existing boilers, freeing more hard coal for export from the region or
nation, and reducing regional imports of increasingly expensive electricity. An extensive pipeline system
is already in place in Poland, and the network is such that delivering methane from mines to nearby
power generation facilities, residential, and industrial users would be not be difficult.
1.3.3 POLICIES TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT OF COALBED METHANE
The Polish government recognizes the potential benefits of increased coalbed methane utilization and is
taking an active role in encouraging development of this resource. Poland's Ministry of Environmental
Protection, Natural Resources, and Forestry (MEPNRF) has divided the Upper Silesian Coal Basin
(USCB) into 14 coalbed methane licensing blocks (Figure 7), all outside the boundaries of the mining
concessions. In 1993, Blocks III-XI were awarded to Amoco Poland, Ltd., and Blocks XII and XIII to
McCormick Energy Inc. Agreements have been reached with McCormick to develop coalbed methane
within two mining concessions, and Amoco began drilling its first coalbed methane well in November,
1994. As discussed in Chapter 3, other companies are also planning methane projects.
Two recent legislative developments in Poland are relevant to potential investors in coalbed methane
projects as they replace outdated laws that served a centrally-planned system. Much of the following
discussion on these acts is from a 1994 paper by Ronne.
The Geological and Mining Law of February 4. 1994
The Geological and Mining Law of February 4, 1994 regulates the ownership of, and the right to explore
for and extract, natural resources. The draft Energy Law (approved by the government in November,
1994, and awaiting passage by the Sejm) sets out the principles for the regulation of supply and use of
energy fuels. These two acts constitute an essential part of the implementation of the energy sector
restructuring plan and attempt to provide a sound, clear legal system that will attract private investment -
both Polish and foreign - into the industry.
According to the Geological and Mining Law, coalbed methane is one of the so-called "basic minerals",
implying that its exploration and exploitation is subject to the most restrictive system of regulation.
Among other things, this means that all coalbed methane development activities are subject to the grant
of a license/concession by the Minister of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources, and Forestry.
Obtaining the exclusive right to produce methane in a specified area is a three-step procedure:
13
-------
EXPLANATION
Q EXPLORATION FIELDS (
1. PYSKOWICE
2. PILCHOWICE
3. SUMINA
4. JEJKQWICE
5. PARUSZOWIEC
6. CHUDOW - PANIQWY
7. ZA ROWEM BELCKIM
B. ZORY - SLISZEC
9. KOBIOR - PSZCZYNA
CWIKLICE - MIEDZYRZECZE - BERLIN
ANNA - POLE POLUDMIOWE
GOLKOWICE
BZIE - DEBIKIA
WARSZOWICE - PAWLOWICE - POLMOC
PAWLOWICE
QSWIECIM - PDLANKA
STUDZIONKI - MIZERQW
WISKA 1 - WISKA 2
WISKA - POLMOC
TEKICZYKIEK
ZATOR
SPYTKOWICE
MIEDZYRZECZE
ZEBRZYDOWICE
OG KLODNICA
QG LIGQTA
MIKOLOW
JM
PSTROWSKI
MIECHOWICE
POWSTANCOW SLASKICH
BOBREK
CENTRUM - SZOMBIERKI
JULIAN
ROZBARK
ANDALUZJA
. JOWISZ
. SIEyiANOWICE
. GRODZIEC
. SATURN
. PARYZ
. SOSNOWIEC
, KLIMONTOW - PORABKA
. KAZIUIERZ - JULIUSZ
. GLIWICE
. SQSNICA
. MAKOSZOWY
. ZABRZE-BIELSZOWICE
. WAWEL
. POKOJ
. HALEMBA
. SLASK - MATYLDA
. NOWY WIREK
. SLASK
. BARBARA CHORZOW
. K LEO FAS
. WUJEK
. POLSKA
. KATOWICE
. STASZIC
. WIECZOREK
. MYSLOWICE
. WESOLA
. NIWKA - MODRZEJOW
. JAN KANTY (KQMLINA PARYSKA)
. JAWORZNO
. SIERSZA
. KNUROW
. SCZYGLOWICE
. DEBIENSKQ
. BUDRYK
. BOLESLAW SMIALY
. BARBARA DOSWIADCZAINA
. MURCKI
. ZIEMQWIT
. JANINA
. PI AST
. CZECZOTT
. BRZESZCZE
. SILESIA
. RYDULTOWY
. RYMER
. CHWALQWICE
. ZORY (ZMP)
. KRUPINSKI
. ANNA
. MARCEL
. JANKOWICE
. BORYNIA
. PNIOWEK
. 1 MAJA
, JASTRZEBIE
, ZOFIQWKA (MANIFEST LIPCQWY)
. UQSZCZENICA
. MQRCINEK
T- y IV CQALBED METHANE LICENSIHG BLOCKS
-------
1. An open tender for applications (the exploration company that discovered the deposit, however, has
a preemptive right over other companies).
2. Entering into an agreement in which the license fee is settled.
3. Issuance of a license by the Minister of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources, and Forestry
in agreement with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and local government.
The Draft Energy Law
The draft Energy Law mandates that energy enterprises maintain a continuous and reliable supply of
energy. It obliges them to supply and connect customers, meet demand, and initiate actions for reducing
consumption. The main principle is that energy supply activities require the prior grant of a license unless
they are expressly exempted.
A crucial parameter for the utilization of coalbed methane is how pricing is regulated. The draft Energy
Law introduces a new pricing concept, the main idea of which is that within energy markets where
competition exists, the market should establish the price. Within some areas, however (typically the
gridbased industries), there will always be monopolies, and these prices will need to be regulated in order
to assure a balance between the interests of the consumers and the companies. Pursuant to the law, the
regulated company will be free to establish its own pricing and tariff structure, but it will be subject to the
direction and approval of the Energy Regulatory Authority. The law assures a regulated company with
sufficient revenues to reflect the cost of operations and raw materials and a return on investment.
A related ordinance that is especially encouraging was passed by the Minister of Finance on July 6, 1994
and has been in force since August, 1994. The ordinance grants an unusually generous 10-year
corporate tax exemption to entities engaged in oil, gas, and methane prospecting and exploration;
usually, only three-year exemptions are granted for such activities (Clifford Chance, 1994a).
1.3.4 FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN POLAND
For the benefit of US companies considering investment in coalbed methane in Poland, this section
contains an overview of policies and procedures pertaining to investment in that country. For further
information, see Price Waterhouse (1994); KPMG Poland (1993); and Ernst and Young (1993). Appendix
A of this report contains a list of government and mining contacts, their functions, and addresses.
The Polish government strongly encourages foreign investors. Most of the legislative reforms that have
been passed into law during the last two years have made the business atmosphere attractive for foreign
investment, and the resultant inflow of capital and business expertise is expediting Poland's transition
toward a free market economy. The Joint Ventures Acts, Foreign Exchange Act, Personal Income Tax
Act, and a series of banking reforms have been the main legislative changes.
The Foreign Investment Law of 1991 provides a tax exemption to a company whose business activities
lead to the transfer of new technology to the national economy. Since coalbed methane recovery
projects involving foreign investment may likely be recognized as legitimate technology transfer projects,
they may be eligible for this tax exemption.
The formation and operation of private companies in Poland is governed by the Commercial Code of
1934 and the Joint Ventures Act of June 14, 1991. These two laws lay out the conditions under which
foreign parties may conduct business activity in Poland. The Minister of Ownership Changes, the central
administrative authority on foreign investments, is responsible for all decisions concerning the formation
of companies and the issue of permits.
Companies formed under Polish law, even if 100 percent owned by foreign investors, are Polish legal
persons to which Polish law applies. The rules and regulations involving the formation of a business
entity in Poland are stringent and must be strictly followed in order to avoid any delays or bureaucratic
15
-------
entanglements. There are no shortcuts, and the time involved in the application process should be seen
as a prerequisite to doing business in Poland. The different kinds of business entities in which foreigners
may participate are:
JOINT VENTURE COMPANY - In Polish terminology, a joint venture is not a separate legal business
form in itself. Instead, the term is used to signify a company with foreign participation, which may be
wholly owned by foreign investors. A joint venture must be organized either as a limited liability company
or a joint stock company that operates in Poland. In principle, all types of entities are open to foreign
investment. There are two types of joint venture companies - joint stock, and limited liability.
Joint stock company - This is similar to the German AG, but differs by the fact that capital is
composed of transferable shares. The majority of joint stock companies in Poland are medium-
to-large size firms with a large number of participants, but many state-owned companies,
insurance companies and banks have this form.
Limited liability company - This very similar to the German GmbH. Limited liability companies
in Poland are typically small- to medium-size businesses with a small number of participants,
and may be wholly owned by one person. They are also the most common form of business
enterprise that foreign firms establish, as the rules governing this type of company are more
flexible than those governing the establishment of a joint stock company. In particular the
disclosure requirements are minimal.
REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE - A representative office of a foreign person is permitted to operate in
Poland, but may only engage in foreign trade. It is a foreign legal entity under Polish law.
16
-------
CHAPTER 2
COALBED METHANE RESOURCES OF POLAND
2.1 INTRODUCTION
Coalbed methane has long been viewed as a mine safety hazard, requiring that it be diluted to safe non-
explosive levels, and often it is simply vented. In many mines, ventilation alone is not sufficient to
maintain safe mining conditions and additional degasification techniques-including in-seam drilling and
drainage in advance of mining-have been developed. Many of Poland's coal mines have dangerously
high methane concentrations, and the Poles have long relied on degasification techniques to produce
coal safely.
In order to evaluate the potential to develop coalbed methane in Poland, it is necessary to estimate the
magnitude of the resource. The estimates in this study are based on an evaluation of coal resources,
including methane content and other characteristics of the coal that can affect the production of coalbed
methane. This chapter provides an assessment of coal resources in Poland, and estimates its coalbed
methane resources.
2.2 COAL RESOURCES
As outlined in Chapter 1, coal is mined in three basins in Poland, the locations of which are shown in
Figure 6 (page 6). Table 6 summarizes the characteristics of the basins. As the table indicates, the Upper
Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) is the largest coal basin in Poland in terms of its coal resources, and most of
the coal mining activity is concentrated in this basin; therefore, this report focuses on the USCB and
provides only basic information on the other two coal basins.
TABLE 6. SUMMARY OF COAL BASIN CHARACTERISTICS, POLAND (1993)
Characteristic
Basin Area (square km)
Documented Coal Resources (109 Tons)
Active Mining Concessions
Concessions in Process of Closure
Hard Coal Production (106 Tons) in 1993
Methane Liberated (106 m3) in 1993
Methane Utilized (106 m3) in 1993
COAL BASIN
Upper Silesian
5,800
56.9
65*
6
127.2
753.5
167.7
Lower Silesian
550
0.2
4
4
1.2
21.1
0
Lublin
21,000
7.6
1
0
2.2
0
0
* As of 1993 there were 67 total concessions in the USCB; 1 of these (Budryk) was under construction
and another (Barbara Doswiadzcaina) was used solely for experimental purposes
17
-------
2.2.1 THE UPPER SILESIAN COAL BASIN (USCB)
Introduction
Poland owes its long-standing position as one of the top five coal producing countries in the world to the
reserves of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. Coal mining began in the USCB in 1740; 48 mines were
developed prior to 1900, and 37 were developed after 1900. As of 1993, there were 65 active mines in
the USCB. In addition, one mine (Budryk) was under construction, and another (Barbara) was designated
for mining research. All of the underground mines use the longwall method of production.
Geologic Setting
The USCB is bordered on the west by the Moravo-Silesian Fold Zone, on the south by the Brunnia-Upper Silesia
Massif, and on the east by the Krakow Fold Belt. The USCB extends southward from the Rybnik area into the
Ostrava-Karvina coal mining district of the Czech Republic. However, USCB production and resource data in
this report pertain only to the Polish portion of the basin.
Predominant tectonic characteristics (Figure 8) are south-southwest to north-northeast trending folds and thrusts
in the west; faults superimposed on dome and basin structures in the center and east; and half horsts cutting the
entire basin.
Generally dipping south-southeast, the coal bearing formations are divided into an upper part consisting of
continental sediments deposited in limnic-fluvial environments, and a lower part comprised of siliciclastic,
molasse sediments deposited in marine, deltaic, fluvial, and limnic environments. The general stratigraphy of the
basin is depicted in Figure 9. Formations of Carboniferous age contain the 4,500 m thick productive series,
which includes 234 coal seams, of which 200 are considered economic (Kotas and Stenzel, 1986). The total
thickness of the coal seams is 339 meters (m). The upper part of the Namurian section includes the Zabrze and
Ruda formations, totaling a coal bearing thickness of about 80 m. Also known as the Upper Sandstone Series,
the Zabrze and Ruda formations comprise the principal economic section within the basin. They pinch out to the
east.
On average, USCB coals contain 0.86-1.99 percent sulfur (average 1.3 percent) and 11.05-16.21 percent ash
(average 13.7 percent). Heating value ranges from 28.7-32.1 MJ/kg. Coal rank ranges from subbituminous to
anthracite; only subbituminous and bituminous coal is being mined at present. Mining depth ranges from 235 to
1,160m.
Coal Resources
Total coal resources in the USCB are estimated at 102 billion tons, contained in 100 deposits. Sixty-six
of the deposits are classified as "developed" (i.e., with active mines or mines under construction); the
remainder are "undeveloped" (i.e., have never been or are not currently being mined). Based on the data
in Table 7, about 73 percent of the basin's coal resources are documented (identified), and nearly 28
percent are balance reserves7 within active mining concessions. Table 8 shows coal resources and other
key characteristics of each gassy mine in the USCB. The table also shows total coal production and
reserves for all mines (both gassy and non-gassy).
7 "Balance" reserves are those meeting certain criteria for quality, geologic conditions, and other characteristics.
Criteria vary for separate coal mines or companies, but in general they are as follows: maximum depth = 1000 m,
minimum thickness = 1 m, maximum ash content = 40 percent. See Appendix B for a more complete explanation of
Poland's coal resource classification system.
18
-------
FIGURE 8. TECTONIC MAP OF THE
UPPER SILESIAN COAL BASIN, POLAND
Of THC1UCB
. NOWALAKOKVfJlSCMUlTt.
DASHED WHERE WFCMED.
HUHUMi ON aOWNTHKWII In
. ?W»J»Tf«KII.«*WIiin«M
wrcarunE
19
SOURCE: CEHTHAL MIMHO INSTITUTE. KATOWICE
-------
i. OF
COAL
COAL
COAL
UMCOMriMMfY
DEVONIAN
-
EXPLANATION
COM,
IOTAS «H-0
-------
TABLE 7. HARD COAL RESOURCES OF THE USCB (IN BILLION TONS)
DOCUMENTED (IDENTIFIED) RESOURCES; INCLUDES A, B, CL AND C2 CATEGORIES
IN DEVELOPED DEPOSITS (ACTIVE MINES)
Balance Reserves (meet certain criteria for quality, geologic conditions, etc.)
28.8
Non-Balance Resources (do not meet certain criteria)
12.8
IN UNDEVELOPED DEPOSITS AND INACTIVE MINES
Balance Reserves
28.1
Non-Balance Resources
5.0
PROGNOSTIC (UNDISCOVERED) RESOURCES; INCLUDES D1 and D2 CATEGORIES
27.0
TOTAL RESOURCES
101.7
Source: Documented resources - Polish MEPNRF, 1990; Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse, 1994
Prognostic Resources - Kotas and Porzycki, 1985
Almost two-thirds of the documented coal resources of the USCB are subbituminous or high volatile C
and B bituminous. Most of the remaining coal resources are classified as medium and low-volatile
bituminous coal. For a more detailed description of the Polish coal classification system, see Appendix
B.
Coal Production and Mine Restructuring
Upper Silesian Coal Basin mines produced 127.2 million tons in 1993 (Table 8), down from 143.2 million
tons in 1989. This represents 97 percent of the total hard coal production in Poland, and thus Poland's
overall decline in hard coal production (described in Chapter One) is mostly a function of the decline in
USCB production. The largest mine, in terms of production, is Ziemowit; this non-gassy mine produced
6.3 million tons of coal in 1993. The average mine produces about 2 million tons annually.
The rapidly worsening financial situation of the hard coal mines has resulted in extensive restructuring of
the coal mining sector in Poland, a process which began in earnest in 1993 and is expected to continue
through 2000. The goal of the restructuring process is to foster competitive development of the coal
industry by addressing the main issues affecting this subsector. These issues include: closure of
uneconomical mines, organizational restructuring, financing of coal mining enterprises, ensuring an
appropriate labor force, the transition to market-determined prices, environmental protection, and an
improved regulatory/legal framework (ESMAP, 1993).
Organizational restructuring began in 1993, and currently, mines of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin are
organized into six coal joint stock companies (consisting of 49 mines) and one coal holding company
(consisting of 11 mines), as shown in Figure 10. A coal joint stock company groups several mines under
one management (Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse, 1995). Major investments (approximately $US
13,000 or greater) in any of the mines in a company can only be made by coal company management
(not by mine managers). The individual mines are not legal entities, and the mine managers' authority is
limited to maintaining production and managing personnel.
The Katowice Coal Holding Company also groups several mines under common management, but
differs from the joint stock companies in that its mines are legal entities (registered as companies) and
managers have more decision-making authority. The level of investment that mine managers are
authorized to make depends on prior agreement. The holding company thus differs from the joint stock
company in that mines have more individual control over investment decisions. However, it is similar to
the joint stock companies in that production, employment, selling and marketing policies are consistent
within the company.
21
-------
TABLE 8. KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF GASSY*
UPPER SILESIAN BASIN COAL MINES
(Throughout this report, mines termed "gassy" are those which liberated methane in 1993)
MINE
1 MAJA
ANNA
BOBREK
BORYNIA
BRZESZCZE
DEBIENSKO
HALEMBA
JANKOWICE
JASTRZEBIE
KATOWICE
KNUROW
KRUPINSKI
MARCEL
MORCINEK
MOSZCZENICA
MYSLOWICE
NIWKA-MODRZ.
NOWY WIREK
PNIOWEK
POKOJ
PSTROWSKI
SILESIA
SLASK
SOSNICA
STASZIC
SZCZYGLOWICE
WAWEL
WESOLA
WIECZOREK
ZABRZE-BIELSZ.
ZOFIOWKA
ZORY (ZMP)
YEAR
PRODUC-
TION
STARTED
1960
1840
*
1971
1903
*
1957
1916
1962
*
*
1983
1883
1987
1966
*
*
1955
1974
*
*
1902
1974
*
1964
1961
*
1952
*
1891
1969
1979
MAX-
IMUM
MINING
DEPTH
(m)
850
700
840
713
740
780
1030
565
650
630
850
620
800
1050
640
680
600
710
830
700
1160
500
N/A
750
720
650
800
860
580
840
830
700
TOTAL LISTED MINES (GASSY MINES)
OTHER (NON-GASSY) USCB MINES
TOTAL USCB MINES
1992
COAL
PRODUC-
TION
(106
TONS)
1.61
1.60
0.90
2.11
3.08
1.50
2.92
3.69
2.06
1.40
3.40
1.74
1.72
0.96
1.57
1.90
1.40
1.90
2.94
1.60
1.00
1.19
1.20
3.00
4.30
2.50
1.00
3.30
2.30
3.30
2.10
0.85
66.04
46.56
112.60
1993
COAL
PRODUC-
TION
(106TONS)
1.69
1.90
1.00
2.30
2.87
1.50
2.78
3.69
2.04
1.40
2.90
1.63
2.19
0.96
1.87
1.90
N/A
N/A
3.02
N/A
0.70
1.13
N/A
2.50
3.70
2.70
0.90
3.77
N/A
3.21
2.30
0.50
> 67.30
N/A
127.20
1993
BALANCE
COAL
RESERVES
(106TONS)
262.7
111.7
112.8
525.0
407.5
983.8
573.3
924.9
282.9
148.4
711.9
648.3
230.9
390.7
412.3
121.1
253.3
127.8
1038.1
186.5
94.5
727.2
261.7
418.7
637.0
959.9
43.3
1025.2
149.9
544.8
546.4
289.8
14,152.3
14,647.7
28,800.0
1993
METHANE
LIBERATED
(Mm3)
32.0
10.3
0.7
8.9
124.9
0.3
53.0
8.7
20.0
2.6
0.9
48.7
10.8
25.6
41.8
8.9
5.2
5.3
126.5
0.6
1.4
41.1
4.1
12.4
18.9
3.2
4.6
42.5
2.8
16.2
59.6
11.0
753.5
0.0
753.5
Shaded rows indicate mines profiled in Part II of this report
* Production began prior to 1945; exact year not available
Source: Coalbed Methane Clear nghouse at the Polish Center for Energy Efficiency
22
-------
EIGURE 10: BOUNDARIES OE COAL MINING CONCESSIONS AND THE SEVEN COAL MINING COMPANIES
EXPL^
EXPLORATION EIELDS
1. PYSKOWICE
2. PILCHQWICE
________„ 3. SUMINA
_-—~^ V__ 4. JEJKOWICE
^_____^ .^"^ ^~~~^-, 5. PARUSZOWIEC
^— — s~^ ~) ^ — ___— - -^ ) 6. CHUDOW - PANIOWY
, — — ^ C^"^ l^ / 7. ZA ROWEM BELCKIU
/ ^ 8. ZORC - SUSZEC
S . ,/ 9. kOBIOR - PSZGZYNA
/ ' J 1. ANNA - POLE POLUDNIOWE
/
-------
As shown in Figure 10, six mines are independent of any coal company. Four of these mines (Saturn,
Sosnowiec, Klimontow-Porabka, and Jan Kanty) are slated for closure; a fifth (Zory) was also scheduled
for closure, but, according to the Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse (1994), this decision was recently
canceled. The sixth (Barbara Doswiadczaina) is used for experimental purposes only.
According to Piekorz (1994) "closure operations" were conducted on the Saturn, Sosnowiec, Zory,
Barbara-Chorzow, Siemianowice, and Paryz mines in 1993, and the Szombierki and Centrum mines
were merged. A plan presented to the Ministry of Industry and Trade in 1993 calls for closure of the
Klimontow-Porabka and Jan Kanty mines by 1995, and the liquidation of an additional five USCB mines
by connecting them with neighboring mines: Jowisz will be connected to Andaluzja, Pstrowski and
Bobrekto Miechowice, Wawel to Pokoj, and Rymerto Chwalowice (FBIS, 1993).
As of early 1995, however, none of these mines have been fully liquidated. The reasons for this are both
social and technical. Socially, mine owners (i.e., the State) must determine how to handle displaced
workers and their dependent families. Technically, careful planning is required to ensure that water
and/or gas from closed mines does not affect nearby active mines. These problems can be overcome,
but they raise the cost and complicate the nature of mine closure activities.
Methane Liberation
Both liberation and emission of methane from USCB mines appears to have peaked in the late 1980's.
Large amounts of methane are still being emitted, however, representing a significant waste of energy.
An estimated 754 million cubic meters of methane were liberated from USCB mines in 1993 (Table 9), a
25 percent decrease from 1988 levels. This decrease is primarily a function of decreasing coal
production. Less than 168 million m3, or 22 percent of the liberated methane, were used; the remaining
78 percent was emitted to the atmosphere.8
Figure 11 is a contour map of specific emissions (volume of methane liberated per unit weight of coal
mined, in m3 / ton) in the USCB. In general, it appears that the mines with higher specific emissions are
in areas that 1) have a thick sequence of Miocene strata unconformably overlying the Carboniferous and
2) are not disturbed by thrust faulting. It may be that the impermeable Miocene formations help to trap
methane in the coal, except in areas where the gas is able to escape along a zone of thrust faulting.9
Note the distinction between "liberation" and emission": liberated methane is that released from the coal, whether
or not it is utilized; emissions, in the strict sense, refer to liberated methane that has not been utilized and therefore
enters the atmosphere.
9 The hydrogeology of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin is also affected by the presence or absence of this Miocene
cover. In the northern and northeastern part of the basin, the Miocene cover is thin to absent, so Carboniferous
aquifers are directly recharged by river valleys and channels. Water in these Carboniferous aquifers is thus high in
volume, but relatively low in mineral content. In contrast, the southern and western parts of the basin are covered
by the Miocene sequence, so inflow into Carboniferous aquifers of this region is much smaller, with the result that
these aquifers contain less water. The mineral content of this water, however, is much higher, as it is not being
diluted by recharge.
24
-------
TABLE 9. USCB METHANE EMISSION DATA (IN MILLION m3) FOR 1993
(MINES LISTED IN DESCENDING ORDER OF TOTAL AMOUNT LIBERATED)
MINE
PNIGWEK
BRZESZCZE
ZOFIOWKA
HALEMBA
KRUPINSKI
WESOLA
MOSZCZENICA
SILESIA
1 MAJA
MORCINEK
JASTRZEBIE
STASZIC
ZABRZE-BIEL.
SOSNICA
ZORY (ZMP)
MARCEL
ANNA
BORYNIA
MYSLOWICE
JANKOWICE
NOWY WIREK
NIWKA-MODRZ.
WAWEL
SLASK
SZCZYGLOWICE
WIECZOREK
KATOWICE
PSTROWSKI
KNUROW
BOBREK
POKOJ
DEBIENSKO
TOTAL
METHANE LIBERATED
DRAINED
49.2
44.5
19.8
15.6
15.8
5.7
10.2
7.7
8.5
16.9
3.5
2.1
1.2
0.0
2.0
4.9
2.0
0.9
0.0
2.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
212.8
VENTED
77.3
80.4
39.8
37.4
32.9
36.8
31.6
33.4
23.5
8.7
16.5
16.8
15.0
12.4
9.0
5.9
8.3
8.0
8.9
6.4
5.3
5.2
4.6
4.1
3.2
2.8
2.6
1.4
0.9
0.7
0.6
0.3
540.7
TOTAL
126.5
124.9
59.6
53.0
48.7
42.5
41.8
41.1
32.0
25.6
20.0
18.9
16.2
12.4
11.0
10.8
10.3
8.9
8.9
8.7
5.3
5.2
4.6
4.1
3.2
2.8
2.6
1.4
0.9
0.7
0.6
0.3
753.5
METH-
ANE
UTILIZED
43.4
44.1
15.2
3.0
6.7
2.6
9.8
7.6
7.3
14.4
3.1
2.0
1.2
0.0
1.4
4.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
167.7
METH-
ANE
EMITTED
83.1
80.8
44.4
50.0
42.0
39.9
32.0
33.5
24.7
11.2
16.9
16.9
15.0
12.4
9.6
6.6
10.3
8.9
8.9
7.0
5.3
5.2
4.6
4.1
3.2
2.8
2.6
1.4
0.9
0.7
0.6
0.3
585.8
%OF
LIBER-
ATED
METHANE
DRAINED
38.9
35.6
33.2
29.4
32.4
13.4
24.4
18.7
26.6
66.0
17.5
11.1
7.4
0.0
18.2
45.3
19.4
10.1
0.0
26.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
28.3
%OF
DRAINED
METHANE
UTILIZED
88.2
99.1
77.8
19.2
42.4
45.6
96.1
98.7
85.9
85.2
88.5
95.2
100.0
NA
70.0
85.7
0.0
0.0
NA
73.9
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
78.5
Shaded rows indicate mines profiled in Part II of this report
Source: Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse at the Polish Foundation for Energy Efficiency
25
-------
FIGURE
ir 1i
0
* IS
PYSKOWICE
PILCHOWICE
SUMINA
JEJKOWICE
PARUSZOWIEC
CHUDOW - PANIQWY
ZA RQWEM BELCKIM
ZORY - SUSZEC
KOBIOR - PSZCZYNA
. CWIKLICE - UIEDZYRZECZE -
. ANNA - POLE POLUDNIOWE
. GQLKOWICE
. BZIE - DEBINA
. WARSZOWICE - PAWLOWICE -
. PAWLOWICE
. OSWIECIM - POLANKA
. STUDZIONKI - MIZERGW
. WISKA 1 - WISKA 2
. WISKA - POLMOC
. TENCZYNEK
. ZATOR
. SPYTKOWICE
IIIEDZiRZECZE
ZEBPZiDOWICE
Ob h LODMICA
OG LIGQTA
Mil OLUW
PSTROWSKI
UIECHQWICE
POWSTANCOW SLASKICH
BOBREK
CENTRUM - SZQMBIERKI
JULIAN
ROZBARK
ANDALUZJA
JOWISZ
SIEMIANQWICE
GRODZIEC
SATURN
PARYZ
SOSNOWIEC
KLIUDNTQW - PORABKA
KAZIMIERZ - JULIUSZ
GLIWICE
SDSNICA
UAKOSZOWY
ZABRZE-BIELSZOWICE
WAWEL
POKOJ
HALEMBA
SLASK - UATYLDA
NOWY WIREK
SLASK
BARBARA CHORZOW
KLEOFAS
WUJEK
POLSKA
KATOWICE
STASZIC
WIECZOREK
UYSLQWICE
WESOLA
NIWKA - MODRZEJOW
JAN KANTY (KDUUNA PARYSKA)
JAWORZNO
SIERSZA
KNURQW
SCZYGLOWICE
DEBIENSKO
BUDRYK
BOLESLAW SMIALY
BARBARA DOSWIADCZAINA
UURCKI
ZIEMOWIT
JANINA
PI AST
CZECZOTT
BRZESZCZE
SILESIA
RYDULTOWY
RYUER
CHWALOWICE
ZDRY (ZMP)
KRUPINSKI
ANNA
MARCEL
JANKOWICE
BORYNIA
PNIOWEK
1 MAJA
JASTRZEBIE
ZOFIOWKA [MANIFEST LIPCOWY)
MOSZCZENICA
MQRCINEK
26
-------
2.2.2 THE LOWER SILESIAN COAL BASIN (LSCB)
Introduction
Strategically positioned in western Poland, coal mining in the LSCB is documented back to the mid-
1300's, and industrial scale mining back to about 1760. In the mid-19th century, the entire basin was
divided into many small mines. Toward the end of the century, these small mines closed or merged into
five large mines. These mine concessions occupy 108 km2, about 25 percent of the basin. The LSCB is
composed of four sub-basins or districts, the most significant being the Walbrzych (central portion of the
LSCB) and Nowa Ruda (southeastern portion of the LSCB) districts.
Coal bearing formations of the LSCB were deposited in the Intra-Sudetic Synclinorium. The basin
extends westward and southward into Czechoslovakia, where coal is produced in the Trutnov district.
However, production and reserves data presented in this report pertain only to the Polish part of the
basin.
Formations of Carboniferous age contain the 1,600 m thick productive series, which includes 34
economic coal seams. These seams vary in thickness from 0.6 to 3 m. Coal rank ranges from
subbituminous to anthracite; only bituminous and anthracite coal is being mined at present. On average,
LSCB coals contain 0.1-0.9 percent sulfur, 7.1-8.5 percent ash, 9.5-10.4 percent moisture, and 17-29
percent volatile matter. Heating value averages from 27.2 to 31.7 MJ/kg (Dziedzica et al, 1979).
Coal Resources and Production
Official Polish estimates of balance coal resources in the LSCB are 194 million tons. Overall, coal in the
LSCB is higher in rank than USCB coal. More than two-thirds of the basin's documented resources are
high-volatile A bituminous, and almost 30 percent are medium- and low- volatile bituminous and
anthracite coal. Less than 3 percent of the basin's resources are sub-bituminous or high-volatile C
bituminous.
