163 will highlight the Centre’s achievements, showcase technological advancements, and share lessons learned from international cooperation. These results demonstrate that reducing methane emissions from coal mines is both feasible and beneficial for climate action, energy efficiency, and mine safety. The experience of ICE-CMM Poland demonstrates how applied research, industry collaboration and international cooperation can deliver practical, scalable solutions for methane emission reduction. These activities directly support the WMC 2026 pillars of Trust, Transformation and Technology, contributing to a more responsible and efficient delivery of energy and mineral resources. KEYWORDS coal mine methane, emission reduction, best practices, international cooperation, methane management International cooperation in the field of mining in the broadest sense is often the driving force behind the changes that take place in industry. The exchange of experiences, consultations, mutual visits of specialists from various fields and professions are conducive to the modernization of mining techniques and technologies. Thanks to this, this industry has a chance to develop at a time of high competition, growing demand for various types of minerals, as well as with respect for the environment and sustainable development. Based on this assumption, the Central Mining Institute – National Research Institute (CMI-NRI) has been working closely with experts from different parts of the world, in various formats and forums for many years. As an example, the cooperation of CMI-NRI representatives with the Group of Experts on Coal Mines and Just Transition, which operates at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), can be mentioned. This commission has been operating since 1947. It brings together 56 countries from Western, Eastern, South-Eastern Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States and North America. In addition, more than 70 international professional and non-governmental organizations participate in UNECE's activities. The CMM&JT Expert Group, established in 2004 and comprising over 500 experts, operates under the Sustainable Energy Committee of UNECE. Its members are scientists, engineers, economists, lawyers, government officials, equipment manufacturers, etc. CMI-NRI employees take an active part in the meetings of this group, including participating in management bodies, and carrying out some of the tasks related to the scope of the Group's substantive and organizational activities. After many years of shared experience in cooperation between the Group and the Institute, discussions were initiated on expanding the scope, area and formula of cooperation. This is how the idea of creating the world's first International Center of Excellence for Coal Mine Methane in Poland (ICE-CMM Poland) was born. As a result of the talks and arrangements, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UNECE and CMI-NRI in October 2015. The announced initiative has gained considerable interest among companies and R&D units operating in Poland in areas related to mining. This resulted in the expansion of the Centre's membership. In 2016, other institutions and companies joined the project: Polish Oil and Gas Company (PGNiG S.A), Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute (PGI-NRI) and Oil and Gas Institute – National Research Institute (O&GI-NRI). All of these companies have signed relevant agreements (MoU) with UNECE. Subsequently, they jointly created and
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