Energy Bangla

The government is going to introduce a new technology styled “Coal Bed Methane” (CBM) to explore gas from coal mine. In this connection Mining Associates Private Ltd (MAPL), an Indian consultancy firm will tie up with Petrobangla, country’s state-owned oil and gas exploration company next month.
,”Initially we will use the technology in Jamalganj Coal Mine and an agreement is likely to be signed next month with Indian MAPL”, Petrobangla Director (operation and mining) Jamil A. Alim told on Friday.
The Petrobangla director said, project feasibility study cost has been estimated at Tk 19, 13, 44,335. The purchase committee of the Power Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry (PEMRM)  already approved the project proposal in the first week of the current month.
Coal Bed Methane generally provides the highest concentration of methane recoverable from coal seams owing to the lack of exposure to air from mining. Concentration levels of methane recovered via these techniques can often exceed 95 per cent, making the gas suitable for use as a direct replacement for conventional natural gas in pipeline networks. This gas can then be pumped directly to homes and businesses for use in cooking and heating.
On August 12, 2014 Petrobangla floated international tender for appointing consultant. Nine foreign companies submitted proposal for awarding the job. Among them, six companies were selected which have been approved in 455th board meeting of Petrobangla, officials said.
After evaluation of the proposals by the technical committee Indian MAPL had been awarded the job considering as a lowest bidder, he added.
Jamalganj coal mine is a potential mine containing quality coal in the country. The mine is robust to apply the new technology, CBM. Nowadays, various developed countries like America, Australia, Canada, China and India are applying the technology in their mines to explore gas.
A draft was signed on February 29 this year. As per the draft, MAPL will drill three wells, set a sample testing lab and arrange training for the officials.
The bid-validity of the MAPL will expire on May 28 this year.