The LSCB produces less than 1 percent of Poland's hard coal from its five mines, three of which are in
the Walbrzych District and two of which are in the Nowa Ruda District.10 In 1993 the LSCB produced 1.2
million tons of hard coal, less than half the coal it produced in 1989. Most of the region's coal is produced
by mines of the Walbrzych District.
Most mining occurs between 800 and 900 meters. Coal production has fallen significantly in recent years
due to the decrease in coal quality with increasing mining depth. Methane hazards, CO2 emissions and
rock outbursts increase with depth, which contributes to decreased production, as do geologic factors,
particularly steeply dipping coal seams. The principal mining method in the LSCB is modified longwall; it
is not economically feasible to use fully mechanized longwall techniques due to the steeply dipping beds.
Approximately 2 tons of material are mined to produce 1 ton of coal. Because of the exceptionally high
mining costs associated with these conditions, all of the LSCB mines are in the process of closure,
according to Poland's mine restructuring program.
10 Nowa Ruda is often referred to as a single mine with two producing coalfields, hence some sources state that the
LSCB has four, rather than five, producing mines.
27
-------
Methane Emissions
All of the LSCB mines have high methane concentrations, except for the Piast coalfield of the Nowa
Ruda mine, which reports no methane but large amounts of CO211 Mines do not use advanced
techniques to recover methane before or during mining, and there is no methane utilization in the basin.
In 1993, methane emissions were 21.1 million cubic meters, accounting for 3 percent of the total
methane emitted from Polish coal mines.
According to the UNECE (1994c), the POGC in 1993 initiated collaboration with VERBUNDNETZGAS, a
German company, to supply high methane natural gas from German pipelines to Lower Silesia in
quantities gradually increasing up to about 1 billion m3 annually. This will enable conversion of Lower
Silesian coke oven gas users to high-methane natural gas, as the environmentally burdensome coke
oven plants in Walbrzych are being phased out. The feasibility of using LSCB methane to displace some
of this German gas may be worth investigating.
2.2.3 THE LUBLIN COAL BASIN (LCB)
Introduction
The LCB, shown in Figure 6, is located in eastern Poland and has not been extensively mined. Although
seven mines were originally planned for the region, only one mine, the Bogdanka, has been completed.
Construction began on the Bogdanka mine began in 1975 and coal production began in December of
1982 (Polish Hard Coal Agency, 1990). A second mine, the Stefanow, is nearly complete, and the other
five mines remain in the planning stage.
The delay in further development is due in part to difficulties encountered in the Bogdanka mine,
particularly the presence of an aquifer above the coal seams, incompetent roof rocks, and barren layers
contained within the coal. It is also due to the fact that run-of-mine quality of the coal will need to be
improved by a beneficiation process, for which investment capital is presently lacking.
The rank of LCB coal ranges from subbituminous to bituminous; most of the coal is subbituminous or
high volatile C bituminous. Analysis of coal samples taken from the Bogdanka mine in 1987 yielded the
following average characteristics: moisture content, 5.1 percent; ash content, 9.5 percent; volatile
content, 31.5 percent; heating value, 29.1 MJ/kg. Mining depth is 955 m.
Carboniferous age formations contain the 2500 m thick productive series. Economic coal seams range
from 0.8 to 2.7 meters thick. Of 16 coal beds present in the Bogdanka mine, 6 have been designated for
mining.
Geologic Setting
The LCB is an elongated, NW-SE trending basin. Coal bearing formations occupy about 21,000 km2 of
the basin, the boundaries of which are not well defined. The LCB continues southeast into Ukraine,
where it is known as the Lvov-Volynian Basin. However, production and reserves figures in this report
pertain only to the Polish part of the basin.
About 9,000 km2 of the basin is believed to be most prospective for coal; the overburden thickness in this
area ranges from 300-1200 m. The coal formation known as the Lublin Bed (Westphalian A-C)
11 It is not uncommon for gases other than methane to be present in coal seams. Various coal basins throughout
the world report the presence of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or propane in their coal seams.
28
-------
comprises an estimated 92 percent of the LCB coal reserves (A-C2 classification) and constitutes the
main coal bearing section of the basin. These beds reach a maximum thickness of 900 m in the central
part of the basin; 24 of the 50 seams they contain are considered to be economic. The seams are from
0.8 to 1.6 m (rarely, up to 2.7 m) thick. Depth of occurrence varies from 650-950 m, locally up to 1100 m.
Coal Resources and Production
According to official Polish government estimates, balance coal resources of the LCB are 7.6 billion tons.
Less than 4 percent of these resources are associated with the basin's only active mine, Bogdanka.
Coal in the LCB is of low to medium rank. More than 80 percent of the reserves are of subbituminous or
high-volatile C bituminous rank, and the remaining reserves are high-volatile A bituminous coals. None
of the coal is classified as medium or low volatile bituminous or anthracite.
Centrally located in the area of thickest coal bearing formations, the Bogdanka mine concession covers
48.4 k
1993.
48.4 km2 Production from this mine has increased from 0.4 million tons in 1987 to 2.2 million tons in
Located about 3 km south of the Bogdanka mine, and connected to it by a tunnel, the Stefanow mine
(37.8 km2 in area) has sunk two shafts, one to 990 m and one to 1020 m. It is estimated that an
investment of $US 100 million will be required in order to construct the facilities necessary to achieve
planned production.
Methane Emissions
Methane is not considered to be a hazard in the Bogdanka mine. Based on research and exploration
conducted by Polish organizations, however, it appears likely that some methane is being emitted by the
LCB coal mines. These organizations have reported that the gas content of nearly all Namurian coal
seams exceeds 0.02 m3/ ton clean coal, and that the gas content is highest in high-volatile bituminous A
coal.
2.3 COALBED METHANE RESOURCE ESTIMATES
To fully evaluate the development potential of a coalbed methane project requires reliable estimates of
coalbed methane resources. Accurate estimates of methane resources use methods based on detailed
information on the coal reserves generated by a carefully designed coalbed methane exploration program.
Because no large-scale coalbed methane exploration programs have been completed in Poland (even if they
had, such data usually remain confidential for a long period of time), less accurate or rigorous methods help
give a reasonable order of magnitude.
Different estimates show that the USCB has between 150 and 200 billion cubic meters of methane reserves
associated with balance reserves of coal in its active mining concessions. Additionally, virgin coalbeds may
hold at least another 200 billion cubic meters. These estimates were established through three different
methods of calculating coalbed methane resources. A fourth, more conservative method, estimates balance
methane reserves. It's important to understand the four methods, since the best method chosen to estimate
methane reserves depends on the available data for each mine.
The specific emissions, methane content, Polish mining, and Polish Geological Institute (PGI) methods use
different data and/or criteria to calculate methane reserves:
1. The Specific Emissions Method uses specific emissions from each mine, and balance reserves of coal.
2. The Methane Content Method uses maximum measured methane contents and balance reserves of coal.
29
-------
3. The Polish Mining Method estimates the reserves that can be recovered using drainage technology that is
present at the mine or at other mines which have similar mining conditions; these are called balance
reserves.
4. The Polish Geological Institute Method uses average methane contents, coal quality, and total coal content
(for coal seams whose thickness is greater than 0.3m), to determine the average amount of methane
contained per unit area of the basin.
Table 10 shows the results of methods 1 through 3; since method 4 is not performed on a mine-by-mine basis,
its results were not included in the table. As Table 10 readily demonstrates, the different methods lead to
varying methane contents. A complete discussion of each method follows to identify their relative rigor and
accuracy.
2.3.1 SPECIFIC EMISSIONS METHOD
This method estimates methane resources using the specific methane emissions factor associated with
coal production at a particular mine. Specific emissions refers to the volume of methane liberated per
unit weight of coal mined during a given time period (in this case, one year), commonly expressed in
cubic meters per ton. Specific emissions can be calculated for any mine by dividing total methane
liberation (as reported by Poland's Central Mining Institute) by coal production. To prepare the resource
estimates, the specific emissions of a given mine were multiplied by the balance coal reserves of that
mine to yield the estimated methane resource associated with those coal reserves.
The specific emissions method can be useful for the most preliminary of estimates. However, it can lead
to inflated resource estimates in that it includes methane contained in the entire coal package, rather
than just the potential target coal seams. This method can also potentially overestimate resources when
adjacent coal seams included in the coal resource estimate are the source of some of the methane that
is emitted into the workings during mining. Where this occurs, the resource estimate may be "double
counted" (i.e., the weighted average of the methane liberated during mining would include the methane
from adjacent mineable seams and the target seam, but would not consider that some of the methane
would be depleted from the resource).
As shown in Table 10, according to this method, the total estimated methane resource contained in
balance reserves of in gassy mines of the USCB is 197 million m3. This likely represents the high-end
estimate of coalbed methane resources in active mining areas. Additional methane resources are
present in non-balance reserves of coal, however, and perhaps in prognostic coal resources within the
mining concessions.
2.3.2 METHANE CONTENT METHOD
Under this method, resource estimates were prepared using methane content data provided to the
authors by the Central Mining Institute in 1991. These data consist of the maximum methane content
measured from each of the 17 gassy mines profiled in Part II of this report. These methane content
values were multiplied by the balance coal reserves of each mine to estimate methane resources.
There are two main sources of uncertainty associated with these estimates and the data on which they
are based.
• First, these data represent maximum, rather than average, methane content measurements.
Methane contents of other coal seams, or of the same seams in other areas of the mining
concession, may be lower. The resource estimate could thus be inflated to the extent that the
average methane content for the mine differs from the maximum measured methane content.
30
-------
TABLE 10. SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, METHANE CONTENT, AND ESTIMATED
METHANE RESOURCES CONTAINED IN GASSY COAL MINES OF THE USCB
MINES
1 MAJA
ANNA
BOBREK
BORYNIA
BRZESZCZE
DEBIENSKO
HALEMBA
JANKOWICE
JASTRZEBIE
KATOWICE
KNUROW
KRUPINSKI
MARCEL
MORCINEK
WIOSZCZENICA
MYSLOWICE
NIWKA-MODRZ.
NOWY WIREK
PNIOWEK
POKOJ
PSTROWSKI
SILESIA
SLASK
SOSNICA
STASZIC
SZCZYGLOWICE
WAWEL
WESOLA
WIECZOREK
ZABRZE-BIELSZ,
ZOFIOWKA
ZORY (ZMP)
TOTAL
SPECIFIC
EMISSIONS
(m3/T)
18.9
5.42
0.7
3.9
43.5
0.2
19.1
2.4
9.8
1.9
0.3
29.9
4.9
26.7
22.4
4.7
3.8
2.7
41.9
0.4
2
36.4
3.4
5
5.1
1.2
5.1
11.3
2.8
5
25.9
22
METHANE
CONTENT
(m3/T)
18.0
NA
NA
6.0
15.0
NA
20.0
15.0
11.8
NA
NA
15.4
4.4
8.0
8.1
NA
NA
NA
15.0
NA
NA
10.5
NA
NA
8.0
NA
NA
11.6
NA
11.6
23.0
4.8
ESTIMATED IN-SITU
METHANE RESOURCES
(Mm3), BASED ON:
SPECIFIC
EMISSIONS
4,965
605
79
2,048
17,226
237
10,950
2,220
2,772
282
214
19,384
1,131
10,432
9,236
569
963
345
43,496
75
189
26,470
890
2,094
3,249
1,152
221
1 1 ,585
420
2,724
14,152
6,376
197,248
METHANE
CONTENT
4,729
NA
NA
3,150
6,113
NA
1 1 ,466
13,874
3,338
NA
NA
9,984
1,016
3,126
3,340
NA
NA
NA
15,572
NA
NA
7,636
NA
NA
5,096
NA
NA
1 1 ,892
NA
6,320
12,567
1,391
NA
BALANCE*
METHANE
RESERVES
(POLISH
MINING
METHOD)
(Mm3)
216.4
14.4
NA
741.4
519.5
NA
NA
24.7
67.8
NA
NA
642.3
23.7
67.4
206.6
NA
NA
NA
659.6
NA
NA
532.2
NA
NA
14.2
NA
NA
723.0
92.7
NA
312.6
59.5
NA
Shaded rows indicate mines profiled in Part II of this report. NA=Not Available
*Can be recovered using drainage techniques currently employed at the mine or at similar mines
Using a methodology different from those presented in this table, the Polish Geological Institute (Kotas, 1994)
estimates that 150 billion m3 of methane are contained in the coal reserves of all active mines (see Section 2.3.4).
31
-------
• Second, according to Polish methane content determinations, a constant lost gas value is assumed
in determining the methane content of the coal. Lost gas is the unmeasured gas that desorbs during
the time that elapses from the moment a coal sample is cut from the seam, until the moment it is
sequestered in an airtight container. The resource estimate could thus be inaccurate to the extent
that the actual lost gas content differs from this assumed lost gas content.
As shown in Table 10, the resource estimates calculated by the specific emissions method tend to higher
than those calculated using maximum methane contents (in 4 of the 17 cases, however, they are lower).
Because methane content data were not available for all of the gassy mines in the USCB, the total
methane resource contained in all gassy mines, as estimated by this method, could not be summed in
Table 10.
2.3.3 POLISH MINING METHOD (BALANCE METHANE RESERVES)
Each coal mining company (or its subcontractors) estimates the balance methane reserves contained in
its mines and submits these estimates to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources
and Forestry. Balance methane reserve estimates for all mines profiled in Part II of this report, except
Halemba and Zabrze-Bielszowice (whose methane reserves are in the process of being documented) are
presented in Table 10.
The estimates use the average measured methane content of coal seams that contain more than 2.5 m3
of methane per ton of dry, ash-free coal (Kwarcinski, 1994). The depths to which methane reserves are
calculated varies widely from mine to mine, anywhere from 900 to more than 1500 meters. The reason
that these depths vary widely is twofold: first, the coal reserves (on which the methane resource
estimates are based) are themselves estimated to varying depths; in addition, some mine managers are
not interested in the methane reserves contained in relatively deep coal seams (Grzybek, 1994),
presumably because they do not intend to mine these deep seams.
Note that compared to the other estimates presented in Table 10, the Polish Mining Method estimates
are much lower. The reason for this difference is that the Polish Mining Method yields balance methane
reserves, whereas the other two methods yield in-situ resources. Balance methane reserves are those
which can be recovered using technology present at the mine or at other mines with similar mining
conditions; they include only the methane that is a by-product of coal that will be mined. Balance
reserves do not include methane that could be recovered using improved drainage programs or
techniques. Some of the balance reserve figures shown in Table 10 do not reflect recent upgrades to the
drainage system; for example, the estimate for the Brzeszcze mine was made in 1986, but the
degasification system has been expanded since then and drainage has increased substantially.
2.3.4 ESTIMATES BY THE POLISH GEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
In 1990, the Upper Silesian Coal Branch of the Polish Geological Institute (PGI) performed a detailed
estimate of methane resources contained in the USCB (Kotas, 1994). The study resulted in resource
estimates for both active mining areas and virgin coal fields, although it focused on the latter. Rather
than calculating methane reserves on a mine-by-mine basis, the PGI evaluated in-situ gas resources in
four selected study areas in the USCB. Each of the four study areas was characterized by a distinct set
of geologic characteristics; together, the four study areas were considered to representative all of the
various conditions that exist in the basin. Using coal quality and gas content data from more than 2000
deep boreholes and mining shafts, average methane contents were calculated on 100 m intervals for
each of the study areas; only those coal seams thicker than 0.3 m were considered. The PGI found that
methane contents ranged from a few million m3/km2 at the margins of the prospective area to as much
as 490 million m3/km2 in the most favorable portions of the basin, and estimated that the USCB contains
an average of 200 million m3 per standard km2. A detailed explanation of the PGI's methodology is
presented in Kotas, 1994.
32
-------
Based on these calculations, the PGI estimates that 150 billion m3 of methane are contained in the area
of active coal mining. The PGI further estimates that an additional 200 billion m3 of methane are
contained in virgin (unmined) exploration fields of the USCB. The PGI states that these estimated
resource volumes are "conservative, but realistic in a view of serious environmental, technical and
economical constraints which will affect the future methane recovery" (Kotas, 1994).
2.3.5 DISCUSSION OF THE FOUR METHANE RESOURCE ESTIMATES
The four types of estimates presented above represent the only readily available methane resource
estimates for the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. While the Specific Emissions Method and the Polish
Geological Institute Method employ vastly different methodologies, their results are reasonably close-
197 billion m3 vs. 150 billion m3 for active coal mines. The Methane Content Method is presented
primarily so that the reader may compare, on a mine-by-mine basis, how specific emissions contrast with
maximum measured methane contents. The Polish Mining Method estimates are presented because
they represent the only mine-by-mine estimates of methane resources, calculated by Polish experts, that
are currently available. Of the four methods presented above, the results obtained by the Specific
Emissions Method and the Polish Geological Institute method appear to be most valid in terms of
potential reserves.
To put these coalbed methane reserve estimates in perspective, consider that, as discussed in Section
1.2.4, Poland's conventional natural gas reserves are estimated at 155 billion m3-about the same as the
PGI's estimate of coalbed methane reserves contained in active mines, and less than half of the total
coalbed methane resources (350 billion m3) that, according to the PGI, are contained in the USCB's
active mines and virgin coal seams combined.
Poland's current consumption of coalbed methane is less than 0.2 billion m3 annually; as discussed in
Section 1.2.4, its total natural gas consumption is about 11 billion m3 annually, and is expected to rise
substantially. At an annual consumption rate of 15 billion rrrVyear, this estimated 350 billion m3 coalbed
methane resource would be enough to extend Poland's indigenous gas supply by 23 years; at an annual
consumption rate of 30 billion rrrVyear, it would extend Poland's gas supply by nearly 12 years.
33
-------
CHAPTER 3
COALBED METHANE RECOVERY AND
POTENTIAL FOR UTILIZATION OF
COALBED METHANE IN POLAND
3.1 COALBED METHANE RECOVERY
Many opportunities for increased recovery of coalbed methane exist in Poland, particularly in the USCB.
Nearly 754 million m3 of methane were liberated from coal mining activities in this basin in 1993 (Table
8). Of the 65 mines operating in the USCB, 18 had methane drainage systems. These drainage systems
recovered 213 million cubic meters, or 28 percent, of the methane liberated by mining. Of this, 168
million cubic meters (79 percent) were utilized. Significantly more gas could be available for utilization
with an integrated approach to methane recovery in conjunction with mining operations.
Reduction of the methane concentration in mine ventilation air for safety reasons is a prime concern in
gassy coal mines throughout the world. This can be accomplished by increasing ventilation, or by
decreasing the amount of gas liberated into the mine workings from the coals. Increased ventilation can
be achieved by increasing the size of the fans or adding additional ventilation shafts. As the amount of
methane liberated per ton of coal mined increases, the capacity of the ventilation system must also
increase. According to 1990 data (Table 11), methane ventilation represents a significant percentage of
overall mining costs at the USCB mines studied. These costs ranged from about 1 percent to almost 7
percent of total costs. Several mines (marked with an asterisk) have higher ventilation costs, per unit
volume of gas, than drainage costs. Expanded methane drainage can be a profitable means of reducing
the methane concentration in ventilation air, since ventilation requirements are reduced, coal can be
more rapidly extracted, and gas recovered by drainage is often of saleable quality.
3.1.1 OPTIONS FOR RECOVERY
There are several techniques for recovering methane in conjunction with coal mining. The optimal choice
among these methods depends on site specific conditions, including:
• the thickness and depth of the targeted seam;
• the amount of methane contained in the coals;
• the number of mined seams; and
• the efficiency of the ventilation system.
Table 12 summarizes methane recovery and use options, and shows the support technologies that are
necessary to apply these techniques.
34
-------
11. ANNUAL AND AT
COAL
'RODUC-
(WOO
TOINSJ_
METH
OBEW
(MHJ.IO
""H?
Momi-
WE
vren
««LL_
BY
DRAM-
ABE
t-floB.a
f»EH
TON
WINED
JUS
PER
TON
a
PER
l«s
$ua
PER
1GQO
roa
COST
1000 a
PER
TON
t-ys
PER
ION
MNED
1
PER
•n1
sus
PER
torn
nta
+
COST
100021
PER
TON
MIMED
IUS
PER
TOW
JflNED
COSI
!
PER !
TON
|US
PER
TON
f%OFTOI».
PRODUCTION
COST
ON
;
<
80RYNW
8R2E&ZC2E
HM.EMBA
JANKOW1CE
JASTRZEBIE
KRUPMSKP
MARCEL*
MORONEK'
MOSZCZEMICA
praowEK
1,927
2,443
3,014
4.209
3,713
1.364
i.sia
«3
2,088
3,36ft
1J0I
4,130
3JOO
3,978
2,796
841
36,3
13.0
100.9
577
0.0
13.7
4R2
82
6.9
42-1
102.7
3&4
25.5
36.4
2D.6
47.9
m?
11J
0.8
47.0
IS.?
3,6
3,5
244
8.4
Ri
17.2
04.8
S.3
1CL2
7.2
5.1
27.1
2.3
N/A
8.5
i.9
2.3
0.6
4.7
aj
2.8
11.1
5.4
WA
3^>
WA
Z,5
3,1
11,8
4,1
WA
0.88
0.20
0,24
O.OB
0.48
0.71
0.29
1.18
0.58
0.00
0,33
0.00
0.28
0,32
1.21
0.43
N/A
1^28
sa
167
228
5*9
201
8SS
1,124
270
H!A
106
MIA
254
SS7
876
182
N/A
12fljQ
6.0
17.S
23.8
S?J
21.0
ae.a
117.4
28,3
O.O
11.1
0:0
27.5
62.4
me
18.1
2.H
0.8
2.2
0,7
0.5
1.4
2.1
1.2
U
2.7
2JI
3,0
U
0.5
(1.B
3,1
3.1
0.29
tt06
CH23
ft.OT
OuDS
O.1S
O.22
O.13
0.72
C1JB
O.30
0,31
d.Ii
0.06
0.06
0.32
0.32
416
1,588
140
196
472
963
119
2J4
885
324
152
4»
eco
267
«e
323
1,139
«,i
14.6
ms
48.3
ms
12.4
28.6
72.8
33.8
15,0
44.7
62.7
2T.9
SZ.1
33,?
110,0
N/A
7,1
4.1
3.0
1.1
6.1
8.9
4.O
lft.0
§.»
HCA
az
WA
mo
3.7
147
7.2
NIA
0,74
0.43
0,31
aii
0.64
0.®
0.41
1JS
a»
0.30
0.85
0.16
0.31
0,38
JS4
am
2St
ZO4
186
1SB
13?
ZH
»4?
201
42?
fcS3
206
ISO
ITO
tas
113
222
374
M.2
113
1S.4
16.3
14.3
24.3
363
21.0
44-8
26.7
fl,4
19,8
17.8
{4.5
19.1
23,2
39.1
N/A
3j8
2.2
1,9
M
2.6
1,6
2,0
4.2
3.2
MA
3.3
WA
2.2
2.0
6,i
«
96.1 fSJ
JJ »J» 212 2§J U 0.16 254
4.1
i.4f
1ST
* (par e*tbfc of dmoga
** ar»
1h» fcl hlhi HSCi ttiat no coal date
rife: 1
Sourn: Pehh CMiltid (
21,1
35
-------
12, OF FOR COAL
Consider ati ons
Recovery Techniques
Support Technologies
Gas Quality
Use Options
Availability
Capital Requirements
1 ee-hnieai Complexity
Applicability
Methane Reduction*
Enhanced Gob
Recovery
* IjvMiiw Boreholes
• Vertical Gob
• In-Mine Drills and/Of
Suifaee
* Compressors,
Pumps, other
support facilities
» Medium Quality
(1 1 -2t MJ/m3J
B|ylcf>
lapprox.
CH,J
* Qn-Site Power
Generation
* Gas Distribution
Systems
* Industrial Use
* Currently Available
* low
» Low
* Applicable
* Dependent
* Up to
Pre-Mining
Degasffication
«
« In-Mine Boreholes
» in-Mine Dr ills and/or
Advancer! Surface
* Compressors, Pumps,
and other suppa/t
facilities
» Quality
132-37 MJ/msi
(900-tOOOBtu/cf)
90% CKt)
* Chemical
w la »ose
lor
medium tjaatify gos
* Currently Avaitoftlifl
* Medium/High
* Medium/High
• leciinotogy, Finance,
and
* Up to
Ventiaiion Air
• Fans
* Surface Fans and Ducting
» low Quality
( < 1 % CH4; usually
O.B%|
* Combustion Air lor On-
/ Turbines
Boilers
* Requires Demonstration
* Low/Medium
« Medium/High
« Utilization
* Site Dependent
«JjO-§0%__feec«efy _
Recovery
* All Techniques
» All Technologies
* Ability to Optimize DegasificMioft
Combined
* All Qualities
* Ail
• Cuirently Available
• Medium/High
• High
* Technology, Finance, and Site
Dependent
• recovery
* These reductions are achievable al specific or systems
Soufca:
36
-------
Poland was among the early pioneers of methane recovery. A coalbed methane drainage project using
surface boreholes was initiated the USCB's Rybnik Coal Region in the 1951, but the wells were spaced
unsystematically and the program was short-lived. The nation's first in-mine methane drainage system
was put into operation at the Jankowice mine in 1952 (Kotas, 1994). Methane was captured from the
working faces, which were furnished with air-stoppings. Methane drainage began in earnest in 1959 as
new mines were developed in the Rybnik area.
Presently, methane is recovered from 18 mines in the USCB. Data from 17 of these mines indicate that
in 1993, 39 percent of the recovered methane was drained at working face (simultaneous with coal
extraction), while 34 percent was recovered from gob areas and 27 percent was recovered from pre-
mine (development) areas. The proportions vary from mine to mine, and are presented in the mine
profiles in Part II of this report.
Over the past few years, many gassy Polish coal mines have become involved in methane recovery
activities. Several mines have participated in pre-feasibility and feasibility studies that should lead to
project development. Others have developed partnerships with Polish and US companies and are
initiating drilling activities to produce methane. Some of the principal activities are summarized in the
Box 1 below; additional utilization activities are discussed in Section 3.2.
BOX 1. RECENT COALBED METHANE RECOVERY AND UTILIZATION ACTIVITIES IN THE USCB
• Nadwislanski Coal Company has partnered with McCormick Co. (a major US coalbed methane producer) and
it is expected that methane will be recovered from the Brzeszcze mine using vertical wells for pre-mining and
gob recovery. A feasibility study for power generation at the mine based on coalbed methane-fired turbines has
been conducted. McCormick has also received a concession for coal reserve areas bordering the Brzeszcze
mine.
• Jastrzebie Mining Company has partnered with Pol-Tex Methane, a Polish subsidiary of a US company,
McKenzie Methane, to produce coalbed methane from its coal reserve areas. In addition, McCormick energy
has begun installation of equipment to generate power and heat from methane recovered from the Krupinski
mine.
• Silesia Mine has partnered with Metanel S.A., a Polish coalbed methane extraction enterprise. Metanel has
received a concession to produce coalbed methane in coal reserve areas in addition to its cooperation with the
Silesia Mine. Methane will be produced via surface wells. Metanel hopes to provide gas to the combined heat
and power plant serving the town of Bielsko-Biala, and the oil refinery and Czechowice-Dziedzdice.
• Morcinek Mine is the site of a project to demonstrate the treatment of mine water and coalbed methane
produced water. The process will combine reverse osmosis, combustion evaporation and water recovery and
will be fueled with methane recovered from the mining operation. The demonstration project is being carried
out by Aquatech, a US company, with partial funding provided by the US Department of Energy and the US
EPA.
• Halemba, Pniowek, and Morcinek Mines are the subject of a feasibility study being funded by the US Trade
and Development Agency. John T. Boyd Co., a major US mining equipment manufacturer, together with
Resource Enterprises Inc., a mine degasification company, will prepare the study, in conjunction with the
Polish State Hard Coal Agency. The study will examine the feasibility of using vertical wells (both pre-mining
and gob) to recover coalbed methane and identify the most promising utilization option. A pre-feasibility study
of power generation potential has already been prepared by the Polish Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse for the
Pniowek mine.
• Zofiowka and Moszczenica Mines are the subject of a pre-feasibility study being funded by the US Agency for
International Development (US AID) and the US EPA. This study will examine the applicability of US surface
gob well recovery technologies for coalbed methane production in Poland. The study is being prepared by the
International Coalbed Methane Group, based in Birmingham, Alabama. It is expected that this study will be
completed in 1995.
• A pre-feasibility study funded by US AID and US EPA is underway to assess the applicability of US longhole,
in-mine recovery methods under Polish mining conditions. Resource Enterprises, Inc., based in Salt Lake C3f^,
Utah is carrying out the study. It is expected that this study will be completed during 1995.
-------
3.2 COALBED METHANE UTILIZATION
As stated at the beginning of this chapter, 79 percent of the methane drained in the USCB is utilized.
Compared with many coal mining areas of the world, this is a very good utilization rate. Only 28 percent of the
total methane liberated is drained, however, and thus improved methane drainage could greatly increase the
amount of coalbed methane available for utilization.
Table 13 shows present and potential consumers of methane from USCB mines at which methane is currently
being drained. As the table shows, methane can be used for many purposes, including heat and power
generation, coal drying, and various industrial needs. The most attractive uses are likely to be local, where high
compression, enrichment, or long distance transmission are not required. Expanded use of coalbed methane
will develop if the quantity and quality of the gas increases, because this will contribute to the recognition of
coalbed methane as a valuable and readily available fuel. Some of the many opportunities for use of this fuel
are discussed in the following sections.
3.2.1 DIRECT INDUSTRIAL USE OPTIONS
The USCB is heavily industrialized, and is the largest energy consuming region of Poland. The industrial
consumers of energy produce such items as machinery, transport equipment, and other iron and steel goods.
Additional industrial consumers are the food and chemical industries, and, of course, the coal industry. The
mining, power, and industrial complex which dominates the region was originally developed with an emphasis
on large-scale production, often at the expense of efficiency, profitability, and the environment. Hard coal
(often of low quality), lignite, and coke oven gas, are typically used to fuel these industries. Increased coalbed
methane utilization would clearly benefit the region by helping it meet increasing energy needs with a less
polluting, yet local, energy source.
As shown in Table 13, most of the mines that drain methane are presently using it on-site, for heating mine
facilities, drying coal, or power generation. In these situations, the methane is often displacing low-quality hard
coal or brown coal as a fuel. Table 13 also shows that methane from three of the mines is being consumed by
a chemical plant, a steel mill, and an oil refinery. In these cases, the coalbed methane is probably displacing
coke oven gas as well as coal. Due to decreasing steel production and stricter environmental regulations, coke
oven gas production is decreasing in the region, and methane is an ideal substitute, as it is much less polluting.
There may be other innovative options for direct use of coalbed methane, such as desalination of mine waters.
The disposal of highly saline water in nearby rivers remains a serious environmental problem.
