Mining3 Catalytic VAM Abatement Commercialisation Program
The Mining3 Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) Catalyst Project is an Australian initiative aimed at exploring new methods to reduce methane emissions even further from underground coal mining. This project is a collaboration between Mining3 and Low Emission Technology Australia (LETA), focusing on developing catalytic oxidation technology to address the challenges of mitigating low-concentration methane emissions in mine ventilation air.
Why reducing methane emissions matters
Methane is a greenhouse gas that can be trapped within coal before mining. In underground coal mining, methane is extracted before and during the mining process. However, not all methane can be extracted, so some is released during the mining process and is often vented into the atmosphere through mine ventilation systems. This vented methane is known as Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) and it contributes to Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing these emissions is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of mining.
What is the Mining3 Catalytic VAM Abatement Commercialisation Program?
The VAM Catalyst Project focuses on developing and testing catalytic oxidation technology, similar to the catalysts found in everyday cars, to safely and efficiently reduce methane emissions from ventilated mine air. As pre-mining processes extract more methane before mining begins, traditional VAM technologies become less effective at capturing the lower levels of remaining methane. Catalyst systems are now being developed specifically to address this challenge and improve energy efficiency.
The Mining3 and LETA VAM Catalyst project is currently in its initial phase, an 18-month program dedicated to evaluating various catalysts under different conditions to determine their effectiveness and operational parameters. At this early stage, the project also includes developing a roadmap for commercialising the technology and designing suitable pilot programs for future implementation.
Where is it happening?
The testing and development activities are being conducted in collaboration with industry partners and research institutions, focusing on conditions representative of Australian underground coal mines. This approach ensures that the technology is tailored to the specific needs and standards of the Australian mining industry.
How does this fit with LETA’s mission?
LETA is committed to supporting the development of technologies that can reduce emissions from industries where decarbonisation is particularly challenging, such as underground coal mining. By investing in the VAM Catalyst Project, LETA aims to facilitate the development of solutions that can lower emissions for the mining sector.
What’s next?
Upon successful completion of the feasibility study and demonstration of the safety systems, the goal is to implement the catalytic oxidation technology on a larger scale. This would enable broader adoption across the mining industry, contributing to reductions in methane emissions from underground coal mines.
The Mining3 VAM Catalyst Project represents a proactive step towards developing ways of mitigating methane emissions in underground coal mining, aligning with LETA’s commitment to supporting practical and safe emissions reduction technologies in hard-to-abate industries.