162 ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE ON COAL MINE METHANE IN POLAND *P. Kasza1, M. Borowski2, J. Jureczka3, Z. Lubosik4, A. Badylak5, G. Plonka6 1Oil and Gas Institute – National Research Institute, Krakow, Poland, (*Presenting author: kasza@inig.pl) 2AGH University, Krakow, Poland 3Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland 4Central Mining Institute – National Research Institute, Katowice, Poland 5Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa S.A, Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Poland 6Polish Mining Group, Katowice, Poland ABSTRACT The International Centre of Excellence on Coal Mine Methane in Poland (ICE-CMM Poland) was established in 2015 under the auspices of the UNECE Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and Just Transition. Its mission is to promote best practices in reducing methane emissions from coal mining, with a strong focus on solutions that can be implemented at scale under real mining conditions, supported by research, demonstration projects, training, and international cooperation. Initially, ICE-CMM Poland focused on pre-mining coalbed methane recovery (CBM). A pilot project near Gilowice, the Upper Silesia Coal Basin, demonstrated that methane extracted before coal mining not only provides a valuable energy resource but also improves mining safety. Although the project was not progressed to full-scale development due to evolving EU energy and climate policy priorities. In its second phase, the Centre shifted its priorities toward reducing methane emissions from operating and abandoned mines. It expanded its membership to include leading coal companies and research institutions. ICE-CMM Poland has since implemented several EU-funded R&D projects. These include improving methane capture efficiency through long in-seam directional boreholes (DD-Met project) and developing innovative methods for sealing underground goaf areas to reduce methane inflow into mine ventilation air (REM project). The Centre also organizes training sessions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing activities to strengthen awareness and build capacity across governments, industry, and civil society. By fostering international collaboration, ICE-CMM Poland plays a pivotal role in advancing environmental responsibility in the coal sector. The presented paper
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