Desalination of effluent mine waters offers an opportunity for use of methane as the primary fuel for what
can be an energy intensive process. In the San Juan Basin of the U.S., coalbed methane is used to
concentrate brines produced by coalbed methane wells (Hycnar et al, 1994). At the Morcinek mine in
Poland, a pilot demonstration of a desalination process that uses coalbed methane as its primary energy
source is being conducted (Brandt and Bourcier, 1994). The process is an energy-efficient method of
desalination, although it may not be an economically feasible alternative for all mines (Gatnar,1994).
The process uses a reverse osmosis (RO) unit, a submerged combustion evaporator, and a pulse
combustion dryer. In a typical operation, a mine water feedstream of 1000 m3/day that may have a total
dissolved salt (TDS) concentration of 31,100 ppm will be separated, via RO, into a product water of 580
m3/day with a TDS of 500 ppm, and a brine stream of 415 m3/day with a TDS of 74,300 ppm. The
product water can be used for agricultural or other applications. The brine stream, meanwhile, is further
concentrated via a coalbed methane-fueled submerged combustion evaporator which concentrates it to
300,000 ppm and reduces the volume to 104 m3/day. The submerged combustion evaporator uses about
90 m3 of methane per m3 of brine that is produced by the RO unit. Coalbed methane could also be used
to further process the brine that is discharged from the combustion evaporator into a dry salt that may
have a commercial value.
38
-------
TABLE 13. PRESENT AND POTENTIAL METHANE imLIZATOSI AT
MINE
1MAJA
ANNA
BORYNIA
BRZESZCZE
HALEMBA
JANKOWICE
JASTRZEBIE
KRUPINSKI
MARCEL
MORCINEK
MOSZCZENICA
PNIOWEK
SILESIA
STASZIC
WESOLA
ZABRZE
ZOFIOWKA
ZORY
METHANE
DRAINED
METHANE
UTILIZED
METHANE
DRAINED BUT
NOT
UTILIZED
ON THOUSAND CUBIC METERS)
8,500
2,000
868
44,500
15,600
2,300
3,521
15,843
4,900
16,880
10,207
49,173
7,700
2,100
5,700
1,200
19,802
2,000
7,300
0
0
44,100
3,000
1,700
3,114
6,665
4,200
14,412
9,829
43,441
7,600
2,000
2,600
1,200
15,218
1,400
1,200
2,000
868
400
12,600
600
408
9,178
700
2,469
379
5,732
100
100
3,100
0
4,584
600
PRESENT CONSUMERS
^S OF 1993)
Prep plant dryer, POGC**
None
None
Mine, Chemical plant
Mine; Other nearby mine
Mine
Mine boiler, POGC**
Mine boiler, prep plant dryer
Mine
Mine boiler, prep plant dryer,
POGC**
Mine boiler, CHP plant, prep
Dlantdrver. POGC**
Mine boiler, other nearby mines,
POGC**
Mine, Oil refinery
Steel Mill
Mine
Mine
CHP plant, POGC**
Nearby Mine
POTENTIAL
CONSUMERS*
N/A
N/A
Use in mine boiler,
oreo plant drver
Proposed power plant
at mine
Expanded use at
mine; proposed
power plant; nearby
households
N/A
Use at prep plant;
expanded use in
boiler
Proposed power plant
at mine
Gas plant; prep plant
drver
Miner; desalination
plant; heating plant at
Cieszvn
Expanded use at
mine
Prep plant dryer;
power plant
CHP plant; Expanded
use at refinery
Mine; nearby
households
Proposed heat plant
at mine; nearby
households
Nearby households
Prep plant dryer
N/A
*As identified by mine managers and/or Poland's Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse
Sources: Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse; Gatnar (1994)
**POGC, via GOZG Zabrze, ceased purchase of methane on October 1 , 1 993 (See Section 3.2.3, Box 3)
39
-------
3.2.2 POWER GENERATION OPTIONS
Power generation is perhaps the most attractive utilization option for coalbed methane in the USCB.
According to Surowka (1992), the majority of large industrial enterprises and mines have their own
combined heat and power (CHP) plants12 or heat only boilers (HOB). In addition, there are 15 public
power or CHP plants in the region. The public and industrial CHP and HOB plants supply hot water to a
large district heating network. All of these power plants use hard coal as their primary fuel. Several
options for using coalbed methane to generate power are discussed below.
Cofiring With Natural Gas
Cofiring is the concurrent firing of natural gas
and coal in a boiler (with the gas typically
providing 5 to 15 percent of the thermal
input). The only modifications to the boiler
required are the addition of gas supply piping,
gas igniters, and warmup guns. Cofiring with
gas has many potential benefits, including
reduced sulfur dioxide emissions, greater fuel
flexibility (allowing the utilization of lower cost,
lower quality coal without the effects of
increased pollutants), improved plant capacity
factor, and production of saleable fly ash.
Cofiring can be accomplished at very low
capital costs and with low technological risk; if
for any reason natural gas is no longer
available, the boiler could continue to operate
entirely on coal. At some power plants in the
United States, cofiring has reduced operating
costs by millions of dollars per year (Vejtasa
et al, 1991; CNG, 1987). It is also being used
successfully at power plants at the
Moszczenica and Zofiowka mines in the
USCB (see box at right).
BOX 2. COFIRING OF METHANE AT THE
ZOFIOWKA CHP PLANT
The Zofiowka mine in the Rybnik-Jastrzebie area of the
USCB cofires methane and pulverized coal at its CHP plant,
whose capacity is 64 MWei + 320 Mwth. The plant supplies
heat and power to the mine and the town of Jastrzebie.
About 10 percent of the fuel energy consumed by this power
plant is delivered in gas. During the first six months of 1994,
20.8 million m3 of gas, with a methane concentration of 46.5
percent, were consumed by the plant.
Methane is combusted in the startup burners and the
backup combustion supporting burners (Zimny, 1994). Each
1000 m3 of methane yields 12.9 MWh of steam, which
produces 3.1 MWh of electricity, 4.7 MWh of heat energy,
and 5.1 MWh of regeneration feedwater. Each m3 of
methane produces 1,764 zlotys ($0.08 USD) worth of
electricity and 731 zlotys ($0.03 USD) worth of heat. Use of
coalbed methane in this CHP plant is very cost effective,
due in part to the low price of coalbed methane (the only
cost to the mine is gathering the fuel). Using conventional
natural gas to cofire with the coal would cost four to five
times as much, substantially reducing the economic
attractiveness.
Gas Turbines
Gas turbine generators are widely used in the United States by electric utilities to provide power during
peak demand times. Gas turbines are more efficient than coal-fired generators, cost less to install, and
are available in a large range of sizes. This allows for the addition of smaller increments of capacity to
handle peak consumption, rather than investing in larger, capital intensive coal-fired units that would be
underutilized.
In addition, gas turbine exhaust is a good source of waste heat which can be utilized to generate steam
in a heat recovery boiler. When the steam is used for process or district heating, this process is known as
cogeneration. If this steam is used in a turbine generator for additional electrical power production, the
system is known as a combined cycle. If the steam were injected into the hot gases flowing to the
thermal turbine, the system would be known as a steam injected turbine (STIG). All of these uses
improve the thermal efficiency of the system.
Combined heat and power plants are so called because they produce both electricity and thermal energy.
Thermal energy is produced in the form of either steam or hot water, and is commonly used for district heating.
40
-------
Gas turbines fueled by coalbed methane recovered from mining gob areas have been successfully
operated in England, Australia, Germany, and China, and have undergone experimental use in the
United States (Sturgill, 1991). In most of these cases the waste heat is being recovered from the turbine
stack for use in an auxiliary thermal process. These projects range in size from about 3 to 20 MW, which
can frequently supply a significant portion of the mine's electrical needs. Gas turbines can use medium
to high-quality methane, and are under consideration for use in the USCB (Zimny, 1994).
Internal Combustion Engines
Internal combustion (1C) engines can generate electrical power utilizing medium to high-quality coalbed
methane. Typical capacities of 1C engines range from several kilowatts to several megawatts. These
sizes are much smaller than gas turbines and would be more compatible with the production of coalbed
methane from a single well. As an example, a 1 MW 1C engine would require approximately 10,000 m3
of methane per day. 1C engines can use medium quality gas (30-80 percent methane) such as that
produced by pre-mining drainage and surface gob recovery.
Internal combustion engines are modular in design and require little specialized expertise to install and
maintain. Due to their small size they can be relocated easily if the gas supply is depleted. Previously,
variations in gas quality caused some problems with the use of mine gas in 1C engines, but with modern
integrated control systems it now appears possible to accommodate these fluctuations.
3.2.3 NATURAL GAS PIPELINE SYSTEMS
Coalbed methane that is produced in sufficient quantity and quality can be transported in natural gas
pipeline systems to end-users. Several US coal mines have been able to do this with methane recovered
during coal mining, and it has been done on a limited basis in the USCB (see Box 3).
BOX 3. THE UPPER SILESIAN GAS UTILITY AND THE SWIERKLANY COMPRESSION STATION:
THE NEED FOR GAS STORAGE AND IMPROVED METHANE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
About 14 km south of the town of Rybnik, in the southwestern portion of the USCB, lies the Swierklany
Compression Station. Ten of the mines profiled in Part Il-Zory, Jankowice, Marcel, Borynia, 1 Maja, Zofiowka,
Pniowek, Jastrzebie, Moszczenica, and Morcinek-are connected to the station by medium-pressure pipelines.
Until October, 1993 the compressor station collected coalbed methane from these mines, compressed it, and
transported it to industrial consumers and the municipal gas network.
Unfortunately, the Swierklany compressor station is no longer operating because the POGC's Upper Silesian Gas
Utility (GOZG Zabrze) withdrew from its contract for buying coalbed methane. For a short period of time following
this decision, the resulting excess was vented, but now the mines are using most of this gas, except during the
summer when heating and power requirements are not as high.
GOZG's reasons for ceasing purchase of the gas are:
1. Lack of permanent consumers
2. Lack of sufficient storage
3. Demand fluctuations
4. Variable methane concentration
The creation of gas storage facilities in the Rybnik coal district would directly address Items 2 and 3 (gas storage
is discussed further in Section 3.2.6). Improved methane drainage systems (both surface and underground)
including monitoring and management systems to maintain drained gas at consistently high quality, would help
eliminate the problem of variable methane concentration (Item 4). If items 2, 3, and 4 could be mitigated, it is
likely that there would be sufficient permanent consumers (Item 1) available. Use of the Swierklany Compression
Station and mine gas sales to the Upper Silesian Gas Utility (or other outside consumers) could then resume.
41
-------
The Polish gas pipeline system has a total length of 82,400 km, of which 16,400 km are transmission
pipelines and 66,000 km are distribution pipelines (UNECE, 1994c). The system is complex, and as
described below and shown in Figure 12, there are three distinct distribution systems, each carrying a
different type of gas. The pressure control system is complicated and somewhat inefficient, which may
cause interruptions and some variations in quality. Furthermore, the system is currently operating near its
full capacity, which limits the ability to add potential new users. As natural gas use expands in Poland, it
will likely be necessary to expand and upgrade the natural gas distribution system.
Coke Oven Gas System
As shown in Figure 12, the coke oven gas distribution system is present in southwestern Poland (Upper
and Lower Silesia). In recent years there has been a sharp decrease in coke oven gas supplies from
coke oven plants, due to declining demand for coke resulting from the contracting steel industry. As a
result, coke oven gas consumption in Silesia has decreased from nearly than 1.8 billion m3 1987 to 0.5
billion m3 in 1993 (Fronski et al, 1994; Tokarzewski and Bednarkski, 1994). Coke oven gas, which has a
heating value of 19 MJ/m3, accounted for 2.6 percent of all gas consumed in Poland in 1993.
Most of the coke oven gas is distributed to residential consumers; at the end of 1993, about there were
about 280 thousand domestic consumers of coke oven gas and 30 industrial users. It is anticipated that
by the end of 1995, all USCB households consuming coke oven gas will be converted to high-methane
natural gas. Since most of the gassy mines are located in the vicinity of towns that possess a gas
network, It may be possible to distribute medium or high quality recovered coalbed methane through
these pipelines, once problems with variable supply and methane concentration are addressed.
High-Methane System
Figure 12 shows that the high methane natural gas system covers nearly all of Poland. High methane
natural gas dominates Poland's gas mix, accounting for nearly 77 percent of all gas consumed in Poland
in 1993 (Tokarzewski and Bednarski, 1994). This gas is supplied to the system from fields in the
Carpathian region of Poland and from Russia, and is distributed by pipeline throughout Poland. Its
heating value is typically 39 MJ/m3.
In cases where the quality of recovered mine gas is sufficiently high and the mine is located near the
distribution system, it may be possible to inject recovered methane directly into this distribution system.
This methane could then be distributed to conventional residential, commercial, and industrial users.
Problems with variable supply and methane concentration must be addressed, however, before large-
scale sale of coalbed methane to the high-quality gas network can occur.
High Nitrogen/Low-Methane System
As shown in Figure 12, the high nitrogen/low methane natural gas system is limited to western Poland. It
accounts for less than 21 percent of Poland's gas mix, and its customers, all of which are industries, are
expected to decrease in number (Tokarzewski and Bednarksi, 1994). The gas, whose nitrogen content
ranges from 10 percent to more than 80 percent, is produced in the lowlands of western Poland.
The possibility for using this system to transport coalbed methane exists in areas where the distance
between mines and the low methane natural gas system is relatively short, gas production is high, or
several mines could use a common pipeline. The average gas quality of this system is reportedly 55-65
percent methane, which could be maintained with coalbed methane through gas monitoring and blending
techniques. Because the low-methane system extends from Katowice northwestward, the mines that are
currently draining methane in the southern part of the basin are not in close proximity to this pipeline.
Some of the mines in the northern part of the basin, however, are reasonably close to this pipeline.
These include the Staszic mine, about 8 km south of the pipeline, and Halemba mine, about 10 km west
of the pipeline.
42
-------
FIGURE 12. GAS DISTRIBUTION NETWORK IN POLAND
LITHUANIA,._~
HIGH METHANE (LARGE DIAMETER)
u I HIGH METHANE ISMAIL DIAMETER!
5 J LOW METHANE (LARGE DSAMETEB!
u \ LOW METHANE ISMAIL DIAMEIERI
COKE OVEN 1LABGE DIAWETEHI
L COKE OVEN ISMAIL DIAMETER)
TRANSMISSION NODES
COMPRESSING STATIONS
GAS MINES
UNDERGROUND GAS STORES
CITT£S CONNECTED WITH SYSTEM
INDICATES DIRECTION OF GAS FLOW
SOURCE: GEOPOL GEOLOGICAL SERVICES, WARSAW
j
r
I
_j»
i CC
.' 2
I UJ
\ >-
i ffl
\
- \
" \
>
\
43
-------
3.2.4 VENTILATION AIR UTILIZATION OPTIONS
Currently, there are no demonstrated uses for methane contained in mine ventilation air, due to its low
concentration. Numerous studies have examined the possibilities of purifying this gas, but with currently
available technology, the expense is prohibitive. However, as technology progresses, it may become
economically feasible to enrich the gas contained in mine ventilation air using some of the methods
discussed in Section 3.2.5.
At present, the best options for utilization of ventilation air appear to be as part of the fuel mixture in
steam boilers or gas turbines for power generation. The ventilation air could supply all or most of the
combustion air required, while the methane in the air would supply a portion of the needed fuel.
In order to assess the potential for use of ventilation air, the following issues should be investigated
(Energy Systems Associates, 1991):
Characteristics of mine ventilation systems, including the number of ventilation shafts and the
flow rates of ventilation air.
The methane concentration in the ventilated air.
The distance between the ventilation shafts and the mine power plants.
Detailed information on power plant characteristics, annual generation, efficiency, and projected
utilization.
The feasibility of using recovered ventilation air must also be evaluated. If it is feasible, the use of
ventilation air should be considered as part of an integrated methane drainage program. It is important to
note that for this to be economic, the targeted boiler should be within about 2 km of the source for the
ventilation air.
3.2.5 IMPROVING GAS QUALITY
Much of the 45 million m3 of gas recovered annually by mine methane drainage systems, and then
vented to the atmosphere has methane concentrations ranging from 30 to 50 percent. This gas is not
considered "pipeline quality" (more than 90 percent methane). Furthermore, its concentration may
decrease over the life of producing well.
There are three primary means of improving the quality of gas recovered from coal mines:
1. Improved monitoring and control. One of the most economical methods to improve the quality of gas
is to reduce air entrainment in the gas stream during the production process. This can only be
accomplished by finding the equilibrium production rate of the well, i.e., the rate at which the ratio of
methane liberation in the coal equals the rate of production at the well head.
Since the rate of methane liberation generally declines with time it is necessary to adjust critical
production parameters frequently in order to be able to control the bottom hole pressure (BMP) and
maintain a high methane concentration in the product gas. Continuous monitoring of the oxygen
content at the well head is used in conjunction with adjusting the production rate to maintain a
desired gas quality. This production control technique automatically maintains the BMP at the
required level without the need of having to determine its actual value. Since the mine ventilation
system and the wellbore are in communication it is customary (and advisable for safety reasons) to
also monitor the mine ventilation system at appropriate check points.
44
-------
2. Increased pre-mining drainage. Gas drained in advance of mining usually has a higher methane
content than that drained from working faces or gob areas. Advanced pre-mining drainage
techniques include:
• Use of vertical wells drilled from the surface. This strategy is not widely employed in Poland
at present, but has been highly successful in the US (Diamond et al, 1989).
• Use of more numerous, and more strategically placed, cross-measure boreholes drilled in
advance of mining. Predictive techniques can be used to maximize recovery (Lunarzewski,
1994).
Polish mines could use these techniques to help shift their predominant gas recovery efforts from
drainage of working faces and gob areas, to drainage in advance of mining.
3. Gas enrichment. Current research suggests that two types of gas enrichment technologies are best
suited to small-scale applications, such as coal mines, typically producing less that 300 thousand m3
of gas per day. These technologies are pressure swing adsorption and membrane gas separation.
Cost comparisons among various processes are complex and situation dependent. Because these
technologies do not have a long history, actual costs are not yet well established. However, the
following cost approximations provide general guidelines. To enrich a feed gas containing 70-80
percent methane to pipeline quality, operating costs range from approximately $US 0.01/m3 to
$0.04/m3 for pressure swing adsorption systems (Sinor, 1992; Meyer et al, 1990). The cost of
enriching a mixture of 30-50 percent methane is not known and should be researched in considering
such projects for coal mines. It is important to bear in mind that, because this gas would otherwise be
vented to the atmosphere, the cost of the feed gas is effectively zero, enhancing the economics.
Typically, the methane concentration in mine gas presently being drained from USCB mines is less
than 70 percent (average methane concentrations in the 17 mines profiled in Part II of this report
range from 45 percent to 62 percent). The economic feasibility of enriching mine gas from these
levels to pipeline quality is undetermined at present. If the quality of drained gas can be improved
via the other two methods discussed above, however, further enrichment to pipeline quality may
indeed become cost-effective.
3.2.6 UNDERGROUND GAS STORAGE
Underground storage should be considered an integral part of any coalbed methane use strategy. With
storage facilities, gas can be used as demand dictates. For example, gas produced when demand is low
(such as during the summer) can be stored and used during periods of higher demand. This strategy
would also reduce the dependency on imported gas.
In many gas producing areas of the world, underground storage is the most common means of storing
gas to meet peak seasonal market requirements. Preferred sites are porous reservoirs, including
depleted oil and gas fields as well as aqueous reservoirs. Other sites used for storage are man-made salt
and rock caverns. Underground gas storage was first utilized in the United States in 1916, and today
there are more than 400 storage fields with a total capacity of over 228 billion m3 of gas, which is
equivalent to almost half the annual US gas consumption. In addition, utilization of underground gas
storage is beginning to allow capitalization of spot gas market purchases, and managing of marketing
and production by producers (Thompson, 1991).
At present, Poland's total gas storage capacity is about 620 million m3, in three depleted gas fields
located in the southeast (ESMAP, 1993b; UNECE, 1994c). This is insufficient to meet Poland's storage
needs, and the POGC has had to rent additional storage in Ukraine. At present, no large gas storage
reservoirs have been developed in or near the USCB, but the POGC has identified about 250 potential
sites in aquifers in western Poland.
45
-------
Development of underground gas storage in the USCB could play a key role in expanding methane
recovery and utilization. The chief users of coalbed methane in the USCB are the mines themselves,
which use methane largely for heating ventilation air and surface facilities; during the winter months,
most of the methane that is recovered is utilized, but during the summer months, much of it is wasted.
As discussed in the box in Section 3.2.3, these seasonal fluctuations in supply have discouraged gas
utilities from purchasing coalbed methane. Storage facilities could help make the supply more reliable,
eliminating the summer waste, and allowing for expansion of utilization systems.
In addition to conventional
storage facilities, another
available option is gas storage in
abandoned coal mines. Two
abandoned mines have been
utilized for imported natural gas
storage at two locations in
Belgium since the early 1980's
(Moerman, 1982). Potential
locations for gas storage in the
USCB include those mines that
are scheduled for closure in the
near future, as well as inactive
shafts of operating mines (see
Box 4 for an example). A
thorough evaluation of the geologic
determine feasibility.
BOX 4. MORCINEK MINE METHANE STORAGE PILOT
PROJECT
Coalbed methane is presently being stored in an inactive shaft in the Morcinek mine
(Gatnar, 1994). The storage facility, developed in 1994, has a capacity of 35,000 m3.
Methane drained from the mine is normally delivered to its prep plant drying station,
and its boiler house. When there is no demand at these facilities, the gas is
delivered to the storage reservoir. When demand for methane exceeds that which
can be supplied by the drainage station, methane flows from the storage reservoir to
the drainage station, and then to the boiler house and/or prep plant.
The storage facility has completely eliminated emissions of drained methane during
working days, although it is not large enough to store the methane surplus that
accumulates on weekends. The results of this project are encouraging, and
opportunities for expanding methane storage in mines are increasing as the closure
of mines, or at least portions of mines, proceeds.
and hydrologic conditions at these mines is, of course, necessary to
46
-------
CHAPTER 4
CONCLUSIONS
The Polish government recognizes the many benefits associated with coalbed methane production, and
since 1990 much has been accomplished toward encouraging recovery and utilization of this resource. In
that respect, Poland is a model for other countries wanting to develop their coalbed methane resources.
Some of the major achievements affecting development of coalbed methane in Poland include:
• Granting of Concessions and Other Agreements - As noted in previous chapters, coalbed
methane licensing blocks, all of which lie outside of the boundaries of USCB mining concessions,
were awarded to US energy firms and their Polish subsidiaries in 1993. Furthermore, the Polish
government and mining companies have made agreements with Polish and foreign firms interested
in developing coalbed methane within mining concessions. These major steps in encouraging
outside investment in coalbed methane development in Poland are beginning to yield results; in
November, 1994 Amoco began drilling Poland's first coalbed methane well.
• New Geological and Energy Legislation - As discussed in Chapter 1, a new Geological and Mining
Law was passed in 1994 and a draft Energy Law awaits passage by the Sejm. These two acts
constitute an essential part of the implementation of the energy sector restructuring plan and attempt
to provide a sound, clear legal system that will attract private investment to the coalbed methane
industry.
• Coal Industry Restructuring - As discussed in Chapter 2, Poland's coal mining sector is undergoing
extensive restructuring. One outcome is that most of the 65 coal mines in the USCB have been
grouped into seven coal companies. Preliminary results indicate better organization in management
and increased profitability, which should make the coal companies more viable partners for foreign
companies and financial institutions considering investment in coalbed methane.
• Rationalization of Energy Prices - This is an ongoing process, part of Poland's overall economic
restructuring. The removal of energy price subsidies, and reduction of subsidies to the coal industry,
will allow the real of value of coalbed methane to be recognized overtime.
• Stricter Environmental Regulation - Laws controlling pollution are being more strictly enforced. This has
several positive implications for coalbed methane utilization, as methane can be used to replace fuels
(particularly low-quality coal and coke oven gas) whose extraction and combustion create serious
environmental problems.
• Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse - To address information needs in Poland, the Coalbed Methane
Clearinghouse, operating at the Polish Foundation for Energy Efficiency (FEWE), was established in
1992. It is currently funded by the US EPA and the Regional Fund for Environmental Protection,
Katowice Voivodeship. The Clearinghouse collects and disseminates Polish and international
information on coalbed methane technologies and techniques. The Clearinghouse publishes, in
Polish and English, a technical newsletter on coalbed methane developments in Poland. In October
1994, the Clearinghouse held the first Silesian International Conference on Coalbed Methane
47
-------
Utilization, and it is anticipated that similar conferences will be conducted by the Clearinghouse in
the future.
To ensure continued progress in encouraging coalbed methane development, additional institutional
activities that will promote its recovery and utilization are recommended. These include:
• Establishing more favorable tax conditions. This could take the form of temporary, government-
provided financial incentives. These incentives would be provided only until coalbed methane
reaches parity with imported natural gas, and would then be withdrawn, much as the Unconventional
Fuels Tax Credit spurred coalbed methane development in the US, and was eliminated as soon as
coalbed methane became competitive with conventional natural gas.
• Improved transfer of information between various government agencies and related
institutions. Once the best types of incentives for increased coalbed methane development have
been identified, national policies and plans to encourage investment need to be coordinated among
the government ministries. They should also be coordinated with regional and local authorities
(voivodas and gminas), to increase their awareness of the local benefits of coalbed methane
recovery and utilization.
• Improved transfer of information between Polish and foreign experts. There are experienced
coalbed methane experts in Poland and other countries. It is important for them to share their
knowledge, and recognize the potential contributions of one another to various coalbed methane
projects in Poland. Programs should be established so that experts in various technologies can
provide training to others; and foreign investors should avail themselves of Polish expertise.
Certain technical barriers to widespread coalbed methane utilization via the national gas transmission
system still remain. These include:
• Variations in gas supply and demand. In some areas, expanded gas storage capacity is required
in order to effectively utilize the methane that is produced. The ability to store coalbed methane can
result in more effective utilization by allowing for seasonal fluctuations in demand. Gas storage
experts should identify potential storage sites, and evaluate the most attractive storage options.
• Variable or low gas quality. Improved methane drainage systems (both surface and underground),
including monitoring and management systems to maintain drained gas at consistently high quality,
would help eliminate this problem. Depending upon the energy needs in the vicinity of particular
mines, and the methane recovery programs that are most feasible, it may be necessary in some
areas to upgrade medium-quality methane in order to develop uses for it. The need for gas
enrichment should be considered as part of ongoing pre-feasibility studies, to ensure that the most
effective utilization options are identified.
If these problems can be solved to the extent that gas purchasers (i.e., the POGC) can be assured an
adequate year-round supply, consistently high quality, and long term contracts, it then follows that the
POGC would pay producers the same price for this gas as it does for conventional natural gas. For
methane that cannot meet pipeline standards, many local and regional utilization opportunities remain.
For coalbed methane to achieve its full potential as a viable, economical fuel source in Poland,
substantial investment will be required. Polish and foreign governments, lending institutions, and private
investors must provide the capital to finance various types of methane recovery, storage, and utilization
projects The potential return on this investment, in economic, environmental, and energy security terms,
appears promising.
48
-------
PART II
PROFILES OF SELECTED GASSY MINES IN THE
UPPER SILESIAN COAL BASIN
-------
MINE PROFILES USER'S GUIDE
FORMAT
This section profiles 17 USCB mining concessions, summarizing salient features pertaining to the mines'
coal and coalbed methane resources. Three appendices follow the profiles. Appendix A lists Polish
government and mining contacts, along with their functions and addresses, which may be useful to the
potential foreign investor. Appendix B explains Polish terminology regarding resources, coal rank,
mining hazards, and other frequently used terminology pertaining to coal and coalbed methane. Please
consult Appendix B for information which, to avoid repetition, is not included in the individual mine
profiles. Appendix C consists of selected tables compiled on the 17 mines.
TERMINOLOGY
Economic and non-economic coal seams: Economic coal seams are those that can be mined
economically using presently available mining methods. Non-economic coal seams are those that cannot
be mined economically because they are too thin or too deep, are of insufficient quality, or are located in
adverse mining conditions.
Run-of-mine (ROM) averages and mean averages: Average values pertaining to coal quality (ash
content, heating value, and moisture content) are ROM values; that is, they are the average
characteristics of the coal as reported by producers. Other values (not related to coal quality) presented
as averages are simply mean values.
See Appendix B for additional terms.
MONETARY CONVERSIONS
Poland's energy prices and exchange rates change rapidly. Values are shown in zlotys, 1990 US Dollars,
and where specified, 1994 US Dollars. The conversion rates used are: 1990: 9,572 Zlotys = $US 1;
1994: 22,795 Zlotys = $US1.
COALBED METHANE RESOURCE ESTIMATES
Each of the mine profiles presents estimated methane reserves are presented based on the data in
Table 9 (in Section 2.3 of Part I). Estimates of the total in situ methane resources were calculated by the
Specific Emissions Method and the Methane Content Method (estimates are presented as a range). The
estimation methods, and the uncertainties associated with each, are described in Section 2.3
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS
Investing in a coalbed methane recovery project may be a very cost-effective way to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. A number of US entities are initiating projects overseas to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions as part of voluntary programs, such as the Department of Energy's Climate Challenge
program with electric utilities. These organizations report their reductions under a program administered
by the Department of Energy mandated by Section 1605(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Reductions
are transferable, which makes potential reductions both very flexible and efficient.
Under the 1605(b) guidelines, methane emissions reductions should be reported in units of methane.
Methane is a very potent greenhouse gas, estimated to be between 19 and 43 times more potent than
carbon dioxide (CO2) on a weight basis over a 100-year period. In this report, a factor of 22 was used,
because this is the US Government's current view of the relative potency of methane as compared to
49
-------
CO2. This factor implies that each ton of methane emissions avoided is equivalent in impact to reducing
CO2 emissions by 22 tons.13
For more information on the Section 1605(b) voluntary reporting program, contact the U.S. Department of
Energy, Voluntary Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Program, Energy Information Administration, EI-81, 1000
Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585.
131.49 billion cubic meters of methane is equal to 52 billion cubic feet (Bcf) or one million tons of methane.
50
-------
1 MAJA
The 1 Maja mining concession is located in the
southwest quarter of the Polish part of the Upper
Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 13 km south of
the city of Rybnik, in the Rybnik coal region. 1 Maja
is one of seven mines that comprise the Rybnicka
Coal Company. The concession area occupies
about 43 km2. The mine commenced operation in
1960.
Geologic Setting. The 1 Maja concession is
bounded on the east and west by two major thrust
faults: the Michalkowice-Rybnik overthrust near the
western boundary of the concession, and the
Orlowa-Boguszowice overthrust near the eastern
boundary of the concession. The southeast-
northwest trending Marklowicki IV normal fault
forms the northern boundary of the concession.
Two other southeast-northwest trending normal
faults also cross the concession. Carboniferous
formations are overlain by a thick unconformable Miocene sequence which is not faulted. The
average geothermal gradient is 2.78° C per 100 m.
