Coal India (CIL) is likely to explore coal bed methane (CBM) in its existing mines, by implementing public private partnership (PPP) model.
Inspite of investing in exploring the coal bed methane, Coal India is planning to assign an operator who will supply resources and technology, for the task of exploring CBM on turnkey basis.
Coal India is open to having a private operator, be it a private firm or a PSU, for the purpose of exploration of CBM; and EoIs for the same are likely to be invited by March 2014.
CIL has already selected five blocks in Jharkhand, which are expected to have CBM reserves of about one trillion cu ft, for exploration in Stage-I.
Exploration of methane gas, ahead of coal mining from seams, will help Coal India to unlock coal reserves in Jharkhand and West Bengal.