The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of CBM/CMM. The CBM/CMM development was listed in the national development program of the "Tenth Five Year Plan" from 2001 to 2005. Up to now, six foreign companies have been involved in 11 CBM prospecting projects in China with the total investment of USD 76 million. Great progress in development of CMM has also been achieved. By 2003 underground CMM drainage systems and gas transport systems were established in about 200 mines in China with a total annual gas drainage quantity of 15 billion m3 in china. With availability of 4 billion Yuan RMB (USD 482 million) from the Chinese Government, the existing gas drainage systems will be improved by the central government and more new systems will be established. It is expected that in the coming years the total underground gas drainage volume will increase to a great extent. As importance of energy security, environment and mine safety has been recognized worldwide, more efforts and investment will be put into the development and utilization of CBM/CMM.
The symposium provides a good opportunity for delegates at home and abroad, from governmental departments, financial organizations, companies and research institutes in the fields of coal, oil, natural gas (CBM), power and geology to discuss the prospect of CBM/CMM industry, to exchange technologies and experiences in development and utilization of CBM/CMM, as well as relevant policies and laws and regulations, to demonstrate new progress of CBM/CMM development in the world as well as investment opportunities in CBM/CMM projects, and to promote international technical and economic cooperation.