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Coal mine methane: Control, utilization, and abatement 197

district heating, or boiler fuel; but it can also be used as town gas or sold to natural gas
pipelines.
Investing in CMM drainage systems is a practical and affordable option that results
in less downtime, safer mining environments, productivity improvements, and the
opportunity to generate additional revenues resulting from utilizing CMM and reduc-
ing GHG emissions. Hence, CMM that was once a waste product and solely a miner’s
curse is now a valuable byproduct, provided that it can be properly controlled and
managed. Modern coal mining will truly reach maturity when it recognizes the ben-
efits of adopting a CMM management system that constructively integrates CMM
control, utilization, and abatement in such a way that incurred costs are classified
as a worthwhile investment.

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