The Best Practice Guidance for Effective Methane Recovery and Use from Abandoned Coal Mines (BPG on AMM) is aimed at raising awareness of AMM opportunities and hazards by providing accessible high-level guidance for senior corporate, government and financial decision-makers – all of whom play an integral role in decisions to implement best practices. Recommended principles and standards on coal mine methane (CMM) capture and use have already been set out in the Best Practice Guidance on Effective Methane Drainage and Use in Coal Mines. The BPG on AMM complements that guidance and is aimed at completing the coal mining cycle by considering the methane emissions that continue after mining has ceased and mines have closed.
The BPG on AMM does not replace or supersede laws and regulations or other legally binding instruments, whether national or international. A clear legal framework and supportive policies can help in getting methane to market. The principles outlined herein are intended to provide guidance to complement existing legal and regulatory frameworks and to support development of post-mining projects to reduce the overall emissions attributable to the coal mining life cycle by optimising recovery and use of methane that would otherwise be released to the atmosphere. To gain a greater understanding about the potential growth of these emissions, UNECE member states and GMI members are urged to consider ways to improve their knowledge of the magnitude and rate of growth of this emission source by including methane emissions from abandoned underground coal mines in their national inventories.
For additional case studies that were developed after publication of the document please visit a detailed website dedicated to this publication.
Please also see the Best Practice Guidance document in the following languages:
Official UNECE languages
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The UNECE Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane (CMM) has released the second edition of the Best Practice Guidance for Effective Methane Drainage and Use in Coal Mines. Since the first edition was published in 2010, the industry practice and regulations have evolved, and this second edition captures the most critical developments. The second edition also includes additional case studies that illustrate the application of the best practices in coal mines worldwide. The principles-based second edition of Best Practice Guidance does not replace national or international laws and regulations. Rather, it complements them through a holistic approach to safer and more effective methane management practices.
Please also see the Best Practice Guidance document in the following languages:
Official UNECE languages
Other languages