Coal Rank. Coal rank ranges from sub-bituminous to low volatile bituminous (types 31 through
36), with medium and low volatile bituminous (type 35) accounting for 61 percent of the
reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
CZECH {POLAND
REPUBLIC
SPECIFIC
EMISSIONS (m 7T)
30
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
COAL
PRODUCTION (kT)
3000
-•2500
-•2000
The mine has 2 working levels accessed
by 7 shafts, 4 of which are ventilation
shafts. Coal is mined by longwall methods
from 19 working faces, with a combined
length of 3,324 m. As of 1993, mining
extended to a depth of 850 m. In 1990, all
of the coal produced was medium and
low volatile bituminous (type 35). Clean
coal production was 1,400 tons per
working day based on the combined
surface and underground work force, and
3,700 tons per working day based solely
on the underground work force.
As shown in Graph 1, coal production
was relatively steady during the period
1982-1987, then declined steadily through
1992. Production rose slightly in 1993, to 1.7 million tons. Graph 1 also shows that, following an
increase during the period 1988-1992, specific emissions decreased slightly in 1993, to 18.9 m3
of methane per ton of coal mined. This decrease may reflect a temporary shift in the stage of
mine development.
1980 1982 1984
1986 1988
YEAR
{SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
1990 1992
-COAL PRODUCTION
51
-------
1 MAJA
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
MILLION m
80
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
1980
1982
1984
1986
YEAR
1988
1990
1992
I METHANE DRAINED
O METHANE VENTED
In 1993, a total of 32.0 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the 1 Maja
mining concession. Of this, 8.5 million
m3 were drained, and 23.5 million m3
were emitted via the ventilation system.
Of the methane drained, 7.3 million m3
were used, and the remaining 1.2 million
m3 were emitted.
Trends in methane ventilation, drainage,
and total liberation from 1980 through
1993 are shown in Graph 2. Note that
the amount of methane vented and
drained has been decreasing since
1990, in conjunction with an overall
decrease in coal production. Mine
management, however, would like to increase methane drainage, and forecasts that by year
2000 the amount of methane being drained will increase to about 10.2 million m3 per year.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that methane content ranges up
to 18 m3 per ton. All of the coal mined from the 1 Maja concession in 1990 belonged to methane
hazard Class IV, and the Central Mining Institute forecasts that this will still be the case in year
2000. According to Kotas (1994) however, there is evidence that the methane hazard for seams
600 and 700 (the primary seams mined at 1 Maja) is declining due to recovery of methane from
sandstone surrounding the seams (the methane originates from the coal seams but migrates to
the sandstone). This methane recovery is part of a surface drainage project in the nearby
Marklowice area, launched in 1949 and continuing today; produced methane is sent to the local
gas transmission network.
Mine Ventilation. Four ventilation shafts operate at the 1 Maja mining concession. The average
concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.11 percent, and the maximum
concentration is 0.22 percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 33,132 m3 per minute, and air
flows out of the shafts at the rate of 38,423 m3 per minute. Total power of the vent motors is
5,140kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 786 drainage boreholes operating at the 1 Maja mining
concession in 1991, with a total length of 66.8 km. Total length of the demethanization pipelines
is 99.1 km, and their diameter ranges from 100 to 300 mm. Eight pumps and compressors are
operating, with a total capacity of 352 m3 per minute. In 1993, the average methane
concentration in the gas used from 1 Maja was 59 percent, among the highest of any of the
mines profiled.
In 1993, 64 percent of the methane recovered was drained from development areas, 6 percent
was from working faces, and 30 percent was from gob areas.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to be 4.7-5.0 billion m3.
52
-------
1 MAJA
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 7.3 million m3 of methane drained from the 1 Maja concession were used; this
represents 86 percent of the methane drained from the concession. The mine's coal drying plant
consumed some of this methane; additional gas was purchased by GOZG Zabrze (the POGC's
Upper Silesian Gas Utility for transport to industrial users).
Pipelines from Shafts II and III of the 1 Maja mine are connected to the Swierklany gas
compression station, approximately 8 km northeast of the mine. The pipeline connecting Shaft II
is 250 mm in diameter, and is 7.3 km long; the pipeline connecting Shaft III is 350 mm in
diameter and is 5.1 km long. GOZG Zabrze ceased purchasing mine gas in October, 1993, for
reasons cited in Section 3.2.3 of Part I. As a result, some of this gas was vented to the
atmosphere for a short period of time, but the 1 Maja mine and/or neighboring mines soon
began using the additional gas on-site.
Mine management has not identified potential additional consumers of the concession's
methane. However, estimates of the 1 Maja mine power plant's fuel use indicated that it could
use as much as 36 million m3 of methane annually (Pilcher et al, 1991). Although annual
methane liberation from the mine totaled only 32 million m3, and only 8.5 million of this was from
drainage, improved techniques could substantially increase methane drainage from the working
face and gob areas. This combined with pre-mining drainage could produce enough methane to
supply most of the 1 Maja power plant's fuel needs.
MINING ECONOMICS1
In 1990, coal production costs at the 1 Maja mining concession totaled 493 billion zlotys ($US
52 million), or 251 thousand zlotys ($US 26) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the concession
sold for 212 thousand zlotys ($US 22) per ton, at a loss of 39 thousand zlotys ($US 4) per ton.
Methane drainage costs totaled 5.5 billion zlotys ($US 575 thousand). Methane sales recovered
1.5 billion zlotys ($US 157 thousand). Methane thus cost 465 zlotys ($US 0.05) per m3 to drain,
and sold for 149 zlotys ($US 0.02) per m3.
SALINE WATER
The 1 Maja mine discharges about 2200 m3 of water containing 80 tons of chlorides and
sulfates each day. The water quality is Group 3 and 4, indicating that its Cl and SO4
concentration exceeds 1,800 mg/l, which is polluting. Mine water is initially held in the Olza
Reservoir, which also gathers mine water from nine other coal mines, and is then discharged to
a tributary of the Olza river. The purpose of the collecting reservoir is to protect the upper
course of the Olza River and its tributary, the Szotkowka River. As of 1990, no other water
management method was in use, and it is not clear how mine management intends to improve
its saline water management.
1 Both monetary conversions and energy prices are rapidly fluctuating. The cost and price data are from 1990. See the
"Mine Profiles User's Guide."
53
-------
1 MAJA
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES*
Number
of
Seams
34
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.7- 1.6
Non-
Economic
0.3-0.7
Overburden
Thickness (m)
54 - 471 m
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
118
C2
150
1990
Total
268
1993
Total
263
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
3-40
ROM Average
9
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
27,595-
34,005
ROM Average
31,176
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
3.1
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
No Hazard
Rock Bump
Hazard
No Hazard
Dust
Hazard
B (Present)
Water Hazard
I (Low) and II
(Medium)
Methane
Hazard
IV (Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
I (Low)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.47
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.11
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Connected by pipeline to Swierklany Compressor
Station
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: Until 2005
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
* A+B+C1 and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were
unavailable
54
-------
BORYNIA
The Borynia mining concession is located in the
southwest quarter of the Polish part of the Upper
Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 13 km
southeast of the city of Rybnik. The concession
area occupies 17.4 km2. The mine opened in 1971,
and since 1993 has been part of the Jastrzebie
Coal Company.
Geologic Setting. The Borynia mining concession
lies in a structurally complex area. The Orlowa-
Boguszowice thrust fault, with a local displacement
of 1,100 m, lies just within the western boundary of
the concession. Several north-south trending
normal faults cross the concession, the largest of
which is the Gogolowski fault; strata west of this
fault are downthrown up to 140 m. Carboniferous
formations are overlain by an unconformable
Miocene sequence that is up to 300 m thick and is
not penetrated by faults. The average geothermal
gradient is 3.63° C per 100 m.
Coal Rank. Coal rank ranges from high volatile B bituminous to low volatile bituminous (types
34 through 36), with medium and low volatile bituminous (type 35) accounting for 92 percent of
the reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
SPECIFIC
EMISSIONS (m3/T)
9.2
4.6 - •,
The mine has 4 working levels accessed
by 9 shafts, 5 of which are ventilation
shafts. Coal is mined by longwall methods
from 14 working faces, with a combined
length of 2,402 m. As of 1993, mining
extended to a depth of 713 m. In 1990, a
total of 2.4 million tons of coal were
produced, all of which were medium and
low volatile bituminous (type 35). Clean
coal production was 1,815 tons per
working day based on the combined
surface and underground work force.
As shown in Graph 1, coal production was
relatively constant during the period 1982-
1988, then declined steadily through
1992. Production rose slightly in 1993, to
2.3 million tons. Graph 1 also shows that, trends in specific emissions have followed those in
coal production since 1990; both were relatively low in 1992, but rebounded in 1993, when 3.9
m3 of methane were liberated per ton of coal mined from the Borynia concession. This is the
lowest ratio of any of the mines studied.
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
COAL
PRODUCTION (kT)
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
*-*-• • *-*-«
•^s
Illlllll
[[•[•[•[•[•[•[•[•[•[•[•[•[I
1980 1982 1984
1986 1988
YEAR
{SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
1990 1992
-COAL PRODUCTION
55
-------
BORYNIA
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
Mil
10 '
5 '
19
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
.LION m3
Xx'
80 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992
YEAR
• METHANE DRAINED D METHANE VENTED
In 1993, a total of 8.9 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the Borynia
mining concession. Of this, 0.9 million
m3were drained, and 8.0 million m3 were
emitted via the ventilation system. No
methane was utilized.
Trends in methane ventilation, drainage,
and total liberation from 1980 through
1993 are shown in Graph 2. The 1992
drop in methane drainage corresponds
with an all-time low in coal production in
the same year. The percentage of
methane recovered by drainage at the
Borynia mine is small; recovery
efficiency is only 10 percent, one of the
lowest of the 17 mines studied.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content ranges up to
6.0 m3 per ton. All of the coal mined from the Borynia concession in 1990 belonged to methane
hazard Class III; unlike most of the other concessions studied, no methane hazard Class IV coal
seams are present at Borynia. The Central Mining Institute forecasts that by year 2000, all of the
coal mined at Borynia will still be from methane hazard Class III. According to Kotas (1994),
methane content is not expected to increase because the sorption capacity of the coal mined at
Borynia decreases with depth.
Mine Ventilation. Three ventilation shafts operate at the Borynia mining concession. The
average concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.05 percent, and the maximum
concentration is 0.06 percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 40,000 m3 per minute, and air
flows out of the shafts at the rate of 50,900 m3 per minute. Total power of the vent motors is
4950 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 32 drainage boreholes operating at the Borynia mining
concession in 1991, with a total length of 2.3 km. Total length of the demethanization pipelines
is 4.8 km (the shortest of any of the 17 mines studied), and their diameter ranges from 150-300
mm. Two pumps and compressors are operating, with a total capacity of 120 m3 per minute.
Concentration of methane in the main drainage pipeline was 57 percent.
In 1993, 6 percent of the methane recovered was drained from development areas, and 94
percent was drained from working faces; no methane was drained from gob areas.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 2.0 - 3.2 billion m3.
56
-------
BORYNIA
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
None of the methane drained from the Borynia concession is used. Potential consumers include
the mine's boiler and prep plant dryer. Estimates of the Borynia mine power plant's fuel use
indicated that it could use as much as 11 m3of methane annually (Pilcher et al, 1991). Although
annual methane liberation from the mine totaled only 8.9 million m3, and only 0.9 million m3 of
this was from drainage, improved techniques could substantially increase methane drainage
from working faces and gob areas. This combined with pre-mining drainage could produce
enough methane to meet most of the power plant's fuel needs.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Borynia mining concession totaled 495 billion zlotys ($US
52 million), or 204 thousand zlotys ($US 21) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the concession
sold for 185 thousand zlotys ($US 19) per ton, at a loss of 19 thousand zlotys ($US 2) per ton.
In July 1994, coking coal from the Jastrzebie Coal Company (to which Borynia belongs) sold for
1.25-1.42 million zlotys ($US 55.3 - $62.4) per ton, depending on rank. Coal prices have thus
risen substantially since 1990, as a result of coal price adjustments that have been made as a
part of Poland's energy sector restructuring programs. Information on increases in production
costs were unavailable.
In 1990, methane drainage costs totaled 1.4 billion zlotys ($US 146), or 1,588 zlotys ($US 0.17)
per m3; ventilation costs were 15.9 billion zlotys ($US 1.7 million), or 1,226 zlotys ($US 0.13)
per m3. The total cost of methane control in 1990 was 17.3 billion zlotys ($US 1.8 million). More
recent data concerning methane control costs were unavailable.
SALINE WATER
The Borynia mine discharges about 3200 m3 of water containing 50 tons of salts each day. This
water ranges from Group 1 (suitable for drinking) to Group 4 (highly polluting) in quality. Mine
water is initially held in the Olza Reservoir, which also gathers mine water from nine other coal
mines, and is then discharged to a tributary of the Olza river. The purpose of the collecting
reservoir is to protect the upper course of the Olza River and its tributary, the Szotkowka River.
Other details regarding present or planned saline water management methods were not
available.
57
-------
BORYNIA
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES*
Number
of
Seams
53
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.7-4.5
Non-
Economic
0.3
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
247-590
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
454
C2
138
1990
Total
592
1993
Total
525
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
3.2-34.8
ROM Average
13
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
27,000-
34,000
ROM Average
31,000
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
1.75
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
No Hazard
Rock Bump
Hazard
No Hazard
Dust
Hazard
B (Present)
Water Hazard
I (Low) and II
(Medium)
Methane
Hazard
III (High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
I (Low)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.13
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
1993
0.01
PIPELINE DATA
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Connected by pipeline to Swierklany Compressor
Station
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze ( subsidiary of the
POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
58
*A+B+Ci and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were unavailable
-------
BRZESZCZE
The Brzeszcze mining concession is located in
the southeastern part of the Upper Silesian Coal
Basin at the junction of the Wisla and Sola rivers,
approximately 33 km south of the city of
Sosnowiec. The authors' estimate of the
concession area, based on a digitized map, is
about 32 km2, but a report written by mine
management states that it is 26.2 km2. The mine
commenced operation in 1903, and in 1993
became part of the Nadwislanska Coal Company.
Geologic Setting. The concession is bounded
on the south by the Jawiszowice fault, which has
a displacement of up to 350 m and dips 45°. Coal
seams along this fault are very gassy; methane
content decreases eastward across the
concession. The Wisla fault, which plunges 55°,
forms the northwest boundary of the concession.
A series of horsts and grabens is present in the
concession. Carboniferous formations are apparently overlain by an unconformable Miocene
sequence in at least part of the concession. Coal seams contained in the Orzesze, and Rudy
formations are characterized by especially high methane contents. The average geothermal
gradient is 4.0° C per 100 m.
Coal Rank. Coal rank ranges from sub-bituminous through high volatile bituminous A (types 31
through 34) with sub-bituminous to high volatile bituminous B (types 31 and 32) accounting for
71 percent of the reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
The mine has 9 working levels accessed by
7 shafts, 4 of which are ventilation shafts.
Coal is mined by longwall methods from 10
working faces, with a combined length of
1,791 m. As of 1993, the maximum mining
depth at Brzeszcze was 740 m. In 1990, all
of the coal produced was sub-bituminous to
high volatile bituminous B (type 31 and 32).
Clean coal production was 2,100 tons per
working day based on the combined
surface and underground work force, and
3,900 tons per working day based solely on
the underground work force.
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
SPECIFIC COAL
PRODUCTION (kT)
5000
EMISSIONS (m7T)
60
- - 4000
-'3000
-'2000
- •1000
1980 1982 1984
1986 1988
YEAR
1990 1992
ISPECIFIC EMISSIONS
-COAL PRODUCTION
As shown in Graph 1, coal production was
relatively steady during the period 1982-
1988, and has since declined, with 2.9
million tons produced in 1993. Specific emissions have remained high in recent years, with 43.5
m3 of methane liberated per ton of coal mined from the Brzeszcze concession in 1993.
59
-------
BRZESZCZE
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY AND RESERVES
MILLION m
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
180
160
140
120 ' •
100 '•
80"
60"
40 •;
20
0
1980
1982
1984
1986
YEAR
1988
1990
1992
I METHANE DRAINED
D METHANE VENTED
The Brzeszcze mine is one of the most
gassy in Europe, and in Poland is
second only to Pniowek in terms of
methane liberation. In 1993, a total of
124.9 million m3 were liberated by
mining. Of this, 44.5 million m3 were
drained, and 80.4 million m3 were
emitted via the ventilation system. Of the
methane drained, 44.1 million m3 were
utilized, and the remaining 0.4 million m3
were emitted to the atmosphere.
Trends in methane ventilation, drainage,
and total liberation from 1980 through
1993 are shown in Graph 2. Methane
liberation reached its highest levels in
1989 and then declined until 1993. According to mine's chief ventilation engineer, methane
liberation is expected to increase in the years to come, as deeper levels of the mine are
exploited.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession, unadjusted for lost gas, indicate that gas
content is up to 15 m3 per ton. All of the coal mined at the Brzeszcze concession is from
methane hazard Class IV seams, and this is expected to remain the case in the future.
Mine Ventilation. Four ventilation shafts operate at the Brzeszcze mining concession. The
average concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.36 percent, and the maximum
concentration is 0.62 percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 29,700 m3 per minute, and air
flows out of the shafts at the rate of 35,500 m3 per minute. Total power of the vent motors is
3,800 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 643 drainage boreholes operating at the Brzeszcze mining
concession in 1991, with a total length of 51.04 km. Total length of the demethanization
pipelines is 48.20 km, and their diameter ranges from 100-500 mm. Eight pumps and
compressors are operating, with a total capacity of 480 m3 per minute, making it one of the
larger-capacity systems at the profiled mines. In 1993, the average concentration of methane in
gas used from the Brzeszcze mine was 50 percent.
In 1993, 13 percent of the total methane recovered was drained from development areas, 44
percent was from working faces, and 43 percent was from gob areas.
According to a report by mine management, difficulties in recovering methane from
development areas have been encountered due to the high sorption characteristics of the coal.
To address this issue, the mine would like to improve its pre-mining methane drainage
techniques. Drainage from gob areas has increased during the past decade as a result of
extensive sealing of gob areas. The mine plans to focus on improving methane drainage at the
working face as its primary means of increasing overall methane recovery. Use of vertical wells
for pre-mining degasification and gob gas recovery is also planned.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to be 6.1 - 17.7 billion m3.
60
-------
BRZESZCZE
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 44.1 million m3 of methane drained from the Brzeszcze mining concession were used;
this represents more than 99 percent of the methane drained from the concession and 35
percent of the total methane liberated. Most of the methane was consumed by the Oswiecim
chemical plant, while the remainder was consumed by the heating plant at the Brzeszcze mine.
Mine management has recently increased methane drainage, by using larger diameter
degasification pipes, modernizing drilling equipment, building the second phase of methane
compressors at the demethanization station, and generally improving compressor parameters.
McCormick Poland (a major US coalbed methane producer) has partnered with the
Nadwislanska Coal Company and it is expected that methane will be recovered from the
Brzeszcze mine using vertical wells for pre-mining and gob recovery. A feasibility study for
power generation at the mine based on coalbed methane-fired turbines has been conducted.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Brzeszcze mining concession totaled 552 billion zlotys
($US 58 million), or 186 thousand zlotys ($US 19) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the
concession sold for 112 thousand zlotys ($US 12) per ton, a loss of 74 thousand zlotys ($US 7)
per ton.
Methane drainage costs totaled 6.6 billion zlotys ($US 690 thousand). Methane sales recovered
3.8 billion zlotys ($US 397 thousand). Methane thus cost 140 zlotys ($US 0.015) per m3 to drain
(among the lowest of any of the mines studied), and sold for 81 zlotys ($US 0.008) per m3.
Ventilation costs were 5.8 billion zlotys ($US 606 thousand), or 58 zlotys ($US 0.006) per m3.
The total cost of methane control in 1990 was 12.4 billion zlotys ($US1.3 million), at a loss of 59
zlotys ($US 0.007) per cubic meter.
More recent data concerning economics at the Brzeszcze mine were unavailable. It is likely that
the sales price of methane from this mine is now higher than it was in 1990. If its 1994 sales
price was roughly equal to that received by the Jastrzebie Coal Company, methane drainage is
now likely to be profitable at the Brzeszcze mine.
SALINE WATER
The Brzeszcze mine discharges about 10,400 m3 of water containing 62 tons of chlorides and
sulfates to the Wisla River drainage each day. Mine water is initially held in the Brzeszcze
Reservoir, which was intended as a storage pond from which saline water would be discharged
to the Wisla during periods of high flow. However, the capacity of the reservoir (1 million m3) is
too small to contain the quantity of water discharged from the mine, and thus the saline water is
discharged to the river regardless of its flow rate.
Recently, the mine has begun a program of capturing the most highly saline waters in back
fillings. Fly ash is mixed with preparation plant waste materials to yield a solid back filling that
captures about 30 percent of the saline water.
61
-------
BRZESZCZE
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
34
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.8-3.5
Non-
Economic
0.6-2.0
Overburden
Thickness (m)
6.5 -258 m
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
118
C2
150
1990
Total
268
1993
Total
263
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
7.6 - 20
ROM Average
12.7
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
26,500-
29,300
ROM Average
27,400
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
5.5
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
Hazardous
Rock Bump
Hazard
No Hazard
Dust
Hazard
B (Present)
Water Hazard
I (Low)
Methane
Hazard
II (Medium) -
IV (Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
I (Low) -
IV (Very High)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
1.84
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.66
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Connected by pipeline to Oswiecim Chemical Plant
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
A+B+C1 and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were
unavailable 62
-------
HALEMBA
The Halemba mining concession is located in the
northwest quarter of the Upper Silesian Coal
Basin, within the town of Halemba-Ruda Slaska.
Halemba is one of nine mines that comprise the
Rudzka Coal Company. The concession area
occupies about 13 km2. The mine commenced
operation in 1957.
Geologic Setting. Strata underlying this
concession generally dip southward. An east-west
trending zone of normal faulting, comprising the
Klodnicki and Dorotka faults, essentially forms the
southernmost boundary of the Halemba mining
concession. Strata south of the fault zone are
downthrown approximately 400 m relative to those
north of the fault zone. Several north-south
trending normal faults are also present, with
displacement to 60 m on the eastern side of the
concession. The average geothermal gradient is
2.78° C per 100m.
Coal Rank. Coal rank ranges from high volatile C bituminous to medium volatile bituminous
(types 32 through 35) with high volatile A and B bituminous (type 34) accounting for 56 percent
of the reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
The mine has 4 working levels accessed by 9 shafts, 5 of which are ventilation shafts. Coal is
mined by longwall methods from 9 working faces, with a combined length of 1500 m. As of
1993, mining extended to a depth of 1,030 m. In 1990, a total of 4.2 million tons of coal were
produced, 3.9 million tons of which were high volatile B bituminous (type 33, power coal) and
the remainder of which were high
volatile A and B bituminous (type 34,
coking coal). Clean coal production
was 2,400 tons per working day based
on the combined surface and
underground work force, and 5,011
tons per working day based solely on
the underground work force.
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
SPECIFIC COAL
EMISSIONS (mTT)
25"
20 -•
15"
10 -•
5 -•
PRODUCTION (kT)
•6000
Illllll
I-' 5000
- - 4000
-'3000
- - 2000
- •1000
As shown in Graph 1, coal production
increased gradually from 1981 through
1988, then began declining sharply. In
1993, 2.8 million tons were produced.
Graph 1 also shows that specific
emissions were higher in 1992 than
any previous year. It is possible that
very gassy coal was mined during that
year, perhaps reflecting new development at the mine. Specific emissions decreased in 1993 to
19.1 rrvVton.
63
1980 1982 1984 1986 1988
YEAR
^•SPECIFIC EMISSIONS —•
1990 1992
-COAL PRODUCTION
-------
HALEMBA
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
MILLION m
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
100
1980 1982
1984
1986 1988 1990 1992
YEAR
METHANE DRAINED D METHANE VENTED
In 1993, a total of 53.0 million m of
methane were liberated from the Halemba
mining concession, ranking it fourth, of all
mines studied, in terms of methane
liberation. Of this, 15.6 million m3 were
drained, and 37.4 million m3 were emitted
via the ventilation system. Of the methane
drained, 3.0 million m3 were used, and the
remaining 12.6 million m3 were emitted.
Mine officials predict decreasing levels of
methane liberation in the future.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the
concession, unadjusted for lost gas,
indicate that gas content is up to 20 m3 per
ton. Coal of all classes of methane hazard
was mined from the Halemba Concession
in 1990; 33 percent of the coal was from Class IV seams, 24 percent was from Class III seams,
12 percent was from Class II seams, 16 percent was from Class I seams, and 15 percent was
from Class 0 seams. The Central Mining Institute forecasts that by year 2000, the mine will be
gassier, with 50 percent of the coal mined from the Halemba concession from Class IV seams,
23 percent from Class III seams, 10 percent from Class II seams, 5 percent from Class I seams,
and 12 percent from Class 0 seams.
Mine Ventilation. Five ventilation shafts operate at the Halemba mining concession. The
average concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.15 percent, and the maximum
concentration is 0.4 percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 40,000 m3 per minute, and air
flows out of the shafts at the rate of 50,900 m3 per minute. Total power of the vent motors is
6,965 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 42 drainage boreholes operating at the Halemba mining
concession in 1991, with a total length of 3.39 km. Total length of the demethanization pipelines
is 20.5 km, and their diameter ranges from 100 to 350 mm. Eleven pumps and compressors are
operating, with a total capacity of 406 m3 per minute, making it one of the larger-capacity
systems of the mines profiled. In 1993, the average concentration of methane in gas utilized
from the Halemba mine was only 45 percent.
In 1993, 13 percent of all methane recovered was drained from development areas, 73 percent
was drained from working faces, and 14 percent was drained from gob areas. The relationship
between gas recovery sources varies from year to year depending on the number of drainage
holes, the position of the longwalls, and coal production levels.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to be 11.0-11.5 billion m3.
64
-------
HALEMBA
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 3 million m3 of methane drained from the Halemba mining concession were used; this
represents only 15 percent of the methane drained from the concession. Most of the methane
was consumed by the heat plant at the Halemba mine; some may also have been used by the
Lech heating plant at the nearby Pokoj mine.
Halemba used only 3 million m3 of the nearly 16 million m3 of methane it recovered from the
mine. The unused methane represents about 436 terajoules of energy, or 121 GWh of
electricity. Future mine management plans for methane use include building a boiler heat plant
at the main shaft, and possibly installing a gas turbine. The US Trade and Development
Agency, in conjunction with the State Hard Coal Agency, is presently examining the feasibility of
using vertical wells (both surface and gob) to recover coalbed methane and identify the most
promising utilization option. Elektrogas Ventures has also expressed interest in building a power
plant fueled by methane from the mine. Residential users of natural gas in the surrounding
community of Ruda Slaska-Halemba are another potential consumer.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Halemba mining concession totaled 667 billion zlotys ($US
70 million), or 156 thousand zlotys ($US 16) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the concession
sold for 135 thousand zlotys per ton ($US 14), at a loss of 21 thousand zlotys ($US 2) per ton.
Methane drainage costs were reportedly 3.1 billion zlotys ($US 324 thousand). Methane sales
recovered 197 million zlotys ($US 21 thousand). Methane thus cost 196 zlotys ($US 0.02) per
m3 to drain, and sold for 129 zlotys ($US 0.013) per m3. Ventilation cost 9.6 billion zlotys ($US 1
million), or 167 zlotys ($US 0.017) per m3. The total cost of methane control was thus $12.7
billion zlotys ($US 1.3 million), or 363 zlotys ($US 0.038).
More recent data concerning mining economics at Halemba were unavailable. It is likely that the
sales price of methane from this mine is now higher than it was in 1990. If its current sales price
is roughly equal to that of methane from the Jastrzebie Coal Company, methane drainage may
now be profitable at the Halemba mine.
SALINE WATER
The mine discharged about 4,500 m3 of water containing 31 tons of chlorides and sulfates to the
Klodnica River each day. It is not known what type of saline water management program is
presently employed or planned for the future.
65
-------
HALEMBA
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
40
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.7-8.6
Non-
Economic
0.4-6.2
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
2 -95m
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
449
C2
106
1990
Total
555
1993
Total
573
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
20-50
ROM Average
40
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
13,000-
24,000
ROM Average
17,500
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
6
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
No Hazard
Rock Bump
Hazard
None-Ill
(High)
Dust
Hazard
Present
Water Hazard
I (Low) -
II (Medium)
Methane Hazard
0 (Very Low) -IV
(Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
I (Low) -
IV (High)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.79
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.24
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Surrounding community contains pipeline network
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
* A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were
unavailable
66
-------
JANKOWICE
The Jankowice mining concession is located in the
southwestern portion of the Polish part of the
Upper Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 6 km
southeast of the city of Rybnik. Jankowice is one of
seven mines that comprise the Rybnicka Coal
Company. The concession area occupies about 19
km2. The mine commenced operation in 1916.
Geologic Setting. The concession is bounded on
the west by the Michalkowice-Rybnik thrust fault. A
series of normal faults form the northern boundary
of the concession. Of these normal faults, the
greatest displacement (200 m) is along Fault "E",
located at the extreme northeast boundary of the
concession. Carboniferous formations are
unconformably overlain by a Miocene sequence,
which is not penetrated by faults. The average
geothermal gradient is 3.33° C per 100 m.
Coal Rank. Coal rank ranges from sub-bituminous through high volatile bituminous A (types 31
through 34) with sub-bituminous to high volatile bituminous B (types 31 and 32) accounting for
73 percent of the reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
The mine has 7 working levels
accessed by 7 shafts, 3 of which are
ventilation shafts. Coal is mined by
longwall methods from 14 working
faces, with a combined length of 2,269
m. As of 1993, mining extended to a
depth of 565 m. In 1990, all of the coal
produced was sub-bituminous to high
volatile bituminous (types 31 and 32).
Clean coal production was 2,291 tons
per working day based on the
combined surface and underground
work force, and 5,164 tons per working
day based solely on the underground
work force.
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
SPECIFIC COAL
(m3/T) PRODUCTION (kT)
6000
••••••••••••
1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992
YEAR
1SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
-COAL PRODUCTION
As shown in Graph 1, coal production peaked in 1988, then declined sharply until 1990,
remaining fairly steady since then; in 1993, the mine produced 3.7 million tons of coal. Specific
emissions peaked in 1991, perhaps reflecting new development at the mine, and have since
declined to near 1989 levels. In 1993, 2.4 m3 of methane were liberated per ton of coal mined
from the concession.
67
-------
JANKOWICE
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
In 1993, a total of 8.7 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the
Jankowice mining concession. Of this,
2.3 million m3 were drained, and 6.4
million m3 were emitted via the
ventilation system. Of the methane
drained, 1.7 million m3 were used, and
0.6 million m3 were emitted to the
atmosphere.
Trends in methane ventilation, drainage,
and total liberation from 1980 through
1993 are shown in Graph 2. In 1993,
methane drainage was at its lowest level
of any time during this period. Recovery
efficiency has generally declined
throughout the period.
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992
YEAR
• METHANE DRAINED O METHANE VENTED
In 1993, 2.4 m3 of methane were liberated per ton of coal mined from the Jankowice
concession. Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content is
up to 15 m3 per ton. Class II and III seams each accounted for 35 percent of the coal mined in
1990; the remaining 30 percent was mined from Class I seams. The Central Mining Institute
predicts that by year 2000 the mine will be gassier, with 50 percent of the coal mined from
Class III seams, 30 percent from Class II seams, and 20 percent from Class I seams. This could
cause an increase in methane emissions.
