Coordination of In-Seam Drilling and Gas Research

The objectives of this project were:

• To maintain communications amongst all inseam drilling and gas personnel
• To assist coordination of all research and development efforts in in-seam drilling and outbursts,
• To assure the knowledge gained from previous research is incorporated into new research,
• To assure research and development progress is communicated to operators and,
• To facilitate technology transfer.

The communication aims of the project were achieved with considerable success with 8 seminars held. The seminars are well attended by mining technical staff as well as by researchers, contractors and suppliers, but mine management are generally obvious by their absence. This is a pity as their experience can really help younger players to not repeat other's mistakes. Bruce Robertson deserves much credit for his role at some of the seminars as mentor, discussion facilitator and sometimes Devil's advocate.

Research during the last two years has been dogged by the increased need for survival of the researchers and the mines. Some projects have practically ground to a halt in sight of the goal posts. This is disappointing to all concerned. Perhaps a solution for future projects might be for ACARP to secure a commitment from one or more mines to guarantee a trial site for each new project before it is approved.

When this project was commenced in 1999, it was seen as an 18 month project. By reducing the frequency of seminars and re-allocating the funds budgeted to taking a gas expert to a Queensland seminar (approved by industry monitor), it was possible to stretch the time frame to 2 years.

Drilling in the mines is still mainly of shorter holes of the across panel drainage type with some longer holes for flanking development drives. Only a few very long exploration holes were drilled during 1999 and 2000 in the mines. Long exploration holes are not yet being applied to the limits of the available technology. Holes up to 1700m have been drilled into the highwall at Moura.

The continuing ACARP support of the project, Coordination of In-seam Drilling and Gas Research has facilitated technological advances in the mines through promotion of communication amongst all players and to a lesser extent through the monitoring of the research projects. Although the appointment of an ACARP in-seam drilling and gas research coordinator has been extended well beyond the number of years initially envisaged, the problems identified, the refinements arising from a maturing in-seam drilling industry and the threats to all mining professionals introduced by the changes to the relevant Acts have reinforced the need for the continuing facilitation of communication amongst all players.

The report reviews the need for continuing communication, the current research projects and the outcomes of the seminars held.