1432 It is attended by 4 entities from ICE-CMM Poland and two foreign entities, Universidad De Oviedo and Insemex Romania. It is being implemented at the Pniówek coking coal mine, owned by JSW S.A. Its primary goal is to reduce methane emissions into the atmosphere by reducing its content in the ventilation air. The planned method for achieving this goal is to seal the post-mining goafs and drain them of methane using directional wels drilled into the goafs. The project assumes the development of proprietary technology and techniques for sealing dams and effective methane drainage of the excavations. In addition, the captured methane will be used to produce electricity in gas engines. This will reduce the methane content in the ventilation air and its emission into the atmosphere. Preliminary estimates for the year of completion of the project (2027). assume that additional approx. 14 million Nm3 of methane will be taken from the VAM and approx. 60 000 MWh of energy will be produced per year. Another interesting task is a project with the acronym METH2GEN. Also, co-financed by the EU RFCS. Its aim is to increase the efficiency of methane drainage carried out in mines and to generate clean energy from the obtained methane. It is being implemented at JSW's mines and is planned for 2025–2029. To increase the efficiency of coal seam methane drainage, it is planned to drill long directional drainage holes (LRDD). The obtained methane is to be sent to a methane drainage station, while its excess amounts will be compressed and stored, and then processed into hydrogen in the process of steam reforming. The CO2 produced in this process will be used for fire protection in mines and/or sequestered in post-mining zones. It's difficult to discuss the project's impact currently, as it's still in its early stages of implementation. It's certainly a very innovative project that could set the direction for reducing methane emissions in the mining industry. The project results confirm the practical relevance of the solution and its potential for application in other mining operations with similar conditions. The activities and projects presented in this paper directly respond to the theme of WMC 2026 – Mining for the Future, and its three guiding pillars: Trust, Transformation and Technology, because: • The initiatives implemented by ICE-CMM Poland focus on solutions that are already being applied under real mining conditions. Pilot and demonstration projects conducted in operating mines have delivered measurable outcomes in terms of methane capture, emission reduction, mine safety improvement and energy generation. These results demonstrate that meaningful environmental and operational benefits can be achieved within existing assets and current regulatory frameworks. • Methane management technologies described in this paper enable the recovery of additional energy resources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from active and abandoned mines. By increasing methane drainage efficiency and utilizing captured gas for power generation, the presented solutions enhance resource efficiency and extend the value derived from existing mining operations. • A key feature of the ICE-CMM Poland approach is close cooperation between research institutions, mining companies and international partners. This collaboration allows for rapid testing, validation and scaling of technologies, shortening the path from research to implementation without compromising safety or environmental standards. • ICE-CMM Poland provides a platform that connects industry, regulators, researchers and international organizations. By sharing best practices, conducting joint projects and supporting capacity-building activities, the Centre contributes to increased transparency and trust in how the mining sector addresses methane emissions, climate responsibilities and societal expectations. Together, these activities illustrate how applied science, innovation and collaboration can support a more responsible, efficient and sustainable delivery of energy and mineral resources. As presented in this paper, the activity of ICE-CMM Poland is multidirectional. First, it allows for educational activities and the promotion of good practices in the mining industry. Especially in managing methane extraction from coal seams and its emissions into the atmosphere. Extensive contacts through international forum allow for a fruitful discussion of mining issues and an ongoing exchange of experiences. The association of various entities and joint action in ICE-CMM Poland also enabled more effective cooperation in the implementation of joint research and development projects. As a result, theoretical knowledge and new solutions in the field of mining technique and technology are quickly verified in mining practice. These are essential elements that accelerate technological progress and efficiency in the extraction of minerals, as well as make an invaluable contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Beyond its technical achievements, ICE-CMM Poland provides a practical model for how the
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