Is coal seam gas the same as fracking?
Coal seam gas reservoirs are shallower (at least the ones that get developed) and have a higher concentration of gas than shale reservoirs. Shale reservoirs always require fracking, while perhaps only half of coal seam gas reservoirs require fracture stimulation.
Is coal seam gas mining?
Coal seam gas (CSG) mining is a risky, invasive form of unconventional gas mining. Coal seam gas extraction usually involves tens of thousands of gas wells, with roads, pipelines, compressor stations, wastewater dams, and other infrastructure. A CSG project can spread across hundreds of thousands of hectares of land.
What are the advantages of coal seam gas?
Natural gas extracted from coal seams can offer a number of benefits as an energy source: natural gas typically burns more efficiently than coal or oil and can emit less greenhouse gas at the points of extraction and combustion.
How many CSG wells are in Australia?
Did you know: it is estimated there will be 40,000 coal seam gas wells in Australia.
How deep is a coal seam?
Most coal seams are at a depth of 3000–4000 ft.
Is fracking a type of mining?
Some hydraulic fractures can form naturally in certain veins or dikes….Hydraulic fracturing.
| Schematic depiction of hydraulic fracturing for shale gas | |
|---|---|
| Process type | Mechanical |
| Industrial sector(s) | Mining |
| Main technologies or sub-processes | Fluid pressure |
Is natural gas the same as coal seam gas?
What is coal seam gas and how is it extracted? Coal seam gas is natural gas found in coal deposits, typically 300-600 metres underground. During the formation of coal, large quantities of gas are generated and stored within the coal on internal surfaces.
Is there fracking in Australia?
Although fracking has been banned by the Western Australian Government in small parts of this region, it is still allowed in much of this area.
Why do coal seam fires last for so long?
Coal, and particularly brown coal, is very reactive to oxygen, and will generate CO2 and that creates heat. As the coal gets hotter it will eventually get to flame temperature and that coal will burn.”
Is coal mining bad for the environment?
Coal mining harms land, surface waters, groundwater and even our air. 4 Impacts to the land from mining cause drastic changes in the local area. Damage to plants, animals and humans occurs from the destruction and removal of habitat and environ- mental contamination.
What are the effects of coal seam gas mining on communities?
The issue of coal seam gas mining in residential, farming and water catchment areas is very much an unknown quantity with respect to short term and long term effects both directly and indirectly. PSI affiliate in Australia, the Australian Services Union (ASU), has a strong position in opposing development that harms or may harm local communities.
How does mining affect human health?
Some chemicals used in drilling and hydraulic fracturing, and naturally occurring contaminants released from the coal seam during mining, could harm human health, given sufficient dose and duration of exposure. This potential harm includes increased risk of cancer. Food quality and security is essential for good health.
How are dangerous gases detected in mines?
Detection of dangerous gases in mines has changed and developed over the years with some techniques becoming traditions ingrained in the mining culture. The use of the canary has become a symbol for gas testing in mines, along with a testing flame, and the further developed flame safety lamps.
What are the environmental issues associated with long wall mining?
ASU notes there are also issues associated with traditional underground long wall mining and its associated dangers to water tables, water catchment areas and issues faced by ASU members and their communities.