Mine Ventilation. Three ventilation shafts operate at the Jankowice mining concession. The
average concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.05 percent, and the maximum
concentration is 0.07 percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 41,720 m3 per minute, and air
flows out of the shafts at the rate of 44,530 m3 per minute. Total power of the vent motors is
5,500 kW.
Methane Recovery. The first methane drainage system in Poland was put into operation at the
Jankowice mine in 1952. By 1991, there were 153 drainage boreholes operating, with a total
length of 10.41 km. Total length of the demethanization pipelines is 9.59 km, and their diameter
ranges from 100-300 mm. Three pumps and compressors are operating, with a total capacity of
90 m3 per minute. In 1993, the average concentration of methane in gas consumed from the
Jankowice mine was 54 percent.
In 1993, 55 percent of all methane recovered was drained from development areas, 20 percent
was drained from working faces, and 25 percent was drained from gob areas. The relationship
between gas recovery sources varies from year to year depending on the number of drainage
holes, the position of the longwalls, and coal production levels.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 2.2 billion to 13.9 billion m3.
68
-------
JANKOWICE
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 1.7 million m3 of methane drained from the Jankowice mining concession were used;
this represents 74 percent of the methane drained from the concession. The Jankowice mine
power plant, located 6 km from the mine, was the primary consumer of this methane; additional
gas was purchased by GOZG Zabrze (the POGC's Upper Silesian Gas Utility) for transport to
industrial users.
The mine is connected to the Swierklany compressor station, which is south of the mine, by 1.6
km of pipeline with a diameter of 350 mm. GOZG Zabrze ceased purchasing mine gas in
October, 1993, for reasons cited in Section 3.2.3 of Part 1. As a result, some of this gas was
vented to the atmosphere for a short period of time, but the Jankowice mine and/or neighboring
mines soon began using the additional gas on-site.
Mine management has proposed increasing methane drainage in advance of, during, and after
mining, but has not identified any additional potential methane consumers. However, estimates
of the Jankowice mine power plant's fuel use indicated that it could use up to 67 million m3 of
methane annually (Pilcher et al, 1991).
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Jankowice mining concession totaled 493 billion zlotys
($US 52 million, or 137 thousand zlotys ($US 14) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the
concession sold for 103 thousand zlotys ($US 11) per ton, at a loss of 34 thousand zlotys ($US
3) per ton.
Methane drainage costs totaled 1.3 billion zlotys ($US 136 thousand) in 1990. Methane sales
recovered 337 million zlotys ($US 35 thousand). Methane thus cost 472 zlotys ($0.05 USD) per
m3 to drain, and sold for 150 zlotys ($US 0.02) per m3.
More recent data concerning mining economics were unavailable.
SALINE WATER
The Jankowice mine discharges about 5100 m3 of water containing 73 tons of chlorides and
each day. Mine water is initially held in the Olza Reservoir, which also gathers mine water from
nine other coal mines, and is then discharged to a tributary of the Olza river. The purpose of the
collecting reservoir is to protect the upper course of the Olza River and its tributary, the
Szotkowka River. Other details regarding present or planned saline water management
methods were not available.
69
-------
JANKOWICE
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
80
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.8-15.5
Non-
Economic
0.7-1.0
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
40-300
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
430
C2
505
1990
Total
935
1993
Total
573
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
2-35
ROM Average
16
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
18,000-
32,500
ROM Average
27,000
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
5.7
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
No Hazard
Rock Bump
Hazard
No hazard
Dust
Hazard
Present
Water Hazard
I (Low) and
II (Medium)
Methane Hazard
I (Low) -III (High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
II (Medium) -
IV (Very High)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.13
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.03
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Connected by pipeline to Swierklany Compressor
Station
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
* A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were unavailable
70
-------
JASTRZEBIE
The Jastrzebie mining concession is located in the
southwestern portion of the Polish part of the
Upper Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 14 km
south of the city of Rybnik. The concession area
occupies 16.4 km2. Coal production started in
1962, and the mine became part of the Jastrzebie
Coal Company in 1993.
Geologic Setting. The concession is bounded on
the west by the Orlowa thrust fault. Other, low
angle reverse faults related to this feature are
present, and they extend through unconformably
overlying Miocene strata to the surface. Several
north-south trending normal faults are also present,
but there is little displacement along these faults.
The average geothermal gradient is 3.33° C per
100m.
This concession
Coal Rank. Coal rank is medium and low volatile bituminous (types 35 through 37) with medium
volatile bituminous (type 35) accounting for 80 percent of the reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
The mine has 3 working levels accessed by 6 shafts, 4 of which are ventilation shafts. Coal is
mined by longwall methods from 16 working faces, with a combined length of 2,456 m. As of
1989, mining extended to a depth of 650 m. In 1990, a total of 2.3 million tons of coal were
produced, 1.9 million tons of which were medium volatile bituminous (type 35) and 0.4 million
tons of which were low volatile bituminous (types 36 and 37). Clean coal production was 1,749
tons per working day based on the combined surface and underground work force, and 4,203
tons per working day based solely on the underground work force.
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
As shown in Graph 1, coal production
declined from 1986 until 1991; output
has been fairly steady since 1991. In
1993, 2.0 million tons of coal were
produced from the Jastrzebie
concession.
Graph 1 also shows that specific
emissions were highest in the early
1980's, but declined to relatively low
levels in the latter part of that decade.
The slight increase in specific
emissions in recent years is largely a
function of decreased coal production;
methane emissions have decreased at
a slower rate than coal output. In 1993, 9.8 m3 of methane were liberated per ton of coal mined
from the Jastrzebie concession.
SPECIFIC
EMISSIONS (m 3/T)
20
15 ••
10 •'
5 ••
1980 1982 1984
COAL
PRODUCTION (kT)
4000
•'3000
f'2000
••1000
1986 1988
YEAR
ISPECIFIC EMISSIONS
1990 1992
-COAL PRODUCTION
71
-------
JASTRZEBIE
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
In 1993, a total of 20.0 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the
Jastrzebie mining concession. Of this,
3.5 million m3 were drained, and 16.5
million m3 were emitted via the
ventilation system. Of the methane
drained, 3.1 million m3 were used, and
the remaining 0.4 million m3 of which
were emitted.
Trends in methane ventilation, drainage,
and total liberation from 1980 through
1993 are shown in Graph 2. These
values were highest in the early part of
the period. Ventilation and total liberation
declined sharply after 1982, and
drainage declined after 1983.
MILLION m
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
1982 1984
I METHANE DRAINED
1986
YEAR
1988 1990 1992
O METHANE VENTED
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content ranges to 11.8
m3/ton. All of the coal mined in 1990 was from Class IV seams. The Central Mining Institute
forecasts that by year 2000, this will still be the case.
Mine Ventilation. Four ventilation shafts operate at the Jastrzebie mining concession. The
average concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.07 percent, and the maximum
concentration is 0.14 percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 40,000 m3 per minute, and air
flows out of the shafts at the rate of 42,000 m3 per minute. Total power of the vent motors is
4,800 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 840 drainage boreholes operating at the Jastrzebie mining
concession in 1991, with a total length of 69.30 km. Total length of the demethanization
pipelines is 23.05 km, and their diameter ranges from 100-300 mm. Three pumps and
compressors are operating, with a total capacity of 180 m3 per minute. In 1993, the average
concentration of methane in gas utilized from the Jastrzebie mine was 61 percent, among the
highest of any of the mines studied.
Currently, about 73 percent of all methane recovered from the Jastrzebie mine is drained from
development areas; 21 percent is drained from working faces, and 6 percent from gob areas.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 2.8 - 3.3 billion m3.
72
-------
JASTRZEBIE
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 3.1 million m3 of methane drained from the Jastrzebie mining concession were used;
this represents 89 percent of the methane drained from the concession. Of this, 1.6 million m3
were used by the Moszczenica mine's combined heat and power plant and the Jastrzebie
mine's heat and coal drying plant. The remaining 1.5 million m3 were sold to GOZG Zabrze (the
POGC's Upper Silesian Gas Utility) for transport to industrial consumers.
The Jastrzebie mine is connected to the Swierklany compressor station, located about 10 km to
the north, by a 500 mm diameter pipeline. GOZG Zabrze ceased purchasing mine gas in
October, 1993, for reasons cited in Section 3.2.3 of Part I . As a result, some of this gas was
vented to the atmosphere for a short period of time, but Jastrzebie and/or neighboring mines
soon began using the additional gas on-site.
Mine management estimates that in the future, the Jastrzebie mine heat and coal drying plants
may use up to 18.4 million m3 of methane per year. Increased methane drainage has been
proposed by mine management. The Jastrzebie Mining Company has partnered with Pol-Tex
Methane, a Polish subsidiary of a US company, McKenzie Methane, to drill a proposed 400
surface wells from the mine's coal reserve areas. The wells are expected to produce pipeline
quality methane to be sold to the national grid.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Jastrzebie mining concession totaled 537 billion zlotys
($US 56 million), or 233 thousand zlotys ($US 24) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the
concession sold for 196 thousand zlotys ($US 21) per ton, at a loss of 37 thousand zlotys ($US
3) per ton.
In July 1994, coking coal from the Jastrzebie Coal Company (to which the Jastrzebie mine
belongs) sold for 1.25 - 1.42 million zlotys ($US 55.3 - $62.4) per ton, depending on rank. Coal
prices have thus risen substantially since 1990, as a result of coal price adjustments that have
been made as a part of Poland's overall economic restructuring as well as its coal mining
industry restructuring programs.
In 1990, methane drainage costs totaled 3.3 billion zlotys ($US 345 thousand). Methane sales
recovered 449 million zlotys ($US 47 thousand).Methane thus cost 953 zlotys ($US 0.10) per m3
to drain, and sold for 135 zlotys ($US 0.01) per m3. Methane ventilation cost $10.8 billion zlotys
($US 1.1 million) or 551 zlotys ($US 0.06) per m3.
More recent data concerning mining economics were unavailable.
SALINE WATER
The mine discharges about 5100 m3 of water containing 62 tons of chlorides and sulfates each
day. Mine water is initially held in the Olza Reservoir, which also gathers mine water from nine
other coal mines, and is then discharged to a tributary of the Olza river. The purpose of the
collecting reservoir is to protect the upper course of the Olza River and its tributary, the
Szotkowka River. It is not known what plans exist for improved saline water management.
73
-------
JASTRZEBIE
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
50
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.7-12.8
Non-
Economic
0.4-0.7
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
90-650
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
228
C2
77
1990
Total
305
1993
Total
283
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
2.2-34.5
ROM Average
9.7
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
22,981-
34,553
ROM Average
30,962
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
6
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
No Hazard
Rock Bump
Hazard
I (Low)
Dust
Hazard
Present
Water Hazard
I (Low) and
II (Medium)
Methane Hazard
IV (Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
I (Low)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.30
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.05
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Connected by pipeline to Swierklany Compressor
Station
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
* A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were unavailable
-------
KRUPINSKI (SUSZEC)
The Krupinski mining concession is located in the
southwestern portion of the Polish part of the
Upper Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 19 km
southeast of the city of Rybnik. The concession
area occupies 28.4 km2. This is one of the newest
mines in the basin, with coal production starting in
1983. Krupinski became part of the Jastrzebie Coal
Company in 1993.
Geologic Setting. The area is structurally
complex, with several normal faults cross the
concession. The greatest displacement occurs
along the northwest-southeast trending Kryry fault,
which forms the southwestern boundary of the
concession. Strata south of this fault are
downthrown 250 m relative to strata north of the
fault. Faults do not penetrate the Miocene
sequence that unconformably overlies the
Carboniferous formations. The average geothermal
gradient is 3.31° C per 100 m.
Coal Rank. Coal rank is sub-bituminous to low volatile bituminous (types 31 through 36) with
high volatile bituminous A and B (type 34) accounting for 56 percent of the reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND QUALITY
The mine has 3 working levels accessed by 4 shafts, 2 of which are ventilation shafts. Coal is
mined by longwall methods from an average of 6.5 working faces, with a combined length of
1,176 m. As of 1993, mining extended to a depth of 620 m. In 1990, half of the coal produced
was sub-bituminous to high volatile B bituminous (type 31 and 32, power coal) and half was
high volatile A and B bituminous (type 34,
coking coal). Clean coal production was
1,541 tons per working day based on the
combined surface and underground work
force, and 5,129 tons per working day
based solely on the underground work
force.
As shown in Graph 1, coal production
increased steadily from the onset of
mining in 1983 until 1992. In 1993, 1.6
million tons were produced. Graph 1 also
shows that specific emissions were by far
the highest in 1983, when coal production
began. After 1983, they decreased
dramatically but still remain relatively high
in relation to other mines studied. In 1993,
specific emissions were 29.9 m3
SPECIFIC
EMISSIONS (m3/T)
300
250 ••
200 ••
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
COAL
PRODUCTION (kT)
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
1980 1982 1984
1986 1988
YEAR
{SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
1990 1992
-COAL PRODUCTION
of methane per ton of coal mined.
75
-------
KRUPINSKI
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
In 1993, a total of 48.7 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the
Krupinski mining concession. Of this,
15.8 million m3 were drained, and 32.9
million m3 were emitted via the
ventilation system. Of the methane
drained, 6.7 million m3 were used, and
the remaining
emitted.
9.1 million m were
MILLION m3
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
1982
1984
1986
YEAR
I METHANE DRAINED
1988 1990
1992
DM ETHANE VENTED
Trends in methane ventilation, drainage,
and total liberation from 1980 through
1993 are shown in Graph 2. Although
coal production did not begin until 1983,
methane was being drained as early as
1980. Drainage has decreased in recent
years, and according to a 1992 report by
mine managers this is due in part to the fact that abandoned (gob) areas are being filled with
tailings, and therefore less methane is available for drainage from gob areas.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content ranges to 15.4
m3 per ton. All of the coal mined in 1990 was from Class IV seams. The Central Mining Institute
forecasts that by year 2000, this will still be the case.
Mine Ventilation. Two ventilation shafts operate at the Krupinski mining concession. The
average concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.25 percent, and the maximum
concentration recorded is 0.28 percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 28,400 m3 per
minute, and air flows out of the shafts at the rate of 29,450 m3 per minute. Total power of the
vent motors is 7,800 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 632 drainage boreholes operating at the Krupinski mining
concession in 1991, with a total length of 72.94 km. Total length of the demethanization
pipelines is 38.64 km, and their diameter ranges from 150-300 mm. Six pumps and
compressors are operating, with a total capacity of 353 m3 per minute, making it one of the
larger-capacity systems at the profiled mines. In 1993, the average concentration of methane in
gas utilized from the Krupinski mine was 61 percent, among the highest of any of the mines
profiled.
In 1993, about 56 percent of the methane recovered from the Krupinski mine was drained from
development areas; 20 percent was from working faces; and 24 percent was from gob areas.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 10.0 -19.4 billion m3.
76
-------
KRUPINSKI
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 6.7 million m3 of methane drained from the Krupinski mining concession were used;
this represents 42 percent of the methane drained from the concession. The methane is
consumed by the boiler in the Krupinski mine heat plant, and to fuel a prep plant drier.
McCormick Power Company has been granted rights to develop coalbed methane production
on 11.3 km2 at the concession. The company plans to focus on methane drainage in advance of
coal mining, and estimates that the concession could produce more than 1 billion m3 of methane
per km2 (11.3 billion m3) over the next 20 years (Mining Engineering, 1993). McCormick
intends to build a methane-fueled heat and power plant at the mine; installation of equipment for
this project has begun. Mine management is also considering building a methane-fueled
desalination plant to concentrate brines.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Krupinski mining concession totaled 472 billion zlotys ($US
49 million), or 347 thousand zlotys ($US 36) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the concession
sold for 132 thousand zlotys ($US 14) per ton, at a loss of 215 thousand zlotys per ton ($US
22).
During July 1994, coking coal from the Jastrzebie Coal Company (to which the Krupinski mine
belongs) sold for 1.25 - 1.42 million zlotys ($US 55.3 - $62.4) per ton, depending on rank. Coal
prices have thus risen substantially since 1990, as a result of coal price adjustments that have
been made as part of Poland's overall energy sector restructuring programs.
In 1990, methane drainage costs totaled 2.9 billion zlotys ($US 303 thousand). Sales to the
mine's heat plant recovered 811 million zlotys ($US 85 thousand). Methane thus cost 119
zlotys ($US 0.012) per m3 to drain (the lowest of any of the mines studied) and sold to the
mine's heat plant for 150 zlotys ($US 0.016) per m3. Ventilation costs in 1990 were 9.3 billion
zlotys ($US 970 thousand), or 201 zlotys ($US 0.021) per m3 (note that drainage is cheaper, per
unit volume of methane, than ventilation). The total cost of methane control at the mine was
thus 12.2 billion zlotys ($US 1.3 million), or 320 zlotys ($US 0.033) per m3.
During the first six months of 1994, methane from the Jastrzebie Coal Company sold for an
average of 478.7 zlotys ($US 0.021) per m3. Data concerning 1994 methane drainage costs
were unavailable, but based on 1990 costs, it appears that it could now be more profitable to
recover and sell methane.
SALINE WATER
There is a high inflow of saline water into underground workings of the Krupinski mine, with the
result that about 5900 m3 of water containing 200 tons of chlorides and sulfates are discharged
each day. Mine water is initially held in the Olza Reservoir, which also gathers mine water from
nine other coal mines, and is then discharged to a tributary of the Olza river. The purpose of the
collecting reservoir is to protect the upper course of the Olza River and its tributary, the
Szotkowka River. Mine management has recently undertaken ambitious programs in hope of
reducing saline water discharge. As noted above, they are considering building a methane-
fueled desalination plant to concentrate brines, and are currently experimenting with storing the
most highly mineralized waters in gob areas. There are also radioactive isotopes present in
some of the waters drained from the mine, which mine management has been striving to
mitigate.
77
-------
KRUPINSKI
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
73
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.7-7.2
Non-
Economic
0.4-1.0
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
75-324
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
348
C2
231
1990
Total
579
1993
Total
648
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
1 .37-40
ROM Average
17.9
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
15,365-
30,936
ROM Average
26,998
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
4.6
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
No Hazard
Rock Bump
Hazard
No Hazard
Dust
Hazard
Present
Water Hazard
I (Low)
Methane Hazard
I (Low) to
IV (Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
I (Low) to
III (High)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.73
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.24
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
6 km from pipeline at Zory mine
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: Probably more than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were unavailable
78
-------
MARCEL
The Marcel mining concession is located in the
southwestern portion of the Polish part of the
Upper Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 7 km
southwest of the city of Rybnik. Marcel is one of
seven mines that comprise the Rybnicka Coal
Company. The concession area occupies about 72
km2. Coal production started in 1883.
Geologic Setting. The western part of the
concession is crossed by the Michalkowice thrust
fault and associated thrust faults. Displacement on
these faults is up to 700 m. Several north-south
trending normal faults are also associated with this
zone of thrusting, typically with 20-30 m
displacement. The eastern part of the concession
contains two major normal faults, with
displacement up to 160 m. Although no geologic
cross section was available, Carboniferous
formations are presumably overlain by Miocene strata. The average geothermal gradient is
3.37° C per 100m.
Coal Reserves and Rank. Coal rank ranges from sub-bituminous through high-volatile A
bituminous (types 31 through 34) with high volatile A and B bituminous (type 34, coking coal)
accounting for 39 percent of the reserves, and high volatile B bituminous (type 33, power coal)
accounting for 34 percent of the reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
SPECIFIC COAL
EMISSIONS (m7T)
PRODUCTION (kT)
2500
The mine has 4 working levels accessed by
7 shafts, 2 of which are ventilation shafts.
As of 1993, mining extended to a depth of
800 m. In 1990, a total of 1.9 million tons of
coal were produced, all of which were high
volatile A and B bituminous (type 34). Clean
coal production was 1,870 tons per working
day based on the combined surface and
underground workforce, and 4,120 tons per
working day based solely on the
underground workforce.
As shown in Graph 1, coal production was
relatively steady from 1982 through 1988,
then decreased from 1989 through 1992.
Coal production rebounded in 1993 to 2.1
million tons.
Graph 1 also shows that specific emissions were highest in 1990, the year in which when
methane drainage levels peaked due to the mine's focus on recovery from development areas
(85 percent of the methane drained in 1990 was from development areas). Specific emissions
ubsequently declined, and in 1993, 4.9 m3 of methane were liberated per ton of coal mined from
the Marcel concession.
1980 1982 1984
1986 1988
YEAR
ISPECIFIC EMISSIONS
1990 1992
-COAL PRODUCTION
79
-------
MARCEL
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
In 1993, a total of 10.8 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the
Marcel mining concession. Of this, 4.9
million m3 were drained, and 5.9 million
m3 were emitted via the ventilation
system. Of the methane drained, 4.2
million m3 were used, and the
remaining 0.7 million m3 were emitted
to the atmosphere after being
recovered by drainage.
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
MILLION m3
1992
I METHANE DRAINED
O METHANE VENTED
Graph 2 shows that trends in methane
liberation remained fairly steady
throughout the past 13 years, and that
recovery efficiency has been both
consistent and relatively high; in 1993, 45% of the total methane liberated from the mine was
captured by the drainage system. As shown in Graph 2, specific emissions were highest in
1990, the year in which when methane drainage levels were highest due to the mine's focus on
recovery from development areas (85 percent of the methane drained in 1990 was from
development areas).
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content is up to 4.4
m3/ton. In 1990, 75 percent of the coal mined was from methane hazard Class III seams, and
the remaining 25 percent was from Class II seams. The Central Mining Institute forecasts that
by year 2000, 80 percent of the coal mined at Marcel will be from methane hazard Class III
seams, and that the remainder will be from Class II seams.
Mine Ventilation. Two ventilation shafts operate at the Marcel mining concession. The average
concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.03 percent, and the maximum
concentration is 0.05 percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 27,871 m3 per minute, and air
flows out of the shafts at the rate of 29,653 m3 per minute. Total power of the vent motors is
2,850 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 256 drainage boreholes operating at the Marcel mining
concession in 1991, with a total length of 25.83 km. Total length of the demethanization
pipelines is 10.52 km, and their diameter ranges from 50-300 mm. Three pumps and
compressors are operating, with a total capacity of 180 m3 per minute. In 1993, the average
concentration of methane utilized from the mine was 56 percent.
In 1993, 13 percent of the methane recovered was drained from development areas, and the
remaining 87 percent was drained from working faces.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 1.0 to 1.1 billion m3.
80
-------
MARCEL
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 4.2 million m3 of methane drained from the Marcel mining concession were used; this
represents 86 percent of the methane drained from the concession. Much of the methane was
used at the Marcel mine and/or other mines in the Rybnik Coal Region; some of it was sold to
GOZG Zabrze (POGC's Upper Silesian Gas Utility) for transport to industrial users. A 6.4 km,
200 mm diameter pipeline connects the mine to the Swierklany compression station, located
east of the mine. GOZG Zabrze ceased purchasing mine gas in October, 1993 for reasons
discussed in Section 3.2.3 of Part I. As a result, some of this gas was vented to the atmosphere
for a short period of time, but the Marcel mine and/or neighboring mines soon began using the
additional gas on-site.
Mine management has proposed increasing methane drainage from development areas and
preparatory workings, and implementing a program for surface borehole drainage. One potential
use for additional recovered methane is to fuel the mine's prep plant dryer.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Marcel mining concession totaled 354 billion zlotys ($US
37 million), or 201 thousand zlotys ($US 21) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the concession
sold for 185 thousand zlotys ($US 19) per ton, at a loss of 16 thousand zlotys ($US 2) per ton.
Methane drainage costs totaled 1.7 billion zlotys ($US 178 thousand) in 1990. Methane sales
recovered 552 million zlotys ($US 58 thousand). Methane thus cost 274 zlotys ($US 0.03) per
m3 to drain, and sold for 88 zlotys ($US 0.01) per m3. Ventilation costs in 1990 were 5.3 billion
zlotys, ($US 556 thousand), or 855 zlotys ($US 0.09) per m3 ; note that drainage was less
expensive (per unit volume of methane) than ventilation at the Marcel mine. Total methane
control costs at Marcel mine were thus 7 billion zlotys ($US 734 thousand), or 1,129 zlotys ($US
0.12) perm3.
More recent data concerning mining economics were not available.
SALINE WATER
The Marcel mine discharges about 5,300 m3 of water containing 41 tons of chlorides and
sulfates each day. Mine water is initially held in the Olza Reservoir, which also gathers mine
water from nine other coal mines, and is then discharged to a tributary of the Olza river. The
purpose of the collecting reservoir is to protect the upper course of the Olza River and its
tributary, the Szotkowka River. It is not known what attempts are being made to improve saline
water management at the mine.
81
-------
MARCEL
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
46
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.7-9.0
Non-
Economic
0.4-1.0
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
3-400
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
194
C2
42
1990
Total
236
1993
Total
231
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
6-32
ROM Average
14.6
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
19,711-
31,687
ROM Average
27,862
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
7
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
No Hazard
Rock Bump
Hazard
I (Low) and
III (High)
Dust
Hazard
Present
Water Hazard
I (Low) and
II (Medium)
Methane Hazard
II (Medium) and
III (High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
II (Medium)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.16
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.73
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Connected by pipeline to Swierklany Compressor
Station
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
A+B+Ci and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were unavailable
82
-------
MORCINEK (KACYZE)
The Morcinek mining concession is located in the
southwestern portion of the Polish part of the
Upper Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 29 km
southeast of the city of Rybnik. The concession,
which is bounded on the west by the Poland-Czech
Republic border, occupies 22.6 km2. Coal
production started in 1987, and the mine became
part of the Jastrzebie Coal Company in 1993.
Geologic Setting. The Morcinek concession lies in
a structurally complex area. The northern end of
the concession is underlain by a thrust fault. A high
angle normal fault, which displaces strata by as
much as 300 m, crosses the northwest boundary of
the concession. A zone of normal faults also
occurs in the western part of the concession, near
the border with the Czech Republic. Carboniferous
formations are unconformably overlain by a thick
sequence of Miocene strata which includes a basal conglomerate. The average geothermal
gradient is 3.6° C per 100 m.
Coal Rank. Coal reserves are sub-bituminous through anthracite (types 31 and 32, 34 through
37, and 42) with medium and low volatile bituminous (type 35) accounting for 79 percent of the
reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
The mine has 2 working levels accessed by 4 shafts, 1 of which is a ventilation shaft. Coal is
mined by longwall methods from 3 working faces, with a combined length of 832 m. As of 1993,
mining extended to a depth of 1050 m. In 1990, all of the coal produced was medium and low
volatile bituminous (type 35, coking coal). Clean coal production was 1,283 tons per working
day based on the combined surface and underground work force, and 3,533 tons per working
day based solely on the underground work forca
Ash content (as received) of coal mined from
the concession ranges from 4.68 to 19.86
percent, with a run-of-mine (ROM) average
of 14.56 percent. Heating value ranges from
26,569 kJ/kg to 33,581 kJ/kg; the ROM
average is 28,878 kJ/kg. ROM average
moisture content is 2.5 percent.
As shown in Graph 1, coal production has
increased substantially since the onset of
mining in 1987. In 1993, 960 thousand tons
of coal were produced. Graph 1 also shows
that specific emissions increased until 1993,
when they declined slightly. In 1993, 26.7 m3
of methane were liberated per ton of coal
mined.
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
SPECIFIC
EMISSIONS (m3/T)
COAL
PRODUCTION (kT)
1000
1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990
YEAR
1992
ISPECIFIC EMISSIONS
-COAL PRODUCTION
83
-------
MORCINEK
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
In 1993, a total of 25.6 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the
Morcinek mining concession. Of this,
16.9 million m3 were drained, and 8.7
million m3 were emitted via the
ventilation system. Of the methane
drained, 14.4 million m3 were utilized
(ranking the Morcinek concession
fourth among those studied, in terms of
methane utilization) and the remaining
2.5 million m3 were emitted to the
atmosphere after being recovered by
drainage.
MILLION m
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
1980
1982
1984
1988
1990
1986
YEAR
I METHANE DRAINED D METHANE VENTED
1992
Trends in methane ventilation,
drainage, and total liberation from 1980 through 1993 are shown in Graph 2. Although coal
production did not begin until 1987, methane was being vented as early as 1983. Drainage did
not begin until 1987, so all of the methane liberated until then was the result of ventilation. In
1993, Morcinek had the highest recovery efficiency (66 percent) of all mines studied.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content is up to 8.0 m3
per ton. All of the coal mined in 1990 was from methane hazard Class IV seams. The Central
Mining Institute forecasts that by year 2000, this will still be the case.
Mine Ventilation. There is one ventilation shaft at the Morcinek mining concession. The
average concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.09 percent. Air flow into the
ventilation shafts is 17,800 m3 per minute, and air flows out of the shafts at the rate of 19,400 m3
per minute (the least ventilation air intake and outflow of any of the mining concessions studied).
Total power of the vent motors is 1,600 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 195 drainage boreholes operating at the Morcinek mining
concession in 1991, with a total length of 16.20 km. Total length of the demethanization
pipelines is 10.80 km, and their diameter ranges from 150-400 mm. Four pumps and
compressors are operating, with a total capacity of 240 m3 per minute. In 1993 the average
concentration of methane in gas utilized from the Morcinek concession was 59 percent, among
the highest concentration of any of the mining concessions studied.
In 1993, 8 percent of the methane recovered was drained from development areas, 42 percent
was drained from working faces, and 50 percent was drained from gob areas.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to be 3.1-10.4 billion m3.
84
-------
MORCINEK
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 14.4 million m3 of methane drained from the Morcinek mining concession were used;
this represents 85 percent of the methane drained from the concession. Of this, 11.6 million m3
were used by the mine's heat and prep plant dryer, and 2.8 million m3 were sold to GOZG
Zabrze (the POGC's Upper Silesian Gas Utility) for transport to industrial users. The Morcinek
mine is connected by a 500 mm diameter pipeline to the Swierklany compression station, which
is about 25 km to the north, but for reasons described in Section 3.2.3 of Part I, GOZG Zabrze
ceased buying coalbed methane in October, 1993. As a result, some of this gas was vented to
the atmosphere for a short period of time, but the Morcinek mine and/or neighboring mines soon
began using the additional gas on-site.
Mine management plans to increase methane drainage from gob areas, and to begin drainage
of methane above the 800 m level. They have also proposed increasing the capacity of the
demethanization pipelines. The US Trade and Development Agency, in conjunction with the
State Hard Coal Agency, is presently examining the feasibility of using vertical wells (both
surface and gob) to recover coalbed methane and identify the most promising utilization options.
The heating plant for the nearby of town of Cieszyn may be a potential consumer of methane
from the mine in the future.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Morcinek mining concession totaled 285 billion zlotys ($US
30 million), or 427 thousand zlotys ($US 45) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the concession
sold for 192 thousand zlotys ($US 20) per ton, at a loss of 235 thousand zlotys ($US 25) per
ton.
In July 1994, coking coal from the Jastrzebie Coal Company (to which the Morcinek mine
belongs) sold for 1.25 - 1.42 million zlotys ($US 55.3 - $62.4) per ton, depending on rank. Coal
prices have thus risen substantially since 1990, as a result of coal price adjustments that have
been made as part of Poland's energy sector restructuring programs.
