Accurate Estimation of Methane Reserves Crucial for Clean Energy Recovery in China

Strategic Insights -

In a critical study for supporting clean energy recovery and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investigators from HeNan Polytechnic University have focused on the technical challenges associated with complex geological conditions and limited post-closure data in China's closed mines. The research, supported by various Chinese national and provincial funding agencies, has systematically reviewed and applied three mainstream estimation methods to a case study in the Huoxi Coalfield. The findings highlight the need for a multi-method integration approach to improve the accuracy and reliability of methane reserve evaluations in post-mining environments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The accurate estimation of methane reserves in closed coal mines is crucial for supporting clean energy recovery and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in China.
  • A study conducted by investigators from HeNan Polytechnic University has reviewed and applied three mainstream estimation methods to a case study in the Huoxi Coalfield.
  • The research found that the material balance method provides upper-bound estimates but is highly sensitive to incomplete historical data, while the resource composition method yields more conservative and geologically realistic values.
  • A multi-method integration approach, supported by enhanced data archiving and uncertainty assessments, is recommended to improve the accuracy and reliability of methane reserve evaluations.
  • Ying Han, Chenxiang Wang, and Qingchao Li were additional authors on the study, which was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Scientific and Technological Project of Henan Province, and other funding agencies.
  • The research concluded that a multi-method integration approach is essential for accurately estimating methane reserves in closed coal mines in China.

Statistics:

  • 3 mainstream estimation methods reviewed and applied in the study: material balance, resource composition, and decline curve.
  • 1 case study conducted in the Huoxi Coalfield to test the estimation methods.
  • 3 funding agencies supported the research: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Scientific and Technological Project of Henan Province, Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province.
  • 4 researchers involved in the study: Feiyan Zhang, Ying Han, Chenxiang Wang, and Qingchao Li.
  • 1 publication related to the research: "Research Progress and Prospects of Methods for Estimating Methane Reserves In Closed Coal Mines In China" (Processes, 2025;13(8):2586).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings on Technology Reported by Investigators at HeNan Polytechnic University (Research Progress and Prospects of Methods for Estimating Methane Reserves In Closed Coal Mines In China). China Weekly News. October 28, 2025; p 180.
  • Processes. Research Progress and Prospects of Methods for Estimating Methane Reserves In Closed Coal Mines In China. 2025;13(8):2586.