Practical implementation of the project on development of methane from coal seams of the Karaganda coal basin began.

The Akimat of Karaganda region held a working meeting on the current state and future prospects of the project on exploration, production and industrial development of methane from coal seams of the Karaganda coal basin.

In the framework of the order of the Head of state N. A. Nazarbayev on April 3, 2015 between the National operator in the field of gas and gas supply JSC “KazTransGas” and the Socio-entrepreneurial Corporation “Saryarka” was signed an agreement on cooperation in the implementation of the project for the exploration of methane in the Sherubainurinsky section of the coal basin of the Karaganda region.

The meeting was attended by representatives of JSC “KazTransGas”, NC “SEC “Saryarka”, regional akimat, as well as heads of regional departments and organizations. A report on the work done in the framework of the project was heard and the plan for 2015-2016 was presented. In addition, the participants of the meeting discussed issues of state support of the project of extraction of methane from coal seams.

Representatives of JSC “KazTransGas” said that work on geological exploration has already begun. In addition, to study the advanced technologies of exploration and production of methane, as well as to attract investment for the further industrial implementation of the project, in April this year, the company’s employees visited the production facilities of China and India, successfully working in this direction. Negotiations were held with the management of PetroChina Coalbed Methane Company Limited and Essar Group, during which representatives of the companies expressed interest and willingness to participate in the implementation of Kazakhstan’s projects for the extraction of methane from coal seams.

Industrial production of methane will significantly increase the resource base and provide blue fuel to residents of a number of Central regions of the Republic, including the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana. In addition, industrial production of methane from coal seams ensures the safety of miners, as well as a positive impact on the environment by reducing methane emissions into the atmosphere by coal mining enterprises.

KazTransGas JSC is the national operator of Kazakhstan in the field of gas and gas supply. The group of JSC “KazTransGas” includes extracting, transporting and selling gas and products of its processing enterprises and organizations.