CRITERIA OF VERIFICATION OF POTENTIAL LIGNITE RESOURCE BASE FOR UNDERGROUND GASIFICATION

Abstract

Underground coal gasification is a technology classified as one of unconventional methods of mining exploitation. The technology has been developed for 100 years, counting from the first works over the experiment carried out by William Ramsey in Durham Coalfield. It was subsequently improved during numerous trials which were at first conducted in the former USSR, after World War II in European countries and later also in the USA in the 70s of 20th century. Recently we have been witnessing an increasing interest in underground coal gasification method. It is related to the progress made in the field of drilling technology, mainly directional drilling, allowing for decreasing costs of mining works and increasing safety of works as well as limiting the threat to the environment originating from the process of underground gasification. Continual growth of fuel prices in the world markets in the last few years is also meaningful. Underground gasification method is becoming competitive. Furthermore, it opens new possibilities in exploitation of deposits previously unavailable for conventional methods.