EXPLORATION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Coal seam gas (methane) is a natural gas, containing up to 95% methane, produced
and stored in coal seam reservoirs. Naturally occurring gas is composed of the less complex hydrocarbons mainly methane (CH4) with some ethane (C2H6).During the transformation of organic matterial into coal, methane, water and carbon dioxide are produced. Once generated, the methane is physically and chemically adsorbed on the coal macerals creating a unique gas reservoir, which acts both as source and seal for the gas. The reservoir is usually of low perm and often contains water; if it is not permeable to allow gas flow in commercial scale it needs a stimulation and artificial lift to produce the gas. Coal seam exploration strategies are typically based on identifying the greatest net coal thickness and gas content to define exploration sweetspots. Every exploration program is unique and has its own dynamics. Coal seam gases are generated in coal during coalification and are stored primarily in micropores on the coal's large internal surface area by adsorption. Coal Seam Gas Exploration & Production Services provides full exploration program and its related activities, including:
- G&G work plan.
- Rig selecion.
- AFE preparation for exploration program.
- Contractor selection and tender preparation.
- Data analysis and tests
Exploration Program Activities
- Documentation and collection of all data and information available on the potential gas resource and recoverable reserves. This will require reference to the comprehensive data held by the coal production companies on the coal resource and any data arising from coring or analysis / assessment work.
- Further data to be collected through exploration drilling which may be essential to project definition.
- The environment for local and regional contract services in drilling and associated CSG services as well as field development, engineering to construction, materials and equipment sources, and operation.
- Operational strategies with a particular focus on personnel and integration with existing operations.
- The external regulatory, statutory, compliance environment.
- Infrastructure needs.
- Indicative cost estimates to match identified project stages.
- Project risk management.
- Schedule of activities.
Exploration Program Objectives
- Definefine the composition and content of the coal seam gas within the coals attributable to economic gas production.
- Identify potential CBM targets.
- To advance the understanding of the extend of the coal seams.
- To incorporate the borehole data into the database program to improve geological model for the area.
- To assist in geological correlation of existing seismic data in the prospect area.
General Evaluation Process
- Opportunity overview.
- Estimated volumetric potential.
- Technical interpretation (basin and asset scale).
- Data used to evaluate opportunity.
- License agreements, commitments, and liabilities.
- Exploration, exploitation, and development plan, including costs.
- Transaction process and priorities.
- Commercial Model.
- Economics