Methane drainage costs were reportedly 2.4 billion zlotys ($US 250 thousand). Methane sales
recovered reportedly 745 million zlotys ($US 783 thousand). Methane thus cost 695 zlotys
($US 0.07) per m3 to drain, and sold 146 zlotys ($US 0.02) per m3. Ventilation cost 7.6 billion
zlotys ($US 793 thousand), or 1,124 zlotys ($US 0.12 per m3); note that drainage is less
expensive than ventilation, per unit volume of methane. Total methane control costs at Morcinek
mine were thus 10 billion zlotys ($US 1 million) or 1819 zlotys ($US 0.19) per cubic meter.
During the first six months of 1994, methane from the Jastrzebie Coal Company sold for an
average of 478.7 zlotys ($US 0.021) per m3. Data concerning 1994 methane control costs were
unavailable.
SALINE WATER
The Morcinek mine discharges about 3,300 m3 of water containing 70 tons of chlorides and
sulfates each day. Mine water is initially held in the Olza Reservoir, which also gathers mine
water from nine other coal mines, and is then discharged to a tributary of the Olza river. The
purpose of the collecting reservoir is to protect the upper course of the Olza River and its
tributary, the Szotkowka River. A brine desalination demonstration project is underway (see
discussion under Present and Planned Utilization of Mine Methane, above).
85
-------
MORCINEK
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
35
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.7-15.7
Non-
Economic
0.4-0.7
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
510-1150
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
295
C2
557
1990
Total
852
1993
Total
391
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
4.7-19.7
ROM Average
14.6
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
26,569-
33,581
ROM Average
28,878
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
2.5
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
No Hazard
Rock Bump
Hazard
No Hazard
Dust
Hazard
Present
Water Hazard
Not Available
Methane Hazard
IV (Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
I (Low)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.38
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.25
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Connected by pipeline to Swierklany Compressor
Station
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
* A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were unavailable
86
-------
MOSZCZENICA
The Moszczenica mining concession is located in
the southwestern portion of the Polish part of the
Upper Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 16 km
south of the city of Rybnik, adjacent to the border
between Poland and the Czech Republic. The
concession area occupies 32 km2. Coal production
started in 1966, and the mine became part of the
Jastrzebie Coal Company in 1993.
Geologic Setting. The Moszczenica concession is
bounded on the south by a zone of normal faulting
that includes the Bzie-Czechowice fault. Strata
south of this zone are downthrown as much as 260
m. The Orlowa thrust fault lies just outside of and
parallel to the western boundary. Parallel to this
fault is the north-south trending Zachodni normal
fault, which lies just within the western boundary of
the concession. The north-south trending
Poludniowy fault crosses the eastern part of the concession. Carboniferous formations are
unconformably overlain by Miocene strata, which thicken to the south. Overburden strata are
46-888 m thick. The average geothermal gradient is 3.33° C per 100 m.
Coal Rank. Coal rank is medium volatile bituminous through semi-anthracite (types 31 through
37, and 41) with medium and low volatile bituminous (type 35) accounting for 81 percent of the
reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
SPECIFIC
EMISSIONS (m3/T)
40
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
COAL
PRODUCTION (kT)
4000
The mine has 3 working levels accessed
by 8 shafts, 3 of which are ventilation
shafts. Coal is mined by longwall methods
from 14 working faces, with a combined
length of 1,717 m. As of 1993, mining
extended to a depth of 640 m. In 1990, all
of the coal produced was medium and low
volatile bituminous (coking coal, type 35).
Clean coal production was 1,510 tons per
working day based on the combined
surface and underground work force, and
3,427 tons per working day based solely
on the underground work force.
As shown in Graph 1, coal production has
declined gradually since 1982, but rebounded slightly in 1993 to 1.9 million tons. Graph 1 also
shows that specific emissions were comparatively high during the period 1990-1992. This period
of high relative gassiness corresponds with rather steeply declining coal production. In 1993,
22.4 m3 of methane were liberated per ton of coal mined from the Moszczenica concession.
1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990
YEAR
1992
1SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
-COAL PRODUCTION
87
-------
MOSZCZENICA
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
MILLION mj
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992
YEAR
• METHANE DRAINED D METHANE VENTED
In 1993, a total of 41.8 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the
Moszczenica mining concession. Of
this, 10.2 million m3 were drained, and
31.6 million m3 were emitted via the
ventilation system. Of the methane
drained, 9.8 million m3 were used, and
0.4 million m3 were emitted.
Trends in methane ventilation,
drainage, and total liberation from 1980
through 1993 are shown in Graph 2.
The amount of methane liberated has
decreased steadily during the period
1983-1993, concomitant with an overall
decrease in coal production.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content is up to 8.1 m3
per ton. All of the coal mined in 1990 was from methane hazard Class IV seams. The Central
Mining Institute forecasts that by year 2000, this will still be the case.
Mine Ventilation. Eight ventilation shafts operate at the mine. The maximum concentration of
methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.18 percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 53,200 m3
per minute, and air flows out of the shafts at the rate of 56,000 m3 per minute (the least
ventilation air intake and outflow of any of the mining concessions studied). Total power of the
vent motors is 11,750 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 2,206 drainage boreholes operating at the mine in 1991, with a
total length of 198.91 km. Total length of the demethanization pipelines is 80.03 km, and their
diameter ranges from 100-300 mm. Five pumps and compressors are operating, with a total
capacity of 246 m3 per minute. In 1993, the average methane concentration in gas utilized from
the mine was 57 percent.
In 1993, about 91 percent of the methane drained came from development areas; none was
recovered from working faces, and 9 percent was recovered from gob areas.
The Moszczenica mine is the subject of a pre-feasibility study being funded by the USAID and
the USEPA. This study is being prepared by the International Coalbed Methane Group, based in
Birmingham, Alabama. This study will examine the applicability of US surface gob well recovery
technologies for coalbed methane production in Poland. The study is being prepared by the
International Coalbed Methane Group, based in Birmingham, Alabama. It is expected that this
study will be completed in early 1995.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 3.3 - 9.2 billion m3.
88
-------
MOSZCZENICA
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 9.8 million m3 (96 percent) of the methane drained from the Moszczenica mine were
used; of this, 7.7 million m3 were consumed by the mine's electric power and heat plant, and its
coal drying and preparation plant. The remaining 2.1 million m3 were sold to GOZG Zabrze (the
POGC's Upper Silesian Gas Utility). The mine is connected to the Swierklany compression
station, which is about 20 km to the north, by a 500 mm diameter pipeline. However, for reasons
described in Section 3.2.3 of Part I, GOZG Zabrze ceased buying mine methane in October,
1993. As a result, some mine gas was vented to the atmosphere for a short period of time, but
Moszczenica and/or neighboring mines soon began using the additional gas on-site.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Moszczenica mining concession totaled 531 billion zlotys
($US 56 million), or 256 thousand zlotys ($US 27) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the
concession sold for 207 thousand zlotys ($US 22) per ton, at a loss of 49 thousand zlotys ($US
5) per ton.
In July 1994, coking coal from the Jastrzebie Coal Company (to which the Moszczenica mine
belongs) sold for 1.25 - 1.42 million zlotys ($US 55.3 - $US 62.4) per ton, depending on rank.
Coal prices have thus risen substantially since 1990, as a result of coal price adjustments that
have been made as part of Poland's overall economic restructuring and its coal mining industry
restructuring programs.
Methane drainage costs were 5.6 billion zlotys ($US 585 thousand). Methane sales recovered
2.5 billion zlotys ($US 261 million) Methane thus cost 324 zlotys ($US 0.034) per m3 to drain,
and sold for 145 zlotys ($US 0.015) per m3. Ventilation cost 11.4 billion zlotys ($US 1.2 million),
or 270 zlotys ($US 0.028) per m3. Total methane control costs were thus 17 billion zlotys ($US
1.8 million) or 594 zlotys ($US 0.062) per m3.
During the first six months of 1994, methane from the Jastrzebie Coal Company sold for an
average of 478.7 zlotys ($0.021 USD) per m3. Data concerning 1994 methane control costs
were unavailable.
SALINE WATER
The mine discharges about 600 m3 of water containing 2 tons of chlorides and sulfates each
day. This is the lowest amount of salts discharged by any of the mines studied. Mine water is
initially held in the Olza Reservoir, which also gathers mine water from nine other coal mines,
and is then discharged to a tributary of the Olza river. The purpose of the collecting reservoir is
to protect the upper course of the Olza River and its tributary, the Szotkowka River. It is not
known if mine management is attempting to reduce saline water discharge.
89
-------
MOSZCZENICA
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
45
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.7-10.3
Non-
Economic
0.4-0.7
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
46-888
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
199
C2
253
1990
Total
452
1993
Total
412
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
4-35
ROM Average
10
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
16,894-
33,444
ROM Average
32,611
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
7
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
Hazardous
Rock Bump
Hazard
I (Low)
Dust
Hazard
Present
Water Hazard
I (Low) and
II (Moderate)
Methane Hazard
IV (Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
I (Low)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.62
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.15
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Connected by pipeline to Swierklany Compressor
Station
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
* A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were
unavailable
90
-------
PNIOWEK (XXX)
The Pniowek mining concession is located in the
southwestern portion of the Polish part of the
Upper Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 16 km
southeast of the city of Rybnik. The concession
area occupies 55.4 km2. Coal production started in
1974, and the mine became part of the Jastrzebie
Coal Company in 1993.
Geologic Setting. The Pniowek concession is
bounded on the south by east-west trending
normal faults. Strata south of this boundary are
downthrown as much as 300 m relative to those
north of the boundary. A zone of east-west trending
normal faults is also present in the northernmost
part of the concession. These faults displace strata
to the south as much as 250 m. Just outside the
northeast boundary of the concession, a normal
fault displaces strata to the south by up to 500 m.
Faults in the southern part of the concession do not reach the surface (a geologic cross section
of the northern part of the concession was not available). Carboniferous formations are
unconformably overlain by Miocene strata in the southern part of the concession, and
presumably in the northern part as well. The average geothermal gradient is 4.0° C per 100 m.
Coal Rank. Coal rank is sub-bituminous to low volatile bituminous (types 31 through 36) with
medium and low volatile bituminous (type 35) accounting for 65 percent of the reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
SPECIFIC
EMISSIONS (m3/T)
60
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
COAL
PRODUCTION (kT)
5000
The mine has 3 working levels accessed
by 5 shafts, 3 of which are ventilation
shafts. Coal is mined by longwall methods
from 15 working faces, with a combined
length of 2,409 m. As of 1993, mining
extended to a depth of 830 m. In 1990, all
of the coal produced was medium and low
volatile bituminous (type 35). Clean coal
production was 2,007 tons per working
day based on the combined surface and
underground work force, and 4,768 tons
per working day based solely on the
underground work force.
As shown in Graph I, coal production
peaked in 1988 and has since declined.
Production rose slightly in 1993, to 3.0
million tons. Graph 1 also shows that specific emissions peaked in 1991, and 41.9 mj
methane were liberated per ton of coal mined from the Pniowek concession.
- - 4000
-'3000
- - 2000
-'1000
1980 1982 1984
1986 1988
YEAR
ISPECIFIC EMISSIONS
1990 1992
-COAL PRODUCTION
Of
91
-------
PNIOWEK
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
MILLION mj
200
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
1982 1984
1986
YEAR
1988 1990
1992
I METHANE DRAINED
D METHANE VENTED
In 1993, a total of 126.5 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the
Pniowek mining concession. Of this,
49.2 million m3 were drained, and 77.3
million m3 were emitted via the
ventilation system. Of the methane
drained, 43.4 million m3were used, and
5.8 million m3 were emitted.
From 1982 through 1993, more
methane was liberated at Pniowek than
any other concession studied. Trends
in methane ventilation, drainage, and
total liberation at Pniowek during the
period 1980 through 1991 are shown in
Graph 2. Methane liberation began to decrease in 1990, concomitant with a decrease in coal
production. The amount of methane drained exceeded the amount vented until 1985; Pniowek
continues to maintain a relatively high level of recovery efficiency.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content is up to 15 m3
per ton. All of the coal mined in 1990 was from methane hazard Class IV seams. The Central
Mining Institute forecasts that by year 2000, this will still be the case.
Mine Ventilation. Three ventilation shafts operate at the Pniowek mining concession. The
average concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.38 percent, and the maximum is
0.48 percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 45,836 m3 per minute, and air flows out of the
shafts at the rate of 51,235 m3 per minute, studied). Total power of the vent motors is 8,200 kW.
Methane Recovery. The Pniowek mining concession has the largest methane drainage system
of any mine studied. There were 3,511 drainage boreholes operating at Pniowek in 1991, with a
total length of 340.5 km. Total length of the demethanization pipelines is 124.78 km, and their
diameter ranges from 100-400 mm. Five pumps and compressors are operating, with a total
capacity of 627 m3 per minute. In 1993, the average concentration of methane in gas utilized
from the mine was 62 percent, the highest of any of the mines studied.
In 1993, 16 percent of all methane recovered was drained from development areas; 47 percent
was from working faces; and 37 percent was from gob areas.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 15.6-43.5 billion m3.
92
-------
PNIOWEK
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 43.4 million m3 (88 percent of the total methane drained) were used. Of this,
approximately 12.9 million m3 were used in the mine's boiler or were sold to the Moszczenica
and Zofiowka combined heat and power plants. The remaining 30.5 million m3 were sold to
GOZG Zabrze (the POGC's Upper Silesian Gas Utility). A 12.1 km, 500 mm diameter pipeline
connects the Pniowek mine with the Swierklany compressor station, which is northwest of the
mine; however, for reasons explained in Section 3.2.3 of Part I, GOZG Zabrze is not currently
buying any coalbed methane at present. As a result, some of this gas was vented to the
atmosphere for a short period of time, but the 1 Maja mine and/or neighboring mines soon
began using the additional gas on-site.
The US Trade and Development Agency, in conjunction with the State Hard Coal Agency, is
presently examining the feasibility of using vertical wells (both surface and gob) to recover
coalbed methane and is identifying the most promising utilization options. A pre-feasibility study
of power generation potential has already been prepared by the Polish Coalbed Methane
Clearinghouse for the Pniowek mine. Coalbed methane could also be used to fuel the mine's
prep plant dryer.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Pniowek mining concession totaled 685 billion zlotys ($US
72 million), or 205 thousand zlotys ($US 21) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the concession
sold for 103 thousand zlotys ($US 11) per ton, at a loss of 102 thousand zlotys ($US 10) per
ton.
In July 1994, coking coal from the Jastrzebie Coal Company (to which the Pniowek mine
belongs) sold for 1.25 - 1.42 million zlotys ($US 55.3 - 62.4) per ton, depending on rank. Coal
prices have thus risen substantially since 1990, as a result of coal price adjustments that have
been made as part of Poland's energy sector restructuring programs.
Methane drainage costs were 9.8 billion zlotys ($US 1 million). Methane sales recovered 8.5
billion zlotys ($US 888 thousand). Methane thus cost 152 zlotys ($US 0.016) per m3 to drain,
and sold for 137 zlotys ($US 0.014) per m3. Ventilation cost data were unavailable.
During the first six months of 1994, methane from the Jastrzebie Coal Company sold for an
average of 478.6 zlotys ($US 0.021) per m3. Data concerning 1994 methane control costs were
unavailable, but based on 1990 drainage costs it appears that the sale of recovered methane
could now be profitable.
SALINE WATER
The Pniowek mine discharges about 2400 m3 of water containing 62 tons of chlorides and
sulfates each day. Mine water is initially held in the Olza Reservoir, which also gathers mine
water from nine other coal mines, and is then discharged to a tributary of the Olza river. The
purpose of the collecting reservoir is to protect the upper course of the Olza River and its
tributary, the Szotkowka River. It is not presently known what efforts are being made at the mine
to improve saline water management.
93
-------
PNIOWEK
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
53
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.7-7.8
Non-
Economic
0.4-0.7
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
222-1000
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
663
C2
394
1990
Total
1057
1993
Total
1000
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
5-38
ROM Average
15.42
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
26,800-
33,400
ROM Average
28,300
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
3
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
Hazardous
Rock Bump
Hazard
No Hazard
Dust
Hazard
Present
Water Hazard
I (Low) and
II (Medium)
Methane Hazard
IV (Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
I (Low) and II
(Medium)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
1.89
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.73
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Connected by pipeline to Swierklany Compressor
Station
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
* A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were
unavailable
94
-------
SILESIA
The Silesia mining concession is located in the
southeastern portion of the Polish part of the Upper
Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 35 km south of
the city of Katowice. The concession area occupies
about 27 km2. Coal production started in 1902, and
the concession became part of the Nadwislanski
Coal Company in 1993.
Geologic Setting. The Silesia concession is
bounded on the south by an east-west trending
normal fault. Strata south of this boundary are
downthrown as much as 600 m relative to those
north of the boundary. Three generally north-south
trending normal faults cross the concession. Two
of these faults form a graben in the center of the
concession, where most mining is taking place.
Displacement along these faults increases to the
north, reaching a maximum of about 120 m. No
geologic cross section was available, but it is likely that Carboniferous formations are overlain
unconformably by Miocene strata. The average geothermal gradient is 3.45° C per 100 m.
Coal Rank. Coal reserves are sub-bituminous to high volatile A bituminous (types 31 through
34) with sub-bituminous to high volatile B bituminous (Types 31 and 32) accounting for 62
percent of the reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
SPECIFIC
45
40 +
35 ••
30"
25 ••
20 ••
15"
10 ••
5T
0
(m3/T)
COAL
PRODUCTION (kT)
2000
The mine has 5 working levels accessed
by 5 shafts, 2 of which are ventilation
shafts. Coal is mined by longwall methods
from 4 working faces, with a combined
length of 538 m. As of 1993, mining
extended to a depth of 500 m. In 1990, all
of the coal produced was sub-bituminous
through high volatile B bituminous (types
31 and 32). Clean coal production was
1,800 tons per working day based on the
combined surface and underground work
force, and 3,700 tons per working day
based solely on the underground work
force.
As shown in Graph 1, coal production
remained fairly steady from 1982 through
1989, decreased in 1990, and, following a rebound in 1991, declined again. In 1993, the mine
produced 1.1 million tons of coal. Graph 1 also shows that the amount of methane liberated per
ton of coal mined from the Silesia concession has remained fairly steady since 1980. During the
past decade, the Silesia mine has consistently ranked among the top concessions studied in
terms of specific emissions. In 1993, 36.4 m3 of methane were liberated per ton of coal mined
from the Silesia concession.
95
4-"4
1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992
YEAR
ISPECIFIC EMISSIONS
-COAL PRODUCTION
-------
SILESIA
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
MILLION mj
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
60
50
40"
30"
20 '•
1982
1984
1988
1990
1986
YEAR
I METHANE DRAINED D METHANE VENTED
1992
In 1993, a total of 41.1 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the
Silesia mining concession. Of this, 7.7
million m3 were drained, and 33.4
million m3 were emitted via the
ventilation system. Of the methane
drained, 7.6 million m3were used, and
the remaining 0.1 million m3 were
emitted.
Trends in methane ventilation,
drainage, and total liberation during the
period 1980 through 1993 are shown in
Graph 2. In 1988, methane liberation
began an overall decline, due, at least
in part, to generally declining coal
production.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content is up to 10.5 m3
per ton. All of the coal mined in 1990 was from methane hazard Class IV seams. The Central
Mining Institute forecasts that by the year 2000, this will still be the case.
Mine Ventilation. Two ventilation shafts operate at the Silesia mining concession. The average
concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.32 percent, and the maximum is 0.48
percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 19,856 m3 per minute, and air flows out of the
shafts at the rate of 20,198 m3 per minute, studied). Total power of the vent motors is 2,300 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 117 drainage boreholes operating at the Silesia mining
concession in 1991, with a total length of 7.8 km. Total length of the demethanization pipelines
is 52.43 km, and their diameter ranges from 100-400 mm. Five pumps and compressors are
operating, with a total capacity of 150 m3 per minute. In 1993, the average concentration of
methane in gas utilized from the mine was 48 percent.
In 1993, 7 percent of the methane recovered from the mine was drained from development
areas; 22 percent was from working faces; and 71 percent was from gob areas.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 7.6 - 26.5 billion m3.
96
-------
SILESIA
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 7.6 million m3 of methane drained from the Silesia concession were used; this
represents 99 percent of the methane drained from the concession. Methane was consumed by
the Silesia mine heat plant and the oil refinery at Czechowice-Dziedzice.
The Nadwislanska Coal Company (to which the Silesia mine belongs) has partnered with
Metanel S.A., a Polish coalbed methane extraction enterprise. Metanel has received a
concession to produce coalbed methane in coal reserve areas in addition to its cooperation with
the Silesia mine. Methane will be produced via surface wells, and Metanel estimates initial
production levels of 200 million m3/year (EEE, 1994). Possible customers for the gas include
the oil refinery at Czechowice-Dziedzice, and the CHP plant serving the town of Bielsko-Biala.
The former can take up to 300 million m3/year, and the latter 50 million m3/year. Metanel started
test drillings in July, 1994.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Silesia mining concession totaled 229 billion zlotys ($US
24 million), or 190 thousand zlotys ($US 20) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the concession
sold for 102 thousand zlotys ($US 11) per ton, at a loss of 88 thousand zlotys ($US 9) per ton.
Methane drainage costs were 3.6 billion zlotys ($US 376 thousand). Methane sales recovered
479 million zlotys ($US 50 thousand). Methane thus cost 428 zlotys ($US 0.05) per m3to drain,
and sold for 165 zlotys ($US 0.02) per m3. Ventilation costs were 3.9 billion zlotys ($US 403
thousand), or 106 zlotys ($US 0.01) per m3. Total methane control costs were thus 7.4 billion
zlotys ($US 779 thousand), or 534 zlotys ($US 0.06) per m3.
More recent data concerning mining economics were not available.
SALINE WATER
The Silesia mine discharges about 9,400 m3 of water containing 300 tons of chlorides and
sulfates each day. It discharges more salts to Polish rivers than any of the other mines studied.
The Silesia Reservoir collects water from the mine; it was designed many years ago to hold
mine water for subsequent discharge to the Vistula River during periods of high flow. However,
the storage capacity of the reservoir is only 1.7 million m3, too small for the amount of water
discharged from the mine. Saline water is thus discharged from the reservoir to the river
regardless of the river flow rate.
Mine management is attempting to solve its saline water management problems by proper
abandonment of face-dewatering boreholes (better sealing of pipes), and also by isolating
selected mine workings that produce highly saline water.
97
-------
SILESIA
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
56
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.8-6.3
Non-
Economic
Not
Available
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
100-700
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
352
C2
377
1990
Total
729
1993
Total
727
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
7-35
ROM Average
19.3
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
19,000-
28,000
ROM Average
23,800
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
5
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
No Hazard
Rock Bump
Hazard
No Hazard
Dust
Hazard
Present
Water Hazard
I (Low)
Methane Hazard
I (Low) -
IV (Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
IV (Very High)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.61
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.11
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Connected by pipeline to Czechowice Refinery
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
* A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were
unavailable
98
-------
STASZIC
RYBNIK
//~V--A
-fA^Jj /?K
The Staszic mining concession is located in the
northeastern portion of the Polish part of the Upper
Silesian Coal Basin, in the southeastern part of
Katowice. The concession area occupies about 21
km2. Coal production started in 1964, and the mine
presently belongs to the Katowice Holding
Company.
Geologic Setting. The Staszic concession is
crossed by several east-southeast/west-northwest
trending normal faults. The greatest displacement
occurs along the Klodnicki fault; strata south of this
fault are downthrown by as much as 100 m. Most
of the mining occurs north of this fault, in the
central part of the Staszic concession. It is not
clear from the geologic cross section whether or
not Miocene strata unconformably overlie the
Carboniferous formations. If indeed the Miocene is
present, it is a relatively thin layer, and apparently
does not cover the entire concession. The average geothermal gradient is 3.28° C per 100 m.
Coal Rank. Coal rank is sub-bituminous to high volatile A bituminous (types 31 through 34) with
sub-bituminous to high volatile B bituminous (Types 31 and 32) accounting for 83 percent of the
reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
EXPLANATION
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
SPECIFIC COAL
EMISSIONS (m7T)
PRODUCTION (kT)
6000
The mine has 2 working levels accessed
by 5 shafts, 3 of which are ventilation
shafts. Coal is mined by longwall methods
from 11 working faces, with a combined
length of 2,103 m; 2 working levels; and 5
shafts, 3 of which are ventilation shafts.
As of 1993, mining extended to a depth of
720 m. Coal production according to rank
(type) was not available. Clean coal
production was 2,735 tons per working
day based on the combined surface and
underground work force, and 5,330 tons
per working day based solely on the
underground work force.
As shown in Graph 1, coal production
remained steady during the period 1984-
1988, began declining in 1989, and following a rebound in 1992, decreased to 3.7 million tons in
1993. Graph 1 also shows that specific emissions were substantially lower in 1992 and 1993; in
1993, 5.1 m3 of methane were liberated per ton of coal mined.
99
1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992
YEAR
ISPECIFIC EMISSIONS
-COAL PRODUCTION
-------
STASZIC
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
In 1993, a total of 18.9 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the
Staszic mining concession. Of this, 2.1
million m3 were drained, and 16.8
million m3 were emitted via the
ventilation system. Of the methane
drained, 2.0 million m3were used, and
the remaining
emitted.
0.1 million m were
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
MILLION m
1982
1984
1986
YEAR
1988
1990
1992
I METHANE DRAINED
D METHANE VENTED
Trends in methane ventilation,
drainage, and total liberation during the
period 1980 through 1993 are shown in
Graph 2. No data was available
concerning the amount of methane
drained in 1980, so all methane liberated that year is assumed to result from ventilation. Both
the amount of methane drained and the amount liberated dropped sharply in 1992, and while
ventilation recovered somewhat in 1993, drainage continued to decline.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content is up to 8.0 m3
per ton. In 1990, 75 percent of the coal mined was from methane hazard Class IV seams, and
the remaining 25 percent was from methane hazard Class II seams. The Central Mining Institute
forecasts that by the year 2000, 50 percent will be from Class IV seams, and the remainder will
be from Class II seams.
Mine Ventilation. Three ventilation shafts operate at the Staszic mining concession. The
average concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.4 percent. Air flow into the
ventilation shafts is 41,890 m3 per minute, and air flows out of the shafts at the same rate. Total
power of the vent motors is 4,050 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 300 drainage boreholes operating at the Staszic mining
concession in 1991, with a total length of 35 km. Total length of the demethanization pipelines is
7.21 km, and their diameter ranges from 200-300 mm. Four pumps and compressors are
operating, with a total capacity of 60 m3 per minute. In 1993, the average concentration of
methane in gas used from the mine was 48 percent.
All of the methane recovered in 1993 was drained from gob areas; none was from development
areas or working faces.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 3.2 - 5.1 billion m3.
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 2 million m3 of methane drained from the Staszic concession were used; this
represents 95 percent of the methane drained from the concession. The methane was
consumed by the Ferrum steel complex, located near the mine.
100
-------
STASZIC
Mine management plans to construct a new pipeline from Shaft IV to the East Field 501, and to
add 4 compressors to the demethanization station, which will increase methane recovery.
Potential additional consumers of methane include the Staszic mine power plant, and
residences in the surrounding community.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Staszic mining concession totaled 702 billion zlotys ($US
73 million), or 170 thousand zlotys ($US 18) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the concession
sold for 280 thousand zlotys ($US 29) per ton, at a profit of 110 thousand zlotys ($US 11) per
ton.
Methane drainage costs were 6 billion zlotys ($US 627 thousand). Methane sales recovered 2
billion zlotys ($US 209 thousand). Methane thus cost 600 zlotys ($US 0.06) per m3 to drain, and
sold for 200 zlotys ($US 0.02) per m3. Methane ventilation costs were unavailable.
SALINE WATER
The Staszic mine discharges about 3500 m3 of water containing 57 tons of chlorides and
sulfates to the Wisla River drainage each day. It is not known what plans exist to improve saline
water management at the mine.
101
-------
STASZIC
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
56
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.8-10.8
Non-
Economic
0.6-9.8
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
0-95
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
559
C2
86
1990
Total
645
1993
Total
637
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
2.5-19.8
ROM Average
28,600
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
23,570-
31,610
ROM Average
28,600
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
5.5
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
No Hazard
Rock Bump
Hazard
I (Low) and
III (High)
Dust
Hazard
Present
Water Hazard
I (Low) and
III (High)
Methane Hazard
II (Medium) -
IV (Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
II (Medium)-
IV (Very High)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.28
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.03
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Surrounding community contains gas network
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: No
* A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were
unavailable
102
-------
WESOLA
The Wesola mining concession is located in the
northeastern portion of the Polish part of the Upper
Silesian Coal Basin, in the town of Myslowice,
south of Katowice. Wesola is one of 11 mines that
comprise the Katowice Coal Holding Company.
The concession area occupies about 57 km2. Coal
production started in 1952.
Geologic Setting. The east-west trending
Ksiazecego normal fault zone crosses the center of
the Wesola concession. Strata south of this zone
are downthrown as much as 420 m. Several faults
are present in the eastern part of the concession;
the largest of these is the north-south trending
Wanda normal fault. Strata east of this fault are
downthrown by as much as 220 m. On the western
side of the concession, smaller faults form horst
and graben features, but displacement is relatively
low.
Mining is presently occurring on the structurally highest fault block. From the geologic cross
section, it is not clear whether a Miocene sequence unconformably overlies the Carboniferous
formations. If a Miocene layer does exist, it is probably thin and does not cover the entire
concession. The average geothermal gradient is 3.53° C per 100 m.
Coal Rank. Coal rank is sub-bituminous to high volatile B bituminous (types 31-33).
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
SPECIFIC COAL
EMISSIONS (m3/T) PRODUCTION (kT)
12
6000
The mine has 5 working levels accessed
by 6 shafts, 2 of which are ventilation
shafts. Coal is mined by longwall methods
from 12 working faces, with a combined
length of 2,106 m. As of 1993, mining
extended to a depth of 860 m. In 1990, all
of the coal produced was sub-bituminous
to high volatile B bituminous (types 31-
33). Clean coal production was 2,759 tons
per working day based on the combined
surface and underground work force, and
5,000 tons per working day based solely
on the underground work force.
As shown in Graph 1, coal production was
steady from 1982 through 1988, declined
sharply in 1989 and has remained
relatively low. In 1993, 3.8 million tons of coal were produced. Graph 1 also shows that specific
emissions have been relatively high since 1990, perhaps reflecting new development at the
mine. In 1993, 11.3 m3 of methane were liberated per ton of coal mined.
+ 1000
1980 1982 1984
1986 1988
YEAR
1SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
1990 1992
-COAL PRODUCTION
103
-------
WESOLA
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
In 1993, a total of 42.5 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the Wesola
mining concession. Of this, 5.7 million
m3 were drained, and 36.8 million m3
were via the ventilation system. Of the
methane drained, 2.6 million m3 were
used, and 3.1 million m3 were emitted.
Trends in methane ventilation, drainage,
and total liberation from 1980 through
1993 are shown in Graph 2. Note that
recovery efficiency has been low
throughout the period; in 1993, it was
only 13 percent.
MILLION mj
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
60
50
40
30"
20 '•
10 '•
0
1980
1982
1984
1988
1990
1986
YEAR
I METHANE DRAINED D METHANE VENTED
1992
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content is up to 11.6 m3
per ton. In 1990, 50.7 percent of the of the coal mined at Wesola was from methane hazard
Class IV seams, 33.3 percent was from seams rated below Class I, 12.3 percent was from
Class II seams, and 3.7 percent was from Class III seams. The Central Mining Institute
forecasts that by year 2000, the mine will be gassier, with 76.1 percent from Class IV seams,
13.1 percent from Class II seams, 6.9 percent from Class III seams, and 3.5 percent from Class
I seams.
Mine Ventilation. Two ventilation shafts operate at the Wesola mining concession. The
average concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.15 percent, and the maximum
concentration is 0.22 percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 38,884 m3 per minute, and air
flows out of the shafts at the rate of 41,030 m3 per minute. Total power of the vent motors is
2,430 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 156 drainage boreholes operating at the Wesola mining
concession in 1991, with a total length of 17 km. Total length of the demethanization pipelines is
16.4 km, and their diameter ranges from 150-300 mm. Seven pumps and compressors are
operating, with a total capacity of 175 m3 per minute. In 1993, the average concentration of
methane in gas utilized from the mine was 54 percent.
Of the methane drained in 1993, 98 percent was drained from working faces, and 2 percent was
drained from gob areas.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 11.6-11.9 billion m3.
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 2.6 million m3 of methane drained from the Wesola concession were used; this
represents 46 percent of the total amount drained. The methane was consumed by the heat
plant that serves the Wesola mine and provides district heating for the nearby community. In
1994, all of the methane drained from the concession was used.
104
-------
WESOLA
Potential consumers of methane in the future include: a proposed additional heat plant serving
the mine; a coal prep plant that is being developed; and residential gas consumers in the
surrounding community of Myslowice.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Wesola mining concession totaled 538 billion zlotys ($US
56 million) or 139 thousand zlotys ($US 15) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the concession
sold for 92 thousand zlotys ($US 10) per ton, at a loss of 47 thousand zlotys ($US 5) per ton.
Methane drainage costs were 1.9 billion zlotys ($US 201 thousand), or 267 zlotys ($US 0.028)
per m3. No information was available regarding methane sales. Ventilation costs in 1990 were
9.6 billion zlotys ($US 1 million), or 264 zlotys ($US 0.028) per m3. Total methane control costs
were thus 11.5 billion zlotys ($US 1.2 million), or 531 zlotys ($US 0.056) per m3. More recent
data concerning mining economics were unavailable.
SALINE WATER
About 3,300 m3 of saline water containing 145 tons of chlorides and sulfates are discharged
from the Wesola mine to the Wisla River drainage each day. It is not clear what measures are
being taken to reduce this high discharge of salts. However, it is likely that mine management
will attempt to improve its saline water management methods, as increasing fees and fines for
saltwater discharge are being imposed.
105
-------
WESOLA
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
42
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.8-14
Non-
Economic
0.6-1
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
0-234
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+C.,
735
C2
271
1990
Total
1,006
1993
Total
1,025
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
4.4-47
ROM Average
19.1
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
16,959-
31,360
ROM Average
23,545
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
7
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
No Hazard
Rock Bump
Hazard
III (High)
Dust
Hazard
None to
Present
Water Hazard
I (Low) -
III (High)
Methane Hazard
0 (Very Low) -
IV (Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
II (Medium)-
IV (Very High)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.63
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.05
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Surrounding community contains gas network
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: No; under development
* A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were
unavailable
106
-------
ZABRZE-BIELSZOWICE
The Zabrze-Bielszowice mining concession is
located in the northwestern portion of the Polish part
of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 14
km west of the city of Katowice in the towns of
Ruda-Slaska-Bielszowice and Zabrze. The Zabrze-
Bielszowice mine is one of 9 mines that comprise
the Rudzka Coal Company. The concession area
occupies about 41 km
1891.
~ Coal production started in
Geologic Setting. Two main east-west trending
fault zones divide the concession into three blocks.
The largest fault in northern fault zone is the Soara
normal fault. The largest fault in the southern fault
zone is the Klodnicki normal fault. Most of the
mining in this concession has occurred between
these two fault zones, on a structurally isolated
block. A geologic cross section was not available,
but it is probable that in at least part of the
concession, a Miocene sequence unconformably
overlies the Carboniferous formations. The average geothermal gradient is 3.7° C per 100 m.
Coal Reserves and Rank. Coal rank is sub-bituminous to low volatile bituminous (types 31
through 35), with high volatile A and B bituminous (type 34) accounting for 63 percent of the
reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
The mine has 10 working levels accessed
by 11 shafts, 3 of which are ventilation
shafts. Coal is mined by longwall methods
from 13 working faces, with a combined
length of 2,545 m. As of 1993, mining
extended to a depth of 840 m. In 1990,
nearly 4 million tons of coal were
produced, of which 2.9 million tons were
sub-bituminous (types 31 and 32), 0.8
million tons were high volatile A and B
bituminous (type 34, coking coal), and 0.3
million tons were high volatile B
bituminous (type 33, power coal). Clean
coal production was 1,955 tons per
working day based on the combined
surface and underground work force, and
3,347 tons per working day based solely
on the underground work force.
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
SPECIFIC COAL
EMISSIONS (m7T)
PRODUCTION (kT)
7000
1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992
YEAR
{SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
-COAL PRODUCTION
As shown in Graph 1, coal production has fluctuated considerably since 1980, reaching its lowest
levels in 1985 and 1986. In 1993, 3.2 million tons were mined. Graph 1, shows that specific
emissions have also fluctuated, perhaps in response to changing stages of mine development. In
1993, 5 m3 of methane were liberated per ton of coal mined from the Zabrze-Bielszowice
concession.
107
-------
GRAPH 1. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
1982
1984
1986
YEAR
1988
1990
1992
I METHANE DRAINED
D METHANE VENTED
In 1993, a total of 16.2 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the Zabrze-
Bielszowice mining concession. Of this,
1.2 million m3 were drained, and 15
million m3 were emitted via the
ventilation system. All of the drained
methane was utilized.
Trends in methane ventilation, drainage,
and total liberation from 1980 through
1993 are shown in Graph 1. The amount
of methane vented was especially high
in 1984 and again in 1987. As shown in
the graph, recovery efficiency tends to
be low at this mine, and in 1993 was
only 7 percent, the lowest of any of the mines studied.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content ranges to 11.6
m3 per ton. In 1990, 19 percent of the coal mined was from methane hazard Class 0 seams; 15
percent was from Class I seams; 9 percent was from Class II seams; 38 percent was from Class
III seams; and 19 percent was from Class IV seams. The Central Mining Institute forecasts that
by year 2000, 31 percent will be from Class 0 seams; 9 percent will be from Class I seams; 46
percent will be from Class III seams; and 14 percent will be from Class IV seams.
Mine Ventilation. Three ventilation shafts operate at the Zabrze-Bielszowice mining
concession. The average concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.03 percent, and
the maximum is 0.05 percent. Air flow into the ventilation shafts is 68,890 m3 per minute, and air
flows out of the shafts at the same rate. Total power of the vent motors is 5,200 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 19 drainage boreholes operating at the Zabrze-Bielszowice
mining concession in 1991, with a total length of 0.8 km. Total length of the demethanization
pipelines is 5.3 km, and their diameter ranges from 150-300 mm. Six pumps and compressors
are operating, with a total capacity of 150 m3 per minute. In 1992, the average concentration of
methane in gas utilized from the mine was 50 percent.
In 1993, 36 percent of the methane recovered was drained from working faces, and 64 percent
was drained from gob areas.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 2.2 - 6.3 billion m3.
108
-------
ZABRZE-BIELSZOWICE
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 1.2 million m3 of methane drained from the Zabrze-Bielszowice concession were used;
this represents all of the methane drained from the concession. The methane was consumed by
the Zabrze-Bielszowice mine heat plant at Operation No. 2.
Mine management plans to rebuild the demethanization station, and to drain coal seam
"405/1/1". Estimates of the mine's heat plant fuel consumption indicated that it could use as
much as 18 million m3 of methane annually. Other potential consumers of methane include
residential users of conventional natural gas in the surrounding communities of Ruda Slaska-
Bielszowice and Zabrze.
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Zabrze-Bielszowice mining concession totaled 718 billion
zlotys ($US 75 million), or 183 thousand zlotys ($US 19) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the
concession sold for 116 thousand zlotys ($US 12) per ton, at a loss of 67 thousand zlotys ($US
7) per ton.
Methane drainage costs were 2.5 billion zlotys ($US 261 thousand) or 499 zlotys ($US 0.05
USD) per m3. Data regarding methane sales were not available. Ventilation costs in 1990 were
12.3 billion zlotys ($US 1.3 million), or 597 zlotys ($US 0.06) per cubic meter (note that
ventilation costs exceeded drainage costs, per unit volume of methane). Total methane control
costs were thus 14.8 billion zlotys ($US 1.5 million), or 1,096 zlotys ($US 0.11) per cubic meter.
Data regarding methane sales were not available.
More current data on mining economics were not available.
SALINE WATER
The Zabrze-Bielszowice mine discharges about 9200 m3 of water containing 34 tons of
chlorides and sulfates to the Klodnica River each day. The mine is considering treating this
water by reverse osmosis.
109
-------
ZABRZE-BIELSZOWICE
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
65
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.7-11.0
Non-
Economic
0.4-1.0
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
3-236
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
378
C2
170
1990
Total
548
1993
Total
545
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
2-33
ROM Average
14
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
20,600-
31,822
ROM Average
28,403
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
3.3
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
No Hazard
Rock Bump
Hazard
I (Low) -
III (High)
Dust
Hazard
None
Water Hazard
II (Medium)
Methane Hazard
0 (Very Low) -
IV (Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
II (Medium)-
IV (Very High)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.24
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.02
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Surrounding community contains gas network
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes, but no coal dryer
A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were unavailable
•tte-
-------
ZOFIOWKA
The Zofiowka mining concession is located in the
southwestern portion of the Polish part of the
Upper Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 16 km
south-southeast of the city of Rybnik. The
concession area occupies 16.4 km2. Coal
productions started in 1969. The concession
became part of the Jastrzebie Coal Company in
1993.
Geologic Setting. Several normal faults cross
the Zofiowka mining concession. Displacement
along these faults is minimal. The most
prominent fault is the Jastrzebie fault, a low angle
fault with only 10 m displacement. None of these
faults reaches the surface. A thick Miocene
sequence unconformably overlies the
Carboniferous formation. The average
geothermal gradient is 3.45° C per 100 m.
Coal Reserves and Rank. Coal rank is high volatile B bituminous through low volatile
bituminous (types 34 through 37), with medium and low volatile bituminous (type 35) accounting
for 83 percent of the reserves. In 1993, coal reserves totaled 546 millions tons.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
SPECIFIC
EMISSIONS (m3/T)
COAL
PRODUCTION (kT)
4000
The mine has 4 working levels accessed
by 5 shafts, 2 of which are ventilation
shafts. Coal is mined by longwall methods
from 12 working faces, with a combined
length of 1,520 m. As of 1989, mining
extended to a depth of 830 m. In 1990, a
total of 2.8 million tons of coal were
produced, 2.6 million of which were
medium and low volatile bituminous (type
35), and the remaining 0.2 million of which
were low volatile bituminous (types 36 and
37). Clean coal production was 1,890
tons per working day based on the
combined surface and underground work
force, and 4,780 tons per working day
based solely on the underground work
force.
As shown in Graph I, coal production reached a peak in 1987 and then began to decline. In
1993, production rebounded slightly to 2.3 million tons. It is unlikely that future production will
exceed 1993 levels. Graph 1 also shows that specific emissions have fluctuated only slightly
throughout the period. In 1993, 25.9 m3 of methane were liberated per ton of coal mined from
the concession.
1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990
YEAR
1992
1SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
-COAL PRODUCTION
111
-------
ZOFIOWKA
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
MILLION m
100
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
1982 1984
1988 1990
1986
YEAR
I METHANE DRAINED O METHANE VENTED
1992
In 1993, a total of 59.6 million m of
methane were liberated from the
Zofiowka mining concession. Of this,
19.8 million m3 were drained, and 39.8
million m3 were emitted via the
ventilation system. Of the methane
drained, 5.2 million m3 were utilized, and
the remaining and 4.6 million m3 were
emitted. Of the mines studied, Zofiowka
ranked third in terms of volume of
methane drained.
Trends in methane ventilation, drainage,
and total liberation from 1980 through
1993 are shown in Graph 2. Methane
liberation has generally decreased since the mid-1980's, primarily as a result of declining coal
production.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content ranges to 23
m3/ton. In 1990, 100 percent of the coal mined was from methane hazard Class IV seams. The
Central Mining Institute forecasts that in the year 2000, this will still be the case.
Mine Ventilation. Two ventilation shafts operate at the Zofiowka mining concession. The
average concentration of methane in the ventilation shafts is 0.18 percent. Air flow into the
ventilation shafts is 47,730 m3 per minute, and air flows out of the shafts at the rate of 26,853 m3
per minute. Total power of the vent motors is 5,700 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 1,883 drainage boreholes operating at the concession in
1991, with a total length 112.75 km. Total length of the demethanization pipelines is 89.19 km,
and their diameter ranges from 100-300 mm. Twelve pumps and compressors are operating,
with a total capacity of 505 m3 per minute. In 1993, the average methane concentration in gas
utilized from the mine 48 percent.
In 1993, 28 percent of the methane recovered was drained from development areas, 34 percent
was drained from working faces, and 38 percent was drained from gob areas.
The Zofiowka mine is the subject of a pre-feasibility study being funded by the USAID and the
USEPA. This study is being prepared by the International Coalbed Methane Group, based in
Birmingham, Alabama. This study will examine the applicability of US surface gob well recovery
technologies for coalbed methane production in Poland. The study is being prepared by the
International Coalbed Methane Group, based in Birmingham, Alabama. It is expected that this
study will be completed in early 1995.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 12.6 -14.2 billion m3.
112
-------
ZOFIOWKA
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1990, 15.2 million m3 of methane drained from the concession were used; this represents 77
percent of the methane drained from the concession. Of this methane, 14.9 million m3 were
used on-site, at the mine's combined heat and power (CHP) plant; the remaining 0.3 million m3
were sold to GOZG Zabrze (the POGC's Upper Silesian Gas Utility). The Zofiowka mine is
connected to the Swierklany compressor station by 6.9 km of 500 mm diameter pipeline, but for
reasons explained in Section 3.2.3 of Part I, GOZG Zabrze ceased buying coalbed methane in
1993. As a result, some of this gas was vented to the atmosphere for a short period of time, but
Zofiowka and/or neighboring mines soon began using the additional gas on-site.
This Zofiowka CHP plant used 39.9 million m3 of mine gas in 1993. Some of this gas, whose
average methane concentration was 49.9 percent, was drained from mines other than Zofiowka.
About 10 percent of the fuel energy consumed by the power plant came from methane. In order
to increase the amount of methane used at the plant, it would be necessary to modify the boilers
(Zimny, 1994).
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Zofiowka mining concession totaled 595 billion zlotys ($US
62 million), or about 222 thousand zlotys ($US 23) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the
concession sold for 219 thousand zlotys ($US 22) per ton, at a loss of 3 thousand zlotys ($US
1) per ton.
In 1994, coking coal from the Jastrzebie Coal Company (to which the Pniowek mine belongs)
sold for 1.25 - 1.42 million zlotys ($US 55.3 - $62.4) per ton, depending on rank. Coal prices
have thus risen substantially since 1990, as a result of coal price adjustments that have been
made as part of Poland's overall economic restructuring and its coal mining industry programs.
Methane drainage costs were 8.7 billion zlotys ($US 909 thousand). Methane sales recovered
3.5 billion zlotys ($US 366 thousand). Methane thus cost 323 zlotys ($US 0.034) per m3to drain,
and sold for 147 zlotys ($US 0.016) per m3. Ventilation costs in 1990 were 32.4 billion zlotys
($US 3.4 million), or 676 zlotys ($US 0.071) per m3; note that ventilation, per unit volume of
methane, was more expensive than drainage. Total methane control costs were thus 41.1 billion
zlotys ($US 4.3 million), or 999 zlotys ($US 0.105 USD) per m3.
During the first six months of 1994, methane from the Jastrzebie Coal Company sold for an
average of 478.6 zlotys ($US 0.021) per m3. Data concerning 1994 methane control costs were
unavailable.
SALINE WATER
The mine discharges about 2200 m3 of water containing 17 tons of chlorides and sulfates each
day. While this is a relatively moderate amount of salts compared to most of the mines studied,
it still represents a source of water pollution. Mine water is initially held in the Olza Reservoir,
which also gathers mine water from nine other coal mines, and is then discharged to a tributary
of the Olza river. The purpose of the collecting reservoir is to protect the upper course of the
Olza River and its tributary, the Szotkowka River. It is not known what steps are being taken to
improve management of saline water from the Zofiowka mine.
113
-------
ZOFIOWKA
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
61
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.7-9.8
Non-
Economic
0.4-0.7
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
224-710
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
349
C2
207
1990
Total
556
1993
Total
546
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
3.03
ROM Average
37.72
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
24,162-
32,080
ROM Average
27,755
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
2.55
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
Hazardous
Rock Bump
Hazard
I (Low)
Dust
Hazard
Present
Water Hazard
I (Low) and
II (Medium)
Methane Hazard
IV (Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
I (Low)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.89
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.30
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Connected by pipeline to Swierklany Compressor
Station
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: Yes
* A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were
unavailable
114
-------
ZORY(ZMP)
The Zory mining concession is located in the
southwestern portion of the Polish part of the
Upper Silesian Coal Basin, approximately 10 km
southeast of the city of Rybnik. Zory is independent
of any coal company. The concession area
occupies about 19 km2. Coal production started in
1979.
Geologic Setting. The mining concession is
bounded on three sides by faults. The Orlowa-
Boguszowice thrust fault forms the western
boundary of the concession; strata east of this fault
are downthrown by as much as 1100 m. The
Graniczny normal fault forms the southern
boundary of the concession; strata south of this
boundary are downthrown about 270 m. The
Wschodni-Graniczny zone of normal faulting forms
the eastern boundary of the concession; strata east
of this boundary are downthrown by as much as 240 m. The north-south trending Gogolowski
normal fault and east-west trending Polnocny normal fault also cross the concession. A thick
Miocene sequence unconformably overlies Carboniferous formations. The average geothermal
gradient is 3.33° C per 100 m.
Coal Rank. Coal rank is sub-bituminous to low volatile bituminous (types 31 through 35), with
medium and low volatile bituminous (type 35) accounting for 61 percent of the reserves.
COAL PRODUCTION AND SPECIFIC EMISSIONS
The mine has 3 working levels accessed
by 2 shafts, 1 of which is a ventilation
shaft. Coal is mined by longwall methods
from 6 working faces with a combined
length of 895 m. As of 1993, mining
extended to a depth of 700 m. In 1990, a
total of 841 thousand tons of coal were
produced, of which 640 thousand were
medium and low volatile bituminous (type
35). The rank (type) of the remaining 241
thousand tons was not specified. Clean
coal production was 1,147 tons per
working day based on the combined
surface and underground work force, and
3,727 tons per working day based solely
on the underground work force.
GRAPH 1. COAL PRODUCTION AND
SPECIFIC EMISSIONS, 1980-1993
SPECIFIC
EMISSIONS (m3/T)
70
COAL
PRODUCTION (kT)
1200
1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992
YEAR
ISPECIFIC EMISSIONS
-COAL PRODUCTION
As shown in Graph 1, coal production peaked in 1988 and has since declined substantially
since then. In 1993, only 500 thousand tons were produced. The mine had been scheduled for
closure in the mid-1990's, but these plans have been canceled. In 1993, 22.0 m3 of methane
were liberated per ton of coal mined from the Zory concession.
115
-------
ZORY
METHANE LIBERATION, VENTILATION, RECOVERY, AND RESERVES
GRAPH 2. METHANE DRAINED AND
VENTED, 1980-1993
MILLION m
1984
1986
YEAR
1988
1990
1992
I METHANE DRAINED
D METHANE VENTED
In 1993, a total of 11.0 million m3 of
methane were liberated from the Zory
mining concession. Of this, 2.0 million
m3 were drained, and 9.0 million m3 of
which were emitted via the ventilation
system. Of the methane drained, 1.4
million m3 were utilized, and the
remaining and 0.6 million m3 were
emitted.
Trends in methane ventilation, drainage,
and total liberation from 1980 through
1993 are shown in Graph 1. Methane
ventilation decreased sharply in 1993,
corresponding to a sharp decrease in
coal production.
Desorption tests on coal samples from the concession indicate that gas content is up to 4.8 m3
per ton. In 1990, 51 percent of the coal mined was from methane hazard Class IV seams, and
the remaining 49 percent was from Class III seams. The Central Mining Institute forecasts that
by year 2000, 90 percent will be from Class IV seams and 10 percent will be from Class III
seams.
Mine Ventilation. One ventilation shaft operates at the Zory mining concession. The average
concentration of methane in the ventilation shaft is 0.13 percent. Air flow into the ventilation
shafts is 25,448 m3 per minute, and air flows out of the shafts at the rate of 26,853 m3 per
minute. Total power of the vent motors is 4,800 kW.
Methane Recovery. There were 100 drainage boreholes operating at the Zory mining
concession in 1991, with a total length of 9.76 km. Total length of the demethanization pipelines
is 22.24 km, and their diameter ranges from 100-400 mm. As the demethanization station was
still under construction in 1991, no data was available regarding pumps and compressors. In
1993, the average concentration of methane in gas utilized from the Zory mine was 53 percent.
In 1993, 3 percent of the methane recovered was drained from development areas, 20 percent
was from working faces, and 77 percent was drained from gob areas.
Methane Resources. In-situ methane resources associated with balance reserves of coal are
estimated to range from 1.4 billion to 6.4 billion m3.
PRESENT AND PLANNED UTILIZATION OF MINE METHANE
In 1993, 1.4 million m3 of methane drained from the Zory concession were used; this represents
70 percent of the methane drained from the concession. The methane was consumed by the
power plant at the nearby Jankowice mine. The Zory mine is connected to the Swierklany
compressor station by approximately 6 km of pipeline. Mine management has not identified
potential additional consumers of the concession's methane. The mine does not have a coal
prep plant, but other on-site utilization opportunities may exist.
116
-------
ZORY
MINING ECONOMICS
In 1990, coal production costs at the Zory mining concession totaled 314 billion zlotys ($US 33
million), or 374 thousand zlotys ($US 39) per ton of coal mined. Coal from the concession sold
for 184 thousand zlotys ($US 19) per ton, at a loss of 190 thousand zlotys ($US 20) per ton.
More recent data concerning mining economics were not available.
Methane drainage costs were 2.6 billion zlotys ($US 272 thousand) in 1990. Methane sales
recovered 304 million zlotys ($US 32 thousand). Methane thus cost or 1,139 zlotys ($US 0.119)
per m3 to drain and sold for 157 zlotys ($US 0.016) per m3. Ventilation costs were 3.4 billion
zlotys ($US 356 thousand), or 183 zlotys ($US 0.019) per m3. Total methane control costs were
thus 6 billion zlotys ($US 628 thousand), or 1,322 zlotys ($US 0.138) per m3.
More recent data concerning mining economics were not available.
SALINE WATER
Data concerning discharge of water from the Zory mine were unavailable.
117
-------
ZORY
SUMMARY DATA TABLES
COAL RESOURCES
Number
of
Seams
76
Coal Seam Thickness
(m)
Economi
c
0.7-5.1
Non-
Economic
0.4-1
Overburden
Thickness
(m)
83-245
Balance Coal Reserves* (Million
Tons)
A+B+d
191
C2
149
1990
Total
340
1993
Total
290
COAL QUALITY
Ash Content (%)
As Received
3-39
ROM Average
16
Heating Value (kJ/kg)
Range
15,357-
35,997
ROM Average
27,974
Moisture (%)
ROM Average
4
HAZARD DATA
Gas and
Rock
Outburst
Hazardous
Rock Bump
Hazard
No hazard
Dust
Hazard
Present
Water Hazard
I (Low) to
II (Medium)
Methane Hazard
III (High) to
IV(Very High)
Spontaneous
Combustion
I (Low) to
II (Medium)
CARBON DIOXIDE EQUIVALENTS (Million Tons)
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Liberated
(Vented and Drained), 1993
0.16
CO2 Equivalent of Total Methane Drained,
(Used and Released), 1993
0.03
PIPELINE DATA (1995)
Distance to Nearest Pipeline
Connected by pipeline to Swierklany Compressor
Station
Owner / Manager of Pipeline
GOZG Zabrze (subsidiary of the POGC)
MINE LIFE EXPECTANCY: More than 20 years
PREP PLANT LOCATED ON SITE?: No
* A+B+d and C2 sub-categories reflect 1990 data; 1993 sub-categorized reserve data were
unavailable
118
-------
REFERENCES CITED
Bojkowski, K., and J. Porzycki, 1983, Geological problems of coal basins in Poland: Polish
Geological Institute, Warsaw, 441 p.
Brandt, H., and W.L. Bourcier, 1994, Treatment process for waste water disposal of Morcinek
mine using coalbed methane, in The Silesian International Conference on Coalbed Methane
Utilisation Proceedings, Volume I: Polish Foundation for Energy Efficiency, Katowice, Poland.
CIAB (Coal Industry Advisory Board), 1994, Global methane and the coal industry: Organisation
for Economic Cooperation and Development/International Energy Agency, Paris, 67 p.
Clifford Chance, 1994a, Geological and mining law: Clifford Chance Central Europe Newsletter,
December 1994, p. 13.
Clifford Chance, 1994b, Industry sector update - energy: Clifford Chance Central Europe
Newsletter, December 1994, p. 15.
Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse, 1994, Unpublished data provided to Raven Ridge Resources.
CNG (Consolidated Natural Gas Company), 1987, Cofiring: A new combustion technique:
Consolidated Natural Gas Company, 4 p.
Czerwinski, R., 1994, Poland's energy policy, in The Silesian International Conference on
Coalbed Methane Utilisation Proceedings, Volume I: Polish Foundation for Energy Efficiency,
Katowice, Poland.
Dixon, C.A., 1990, Coalbed Methane - A miner's viewpoint, in Methane Emissions From Natural
Gas Systems, Coal Mining, and Landfills: U.S. EPA workshop, April 9-13, 1990, Washington,
D.C.
Dziedzica, K., et al., 1979, Surowce mineralne dolnego slaska: Polskiej Akademii Nauk,
Wroclaw, 509 p.
EEE (Eastern European Energy), 1994, Poland's methane ready for testing despite uncertainty:
Financial Times Eastern European Energy, v. 37, no 15.
EEER (Eastern European Energy Report), 1994a, Poland- Energy sector snapshot: v. 5, no. 7,
p. 1.
EEER (Eastern European Energy Report), 1994b, Poland's Energy Sector Spends US$1.6
Billion: v. 5, no. 9, p.2.
EIU (Economist Intelligence Unit), 1993, Poland country profile: Economist Intelligence Unit,
London.
ESMAP (Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme), 1993a, Poland energy sector
restructuring program - Volume 2: The hard coal subsector: The World Bank, Washington,
D.C.,45p.
119
-------
ESMAP (Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme), 1993b, Poland energy sector
restructuring program - Volume 4: The natural gas subsector: The World Bank, Washington,
D.C., 130 p.
ESMAP (Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme), 1993c, Poland energy sector
restructuring program - Volume 1: Main Report: The World Bank, Washington, D.C., 72 p.
Energy Systems Associates, 1991, Opportunities for the utilization of mine ventilation air:
Prepared for the U.S. EPA, Global Change Division, Washington, D.C.
FBIS (Foreign Broadcast Information Service), 1993, Coal mine restructuring plan detailed:
FBIS, 5 October, 1993, pps. 18-20.
Fronski, A., A. Klupa, and P. Cebula, 1994, Usage of the distribution and transmission gas grid
for utilization of the coalbed methane in industry and household sector of the Silesian industrial
region: Silesian Coalbed Methane Newsletter, Second English Language Version Issue, pps. 7-
9.
Gatnar, K., 1994, The problems of capturing and the optimum utilization of coalbed methane
from mining concessions of the Jastrzebie Coal Company: in The Silesian International
Conference on Coalbed Methane Utilisation Proceedings, Volume I: Polish Foundation for
Energy Efficiency, Katowice, Poland.
Grzybek, I., 1994, Personal communication via fax with Raven Ridge Resources, Incorporated.
Gustavson Associates, 1990, The exploration potential of Eastern Europe: Seminar in Houston,
Texas, May 10-11, conducted by Gustavson Associates, Inc., Boulder, Colorado.
Hycnar, J., Z. Pelc, and K. Niesto, 1994, Using of exhaust gases, low temperature heat sources
and multiple heat transfer for utilisation of mining salt waters, in The Silesian International
Conference on Coalbed Methane Utilisation Proceedings: Polish Foundation for Energy
Efficiency, Katowice, Poland (unbound supplement to Volume 1).
Knott, D., 1993, Poland's promise for gas investment: The Oil and Gas Journal, v. 91, n. 24, p.
17.
Kotas, A., editor, 1994, Coalbed methane potential of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland:
Prace Panstwowego Instytutu Geologicznego, Warsaw.
Kotas, A., and Porzycki, 1985, Main features and hard coal resources of Poland's Carboniferous
coal basins: Polish Geological Institute, Warsaw.
Kotas, A. and Stenzel, P., 1986, Review of Poland's hard coal basins and coal exploration
methodology: Polish Geological Institute, Warsaw, 15 p.
KPMG Poland, 1993, Investment in Poland: Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler, Warsaw, 102 p.
Kwarcinski, J., 1994, The state of documentation of methane resources of coal mines in the
Upper Silesian Coal Basin: in The Silesian International Conference on Coalbed Methane
Utilisation Proceedings, Volume I: Polish Foundation for Energy Efficiency, Katowice, Poland.
Land, T., 1993a, Pipeline to a cleaner Poland: The New Leader, v. 76, no. 9, p. 11-12.
120
-------
Land, T. 1993b, Reformers tackle energy sector: Petroleum Economist, v. 60, no. 8, p. 14-15.
Meyer, H.S., D. Leppin, and J.L. Savidge, 1990, Gas Research Institute's gas processing
research and development program: Unpublished document submitted to the Gas Research
Institute, Chicago.
Mining Annual Review, 1993, Poland: Mining Magazine Annual Review, p. 217.
Moerman, A., 1982, Internal report on gas storage in Peronnes-Les-Binche, S.A. Distrigaz, 19 p.
Oil and Gas Journal, 1994, Polish refinery to get hydrocracker, hydrogen plant: Oil and Gas
Journal, v. 92, no. 50, p. 26.
Oil and Gas Journal, 1991, IGU details environmental qualities of gas: Oil and Gas Journal, v.
89, No. 29, p. 31.
Piekorz, J. 1994, The transition to a competitive industry in the Polish experience: paper
presented at the World Bank Seminar on International Experience in Coal Industry
Restructuring.
PlanEcon, 1994, PlanEcon Energy Report, v. IV, no. 1.
PlanEcon, 1992, PlanEcon Energy Report, v. II, no. 1.
Polish Hard Coal Agency, 1990, Polish coal - general information: State Hard Coal Agency Joint
Company in Katowice, 28 p.
Polish Ministry of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources, and Forestry (MEPNRF), 1988,
1989, 1991, Bilans zasobow kopalin i wod podziemnych w Polsce: Panstwowy Instytut
Geologiczny, Warsaw.
Ronne, A., 1994, The legal framework for the utilisation of coalbed methane: in The Silesian
International Conference on Coalbed Methane Utilisation Proceedings, Volume I: Polish
Foundation for Energy Efficiency, Katowice, Poland.
Sinor, J.E., 1992, Economic and market potential of the clinoptilolite process for methane
purification: Unpublished document prepared for Gas Separation Technology, Lakewood,
Colorado.
Sitnicki, S., K. Budzinski, J. Juda, J. Michna, and A. Szpilewicz, 1990, Poland - Opportunities for
carbon emissions control: Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, Washington, 22 p.
Surowka, J. 1993, Is coalbed methane really a chance for the Upper Silesia environment: in
Proceedings of the 1993 International Coalbed Methane Symposium, University of
Alabama/Tuscaloosa, p. 687-693.
Sturgill, C.L., 1991, Power generation - on-site use and sale to utilities: Report prepared for ICF
Incorporated, Washington, D.C., 26 p.
Thompson, H.A., 1991, It's 10° outside - do you know where your gas is?, in GRID, Gas
Research Institute Digest, Fall/Wnter 1991-1992, The Gas Research Institute, Chicago, pps.
12-23.
121
-------
Tokarzewski, J. and R. Bednarksi, 1994, in The Silesian International Conference on Coalbed
Methane Utilisation Proceedings, Volume I: Polish Foundation for Energy Efficiency, Katowice,
Poland.
UN (United Nations), 1993, Annual bulletin of general energy statistics for Europe, 1991: United
Nations, New York, 189 p.
UN (United Nations), 1990, Annual bulletin of general energy statistics for Europe, 1988: United
Nations, New York, 161 p.
UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), 1994a, The energy situation and
policies in the ECE region, particularly in the eonomies in transition: UNECE Committee on
Energy, November 1994.
UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), 1994b, The coal situation in the
ECE region in 1993 and the global prospects for coal: UNECE Committee on Energy, August
1994.
UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe), 1994c, The gas situation and
natural gas markets in the ECE region in 1992/93 and their prospects: UNECE Committee on
Energy, May 1994.
USDOE Energy Information Administration (EIA), 1994, International energy annual 1992:
Washington, D.C., 196 p.
USEPA, 1993, Options for reducing methane emissions internationally, Volume II: International
opportunities for reducing methane emissions - Report to Congress: USEPA Office of Air and
Radiation, Washington, D.C.
USEPA, 1986, Supplement A to a Compilation of Air Pollutant Emission Factors, v. 1: Stationary
and Point Sources: Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina.
Vejtasa, S.A. F.E. Biasca, D.V. Giovanni, and R.C. Carr, 1991, Gas cofiring for coal-fired utility
boilers: Draft report prepared for the Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, California, and
the Gas Research Institute, Chicago.
Zimny, J., 1994, Comparison of the economic effects of cbm gas utilization in the Rybnik-
Jastrzebie coal district: Silesian Coalbed Methane Newsletter, Second English Language
Version Issue, pps. 7-9.
122
-------
APPENDIX A
LIST OF CONTACTS
-------
APPENDIX A - LIST OF CONTACTS
Dr. Michal Wilczynski
Deputy Energy Resources Minister
Ministry of Environmental Protection,
Natural Resources and Forestry
ul. Wawelska 52/54
00-922 Warsaw, Poland
tel. (48) (22) 250-001, fax 253-972
Mieczyslaw Kacmarczyk, General Manager
Polish Oil and Gas Company
Krucza6/14
00-537, Warsaw, Poland
tel. (48) (2) 281-642, fax (22) 290-856
Andrzej Pecikiewicz, Program Assistant
Agency for International Development
Al. Ujazdowskie 29/31
Warsaw, Poland
tel. (48) (2) 628-3041, fax 628-7486
Mgr. inz. Eugeniusz Ciszak
State Hard Coal Agency
ul. Powstancow 30
40-952 Katowice, Poland
tel. (48) (32) 572-028, fax 511-986
Mgr. inz. Ryszard Wysocki, Vice President
State Higher Mining Authority
ul. Poniatowskiego 31
40-055 Katowice, Poland
tel. (48) (32) 511-471, fax 514-884
Adam Graczynski, General Director
Central Mining Institute
Plac Gworkow 1
40-951 Katowice, Poland
tel. (48) (32) 583-002, fax 596-533
Dr. Wojciech S. Beblo, Director
Ecological Department of Katowice Voivodship
ul. Jagiellonska 25
40-032 Katowice, Poland
tel./fax (48) (32)519-561
Jan Surowka, Director
Coalbed Methane Clearinghouse
ul. Powstancow 41 a, pok. 603
40-024 Katowice, Poland
tel. (48) (32) 155-6065, fax 155-27290
Dr. inz. Tadeusz Demel, President
Katowice Coal Holding Company
ul. Damrota 18
40-951 Katowice, Poland
tel./fax (48) (32) 573-105
Dr. inz. Jerzy Chowaniec, President
Nadwislanska Coal Company
ul. Grata Roweckiego 44
43-100Tychy, Poland
tel. (48) (3) 127-3527, fax 127-5913
mgr. inz. Krystian Zajac, President
Rybnick Coal Company
ul. Jastrzebska 10
44-253 Rybnik, Poland
tel. (48) (36) 394-600, fax 20-201
mgr. inz. Michal Kwiatkowski, President
Gliwice Coal Company
ul. Jasna 31
44-101 Gliwice, Poland
tel. (48) (32) 394-600, fax (48) (32) 394-602
mgr. inz. Maciej Czernicki, President
Jastrzebie Coal Company
ul. Armii Krajowej 56
44-330 Jastrzebie, Poland
tel. (48) (36) 63-311, fax 62-671
Wladyslaw Szotrowski, President
Bytom Coal Company
ul. Strezlcow Bytomskich 207
44-914 Bytom, Poland
tel. (48) (32) 814-050, fax 810-080
Dr. inz. Jan Szlozak
Rudzka Coal Company SA
ul. Kokota 168
41-711 Ruda SL, Poland
tel. (48) (32) 420 262, fax 717-893
Voluntary Reporting of Greenhouse Gases
U.S. Department of Energy
Energy Information Administration, EI-81
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20585
A-1
-------
APPENDIX B
EXPLANATION OF POLISH RESOURCE, COAL RANK,
AND MINING HAZARD CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
USED IN THIS REPORT
-------
APPENDIX B - EXPLANATION OF POLISH RESOURCE, COAL RANK, AND
MINING HAZARD CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS USED IN THIS REPORT
MINERAL RESOURCE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The coal resource data presented in this report pertain to documented reserves (sometimes translated
as "geologic reserves" or "documented geologic reserves"). The Polish government defines documented
reserves as "reserves documented by geologic investigations, evaluated quantitatively."
As in other countries, documented reserves are categorized according to the degree of assurance that
they exist. In Poland, documented reserves comprise degrees of assurance A,B,C1 and C2. These are
equivalent to descriptive terms used in the US as shown in Table B-1.
TABLE B-1.
COMPARISON OF RESERVE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
United States of America
Measured
Indicated
Inferred
Poland
A
B
Ci
C2
FIGURE B-1. POLISH CLASSIFICATION
OF DOCUMENTED RESERVES
In Poland, documented reserves are further
subdivided as shown in Figure B-1. Terms are
defined as follows:
Balance reserves - documented reserves that meet
balance criteria, including requirements related to
quality, geologic conditions, and mining conditions.
Criteria vary for separate coal mines or companies,
but in general they are as follows: maximum depth
= 1000 m, minimum seam thickness=1 m,
maximum ash content = 40 percent.
Non-balance reserves - documented reserves that
do not meet the balance criteria for one or more of
the following reasons: insufficient quality,
complicated geologic or mining conditions, or
insufficient seam thickness.
Industrial reserves - balance reserves intended to be produced using available mining technology and
production systems. These reserves are evaluated by the appropriate Ministry in charge of projects
developing specific deposits.
Non-industrial reserves - balance reserves which are not intended for production using available
technology and production systems.
B- 1
-------
COAL RANK
In Poland, as in other countries, coal is ranked according to various parameters including its carbon,
volatile matter, and moisture content, as well as its heating value. As shown in Figure B-2, the Polish
system differs from the US and German systems in that rank is expressed numerically, rather than by
descriptive terminology.
MINING HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS
Several types of mining hazards are categorized according to their severity:
Gas and Rock Outburst - Mines were reported as being either non-hazardous (NH) or hazardous (H) in
terms of outbursts of methane and/or carbon dioxide, and rock. Hazardous mines are those prone to gas
and rock outbursts. The methane content of their coal (dry, ash-free) is usually greater than or equal to 8
m3 per ton, and/or the coal may be overpressured with methane or carbon dioxide.
Rock Bump Hazard - "rock bump" refers to sudden and violent destruction of rock structures around a
mining excavation, with the result that rock is thrown into the excavated area. The rock accumulates
elastic strain energy, which is suddenly released when the resistance of the rocks is exceeded. This can
be caused by natural conditions or mining activity, or a combination of both factors.
Rock bump hazard is categorized as follows:
NH - coal seams are not susceptible to rock bumps
I - coal seams are susceptible to rock bumps, but no rock bumps have occurred during the past thirty
years of uninterrupted exploitation under consistent conditions; or, parts of the coal seam susceptible to
rock bumps are decompressed by initial excavation of the decompressing seam, in conjunction with roof
collapse, but rock bumps do not occur; or, parts of the coal seam susceptible to rock bumps are
decompressed by an earlier excavation with hydraulic filling of the lower seam, and the following
conditions are met: a) the distance from the roof of the decompressing seam to the floor of the
decompressed seam does not exceed six times the thickness of the decompressing bed; and b) after
decompression, rock bumps do not occur.
II - coal seams are susceptible to rock bumps, but excavation is conducted in a way that prevents
formation of concentrated stresses, and rock bumps have not occurred during the last two years of
uninterrupted exploitation under consistent conditions; or, parts of the coal seam susceptible to rock
bumps are decompressed by earlier excavation with hydraulic filling of the decompressing bed, and rock
bumps have not occurred when one of the following conditions are met: a) the distance from the roof of
the decompressing seam to the floor of the decompressed seam exceeds six times the thickness of the
decompressing seam; or b) the decompressing seam occurs above the decompressed seam.
Ill - coal seams are susceptible to rock bumps, which occur despite the fact that mining is conducted in a
way which prevents concentration of stresses; or, coal seams are not decompressed in safety and
resistance pillars, and other remains of the seams susceptible to rock bumps are surrounded by gobs
(regardless of their previous rock bump hazard classification); or, coal seams susceptible to rock bumps
are not decompressed, and are located within the zone influenced by exploitation and remaining
residues (regardless of their previous rock bump hazard classification).
B-2
-------
CO
s
UJ
CO
%
z
g
<
o
LL
CO
CO
<
o
sc
1
_l
<
o
o
2 ?
< O)
m «
< E
«?!
CO
_J
O
CL
U_
O
z
O
CO
Q£
<
CL
O
O
c4
CD
LLJ
GERMANY
USA
POLAND
54 1
o u.
••* o
Oae
9/)l8H
V/X8H
8X89 V/X89 8/HV WHV
•3 SdONIHOiU
- i(JS
TVOD S f) 0 K I H n 1
31I1T10A - H9IH I31I1V10AI
_2 | 8 1 V |-Hf1IQ3M| -M01
|(o: j»«od-
a
u
it
m
\101 5u|^03-
5E
H—l"'
8E
£SE
5C
i£
IT
«
EEL
«
«
B-3
-------
Dust Hazard - Coal dust is defined as coal particles which pass through a 1 X 1 mm mesh sieve. A coal
seam is considered to be endangered by coal dust explosions if it has a volatile matter content greater
than 12 percent (dry, ash free). Coal seams and underground workings are divided into dust hazard
classes A and B:
A - no dangerous coal dust occurs, or in Zone 11 the sections of workings with dangerous coal dust are
not longer than 30 m.
B - dangerous coal dust occurs, or in Zone 1 the sections of workings with dangerous coal dust are
longer than 30 m.
Water Hazard - Intrusion of water into underground mining excavations creates a hazard for mines and
for general operation of the mine. Three classes of water hazard have been established:
I - surface reservoirs or streams are present, and underground aquifers are isolated from mining
operations by a layer of impermeable rock, and mining operations will not destroy the isolating properties
of this rock layer; or, aquifers existing in or close to the coal deposit are isolated from mining operations
by a sufficiently thick and resistant impermeable layer; or, confined aquifers are drained, and water
recharge to the mining operation originates from unconfined aquifers; or, any situation that would
otherwise be considered water hazard Class II, except for the fact that only a single mining excavation
could be damaged.
II - surface reservoirs or streams are present, and infiltration may cause underground reservoirs to flood
the mining operations; or, a layered aquifer exists in the roof or floor of the deposit, and is not isolated by
a sufficiently thick and resistant impermeable layer; or, water is present in fractures but is isolated from
mining operations by a sufficiently thick and resistant impermeable layer; or, improperly abandoned or
inadequately documented surface boreholes exist, or boreholes create the possibility of direct contact of
the mining excavation with surface or underground reservoirs; or, any situation that would otherwise be
considered water hazard Class III, except for the fact that only a few mining excavations could be
damaged.
Ill - surface reservoirs or streams create the possibility of direct flow of water into the mining excavation;
or, there is a water-filled fracture in the roof or floor of a coal deposit; or, aquifers occur in the coal
deposit or its roof; or, water reservoirs exist under pressure in the floor of an excavation; or, there are
water-bearing faults whose location and/or water volume are insufficiently documented; or, there is a
possibility of water carrying sediments into mining excavations.
Methane Hazard - coal seams are categorized in five classes depending on in-situ methane content and
methane released into mine workings, as shown in Table B-2:
1 Zone 1 refers to underground workings lying in a range of up to 300 m from the place of a possible explosion initiation in non-gassy
fields, and in a range of up to 500 m in gassy fields.
B-4
-------
TABLE B-2. POLISH CLASSIFICATION OF COAL SEAMS AND MINE WORKINGS
WITH REGARD TO METHANE HAZARD
Class
0
1
II
III
IV
Methane Content in Coal, m3/T
on a Dry, Ash-free Basis
<0.02
0.02-2.5
2.5 - 4.5
4.5 - 8.0
>8.0
Methane Released in the Workings,
m3/T of Daily Output
N/A
<5
5-10
10-15
>15
Spontaneous Combustion - coal seams are categorized according to their rate of spontaneous
combustion, as shown in Table A-3:
TABLE B-3. CLASSIFICATION OF COAL SEAMS ACCORDING TO
SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION RATE
Class
I
II
III
IV
Spontaneous Combustion Index Sz
(° C/min.)
below 80
80-100
100-120
more than 120
Spontaneous Combustion Rate
low
medium
high
very high
B-5
-------
APPENDIX C
SELECTED TABLES FROM DATABASE
OF PROFILES
-------
C-1. TOTAL AT
I i
1S81
1WAJA 680. 64.6
11.4 12.9
129.5'
2L4 25.0
8.8 86'
501 47.5
1
1983
|
r^^80§r~~ 56.3
11.2J 8.2
114.3 108 1
384
115} 13.3
41 2J 32.7
F
19S7
I
47.3J 40.3
12.61 13,5
114.3J 119.4
39.8
14.2| 15.5
I \ 1
1992 1993
f 45.2: 48.1! 41.1
14.2| 15.4.: 13.9J nj
119.1| 134.6i
500! 62.4 1 65.7 1 81 .2 1 94.9
10.7! 11.3
26.7! 21.2
j 3.1 2.6] 3.5| 2.7 ! 17.|| 28.4
iligH. j 111; i4,s| 144! 12.5 12.6J 12.9
j HO, 0.0
§12: 92.5
| 112.6.
I 48.21 50.8
49.0 51.1
40.3. 37.4
18.9 22,2
§2.1; 77.4
11.2' 1S.2
0.0i 0.3 1.8i 0.6
88. 8 j 92.8 ! 82.9J fli.7
124.8? 1388
S2.7! 49.51 56. 1j 57.1
50.8| 5G.7
46.9! 39-4
37.0} 44.3 42.4J 492
16.3
87.8} SS.3 91 OJ 83.1
n.7] 13.5! ff.lf 18.1
111! 11.0
24,1
40.11 49.7
11.8! tie
2.3! " 52
77.5! 72.0
12.5
242
r" 67.6
14.01
81.3 73.3
13.1 12.8
59.4
ill
23.4. 23.2 1 22.6
16.1
13.6
11.7! 11.3
59 8
56J1 565) S4.9
33 6 1 30.5
52.3I 46.2
27.4 1 32.0
gfj! 75^
20.3| 24.4
42,4
STf
28,4
7S.6
18.0
I i I ! !
BO&9
8521 1
910.1
48.7
45.4
35.3
28.3
81.6
17,4
70.S
14.6
13.6
59.2
167.4
f =^
35.7
43.8
25.6
75.1
20.9
60.5
11.6
23.8
54"!
161.3
42.4
32.8
43.F
21 7
67.1
20.8
37.8 32.0
6,4 8.9
73.7 53.0
12.5! 8 7
21.41 20.0
57.6
10.6
28.7
4«.7
108
258
47.3) 41 8
1265'
43.S
16.2
38.B
| 15.9
44.fi
17.2
41.1
tl.9
42,5
16,2
596
11.0
890.1 733.2 690.2
-------
C-Z. AT PER TON
I 'l !
j 1981; 1982
;1 25.2
4.4
is§3
: |
29.4; 23.3
217
5.5 3.9 1 2.7
33. 2 j 36.3
0.5! 6,5
2.4 2.4
r 17 ir 19.1
0.0 ! 6.6
6.4! 7.2
OOi o.O
2S.6| 29.1
f 37.2
! 38.2
50.5
3S.S
: H.Of W-S
7.2
3.2
2S.5
53.7
14.7
8,1
30.1
70
2,7
14.2
0.0
6.2
o.o
27.7
8.0
2,8
11.3
266.0]
8.4
0.0
24.5! 26.1
42.4
36.4
12.3
6.6
4.3| 4.1
34,2
60.9
1FJ
27.0
1
„,,_„
42.6
34.3
11.8
7,9
3.?
2S.3
193
18.9
4.0
29.3
10.1
2.2
8.8
50 11
1985
16.1
4.4
1986
16.8
4.S
15.9 17.8
4.9 4.6
30.8 SOI 34.5" 31 .1
11. Si 11.7
2.2
2.1
a.ij 8.2
41.6
5.SJ 5.S
oof 61
23.9
38.4
381
102
7.S
5.9
25.2
213
14JI 14.i
44.8
14,3! 1S.4
2.0! 2.2
S.t; 8.9
46,7
5.1 [ 4:9
C.O! 12.9
24.4| 22.5
44.2
37.4
l-Sf 7,f
8i| 9.2
2.9
22.6
4.7
23.6
20.3 j 19.6
14J
is.?
47.S
3S.S
6,5
8.0
5.6
20.3
23.4
1SJ
55.S
5.9
16-0
1S89
20.8
5.6
44.1
15.4
2.6
8.9
58.S
6.3
1990
1991 1992
1
25.01
S.7]
49.1
17.5i
3.4,
10.1'
51 7<
7.6
iiJT is.!"1
___iLlL,,,_..l?;.|
28.2
497
35.B 33.5 37.3
9.1- ib,9. 6.6
6.7' 7,4. 11.2
4.9 5.5" 6,4
21.9 26.3 ma
1993
23.6 23.5! 18.9
5.1 . 3.0: 3.9
38.0 43.5
15.1) MI 19.1
4.0 3.4 2.4
11.1
42.3
6.?
281
27.6
51,4
31.4
92
11.1
SJ
24.0
18,4. 18,4. 24 »| 26.3
•
17.1 18.2 20J
11.1
10.4 i B
33.1 29.9
__M
4.9
287
30.1 22 J
47.9' 419
36.6; 36 4
3.7 5.1
11.7j 11.3
4.S
20.8
20.2
18.5
5.0
25.9
22.0
11.4
-------
TABLE C-3. COAL AT
...;.. i .1
1981 1«2
1
BORYMA
BR2ESZCZE
HALEMSA
JANKOWICE
KRUPINSKt
MARCEL
MORCINiK
_MOSZCZE_NCA
SILESIA
SI'ASZIC
WESOLA
ZABRZE-BIEL
TOTAL
2.700
2,808
3,900
4,5Si
3.600
2,800
-
2,300
-
3,500
:,,,„__,,
1,263
4,447
5,800
6,300
3,221
209
4S.IOS
^_^J9§3|_^JS§4_
I !
| I
| 3,029[ 3,112 3,077
4,487
3'^2w_f!^2
r~"T,50D
!
4.774 j
4,700 j 5,100
i 3.100
- 1 10 I 34S 635
i 2.300 ]
i - I -
4,120
*
249 477
3,560 | 3.470
3212 [ 3,380
1444 1 1,475 1,479
| 4,577
j j 5.700
! i
i
703 j HI i 888
1 I
42,179
[ |
1986
2,500
3,112
3,800
3,100
886
2,300
-
3,280
3,748
1,511
4,640
5,700
5,800
"~3,6B4™
1.036
SS,03t
1987
1988
2.500 2,441
3.160
3.103
i
f
S.4OQ
2.700
1,065
2,400
400
3.200
3,9291
1,530
4,658
5.5J4
2,722
1,217
2.380
64i
r '2^974
3,&77
1,535
r
I 5.733
5.700
3,731
1,04-3
56,778
1
1989
1991 1992
I !
2,177
2.754
3.613
5,077
1.292
2.168
1993
1 1.740 1.610 I
2,4431 2,110
3,014 (
4,200
3.715
1.304
1.916
669 Bi3
2,§i5
t
1,457
4.174
2,098
3,368
1.201
377G
I
2,040
1,430
1,720
S40
1,970
3,140
1,350
I i
;
5,777 f 5,132
1,095 946"
;
;
841 7W
42,130
2.060
1.740
2.555
2,870
2,780
2,040
1,720 !
960
1,190 . 1,130
J.700
3.770
' 3.210
2,140 t,3di
850 500
•
-------
TABLE C-4. METHANE LIBERATED BY VENTILATION AT PROFILED MINES (THOUSAND CUBIC METERS)
MINE
1 MAJA
BORYNIA
BRZESZCZE
HALEMBA
JANKOWICE
JASTRZEBIE
KRUPINSKI
MARCEL
MORCINEK
MOSZCZEN1CA
PN1OWEK
SILESIA
STASZIC
WESOLA
ZABRZE-BIEL.
ZOFIOWKA
ZORY (ZMP)
TOTAL
1980
38.421
11,240
99,738
2,327
3,783
41,500
-
6,843
-
55,684
43,950
37,423
49,000
36,697
17,400
48,470
9,871
502,347
1981
39,399
12,120
93,551
20,347
3,725
41,000
-
6,532
-
55,227
49,837
42,153
48,000
34,432
19,625
36,235
13,151
515,334
1982
37,980
10,820
87,966
27,028
4,683
35,053
-
6,791
-
54,419
55,770
43,783
43,000
32,542
20,793
45,503
10,192
516,323
1983
33,244
8,129
83,455
33,454
5,275
24,600
-
6,626
278
57,128
66,136
38,789
42,000
37,800
16,008
43,323
10,167
506,412
1984
29,539
12,446
88,006
43,346
5,258
20,865
7,568
6,428
1,792
52,878
64,143
40,997
39,600
36,414
25,960
45,650
11,746
532,636
1985
25,860
13,478
92,192
54,383
5,917
20,138
13,634
6,687
636
54,748
90,005
42,731
31,500
43,528
10,096
42,567
13.244
561,344
1986
28,025
13,996
88,210
58,593
6,542
20.256
23,748
6,584
2,265
53,672
94,633
42,153
28,000
47,570
20,012
47,216
14,516
595,991
1987
26,264
15,522
93,691
68,460
6,983
19,300
29,659
6,324
4,702
51,192
105,000
44,571
24,800
39,097
24,499
40,300
18,353
618,717
1988
30,590
13,476
88,436
70,755
8,225
19,600
38,710
6,324
10,031
48,283
102,000
44,781
34,200
31,520
21,340
45,088
14,280
627,639
1989
33,859
15,033
114,344
56,952
8,642
18,974
45,895
6,376
7,124
44,478
109,275
38,264
35,300
27,745
23,130
15,369
55,652
656,412
1990
36,308
12,960
101,000
57,652
9,017
19,700
46,200
6,226
6,750
42,062
103,000
36,444
25,500
36,444
20,553
47,939
18,672
626,427
1991
30,300
10,400
82,500
39,500
11,200
18,800
41,900
6.300
8,400
39,700
100,600
34,400
22,700
35,900
16,600
47,100
18.200
564,500
1992
28,300
5,600
83,300
48,700
9,900
17,500
40,400
6,100
8,800
33,800
88,200
35,600
12,400
31,400
13,600
42,600
13,800
520,000
1993
23,500
8,000
80,400
37,400
6,400
16,500
32,900
5,900
8,700
31.600
77,300
33,400
16,800
36,800
15,000
39,800
9,000
479,400
-------
TABLE C-5. METHANE DRAINED (THOUSAND CUBIC METERS)
MINE
1MAJA
BORYNiA
BRZESZCZE
HALEMBA
JANKOW1CE
JASTRZEBE
KRUPINSKJ
MARCEL
MORCINEK
MOSZCZENICA
PNIOWEK
SILESIA
STASZIC
WESOLA
ZABRZE-BIEL.
ZOFIOWKA
ZORY (ZMP)
TOTAL
1980
29.612
157
29,744
109
4,830
8,604
3,132
7,943
-
35,483
54,316
10,776
-
3,646
2,485
33,665
1,348
225,850
1981
25,213
738
26,397
4,695
4,849
6,845
2,582
7,962
-
37,301
62,770
8,598
3,050
2,932
2,571
41,207
2,013
239,723
1982
22,592
418
26,366
4,184
6,789
6,175
3,483
7,582
-
34,344
68,979
8,899
7,612
4,467
2,986
42,316
1,518
248,710
1983
23,064
62
24,620
4,944
8,036
8.066
2,657
5,874
-
35,654
70,665
10,745
8,647
6,524
4,246
44,997
3,370
262,171
1984
17,714
125
26,239
6,679
5,400
5,845
10,212
6,206
-
29,983
65,809
15,139
7,270
6,010
7,642
45,323
5,885
261,481
1985
14,431
-
27,158
8,043
5,400
5,026
12,772
6,245
-
26,955
60,102
14,347
7,891
5,652
6,229
40,503
4,809
245,563
1986
13,991
192
30,902
7,151
4,529
5,293
16,383
5,184
-
23,845
70,873
14,400
5,641
4,699
7,385
39,798
5,789
256,055
1987
13,527
-
40,880
12,728
4,010
4,838
20,070
5,434
455
20,817
81,925
11,907
5,685
7,062
7,532
35,268
6,005
278,143
1988
12,953
690
31,572
24,094
4,253
4,555
28,892
7.645
1,632
16,634
81,907
10,140
8,201
7,152
7,034
31,483
3,713
282,550
1989
11,384
382
45,145
24,384
4,448
4,399
30,208
7,240
4,166
15,075
76,989
10,474
10,107
7,535
5,214
25,912
1.993
285,055
1990
11,794
899
47,019
15,650
3,578
3.450
24,371
8,391
6,815
17,164
64,751
8.313
10,218
7,199
5,053
27,132
2,266
264,063
1991
10,800
1,300
40,800
19,900
2,600
3,800
18,600
5,300
15,200
14,700
60,700
8,000
10,100
7,800
5.100
20,000
2,600
247,300
1992
9,500
800
36,900
25,000
2,600
3,900
17,200
4,500
19,900
13,500
52,600
7,900
3,800
7,400
2,300
22,000
3,400
233,200
1993
8,500
900
44.500
15,600
2,300
3,500
15,800
4,900
16,900
10,200
49,200
7,700
2,100
5,700
1,200
20,000
2,000
211,000
-------
TABLE C-6. METHANE UTILIZATION AND EMISSION DATA FROM PROFILED MINES (MILLION CUBIC METERS)
1 MAJA
BORYNIA
BRZESZCZE
HALEMBA
JANKOWfCE
JASTRZEBIE
KRUPiNSKI
MARCEL
MORCINEK
MOSZCZENICA
PNIOWEK
SILESIA
STASZIC
WESOLA
ZABRZE-BiEL.
ZOROWKA
ZORY (ZMP)
TOTAL
UTILIZED
1990
10.0
-
315
6.2
3.0
3.3
5.4
6.3
6.7
17.2
64.7
8.0
6.7
3.1
4.3
24.0
1.9
202.3
1991
8.9
-
37.3
6.2
2.0
3.5
5.4
5.0
13.9
13.9
52.1
7.7
7.0
5.1
4.9
16.3
1.9
191.1
1992
8.3
-
35.4
5.0
2.0
3.7
6.8
4.3
16.9
11.5
42.3
7.8
3.7
7.4
2.2
16.8
2.1
176.2
1993
7.3
-
44.1
3.0
1.7
3.1
6.7
4.2
14.4
9.8
43.4
7.6
2.0
2.6
1.2
15.2
1.4
167.7
DRAINED BUT NOT UTILIZED
1990
1.8
0.9
15.5
9.5
0.6
0.1
19.0
2.1
0.1
-
-
0.3
3.6
4.1
0.7
3.1
0.3
61.8
1991
1.9
1.3
3.5
13.7
0.6
0.3
13.2
0.3
1.3
0.8
8.6
0.3
3.1
2.7
0.2
3.7
0.7
56.2
1992
1.2
0.8
1.5
20.0
0.6
0.2
10.4
0.2
3.0
2.0
10.3
0.1
0.1
-
0.1
5.2
1.3
57.0
1993
1.2
0.9
0.4
12.6
0.6
0.4
9.1
0.7
2.5
0.4
5.8
0.1
0.1
3.1
-
4.8
0.6
43.3
TOTAL EMITTED
1990
38.1
13.9
116.5
67.1
9.6
19.8
65.2
8.3
6.9
42.0
102.7
36.7
29.1
40.6
21.3
51.0
19.0
746.1
1991
32.2
11.7
86.0
53.2
11.8
19.1
55.1
6.6
9.7
40.5
109.2
34.7
25.8
386
16.B
50.8
18.9
620.7
1992
29.5
6.4
84.8
68.7
10.5
17.7
50.8
6.3
11.8
35.8
98.5
35.7
12.5
31.4
13.7
27.8
15.1
557.0
1993
24.7
8.9
80.8
50.0
7.0
16.9
42.0
6.6
11.2
32.0
83.1
33.5
16.9
39.9
15.0
44.4
9.6
522.5
------- |