Methane Gas in coal mining Southern Africa

This high-level conference will explore how global energy demands and climate change pressures are changing the face of Coal Mining both globally and in region at large.

"Methane Gas in Coal Mining Southern Africa" is the latest in the Minerals and Energy series of conference being hosted by Vital Training, the conference is scheduled to run from the 18 to 20 June 2012 at the Balalaika Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg in South Africa. This high-level conference will explore how global energy demands and Climate Change pressures are changing the face of Coal Mining both globally and in region at large. Whether you are a coal mine operator or a Technology/Solutions/Equipment Vendor or Legal/Finance/Advisory Consultant, this conference will highlight the opportunities, players, risks and the projections for the road ahead.

Methane has been the deadly enemy of coal miners for generations. Colourless, tasteless and odourless, it can be hard to detect. Explosive at a concentration of between 5% and 15% in a normal air mixture, methane remains the number-one killer of coal miners in countries such as China. Methane Gas is no longer viewed as an obstacle in the coal mining industry, in fact today it is known as one of the fastest growing and commercially viable energy sources. Mines are now able to tackle Methane Gas at various stages and exact revenues from it.

Methane Gas in Coal Mining Southern Africa looks to explore how methane gas is being extracted at various levels and how mine operators store, transport and monetise Methane Gas. It will always carry a risk factor but as technologies develop the environment can become more manageable.

While environmental issues will always be a concern, international research has shown that if Methane is captured it can be harnessed into a productive energy source, and has the ability to dramatically decrease the detrimental effects on the environment.

Who should attend:

• Mining Operator CEO's, COO's, MD's, CFO's, FD's, and Board Level Directors
• Operations Directors and Management
• Exploration Directors and Management
• Technical Directors and Management
• Technologists
• Geologists
• HSE Directors and Management
• Strategy Directors and Management
• Technology and Solution Vendors
• Consultants
• Legal and Regulatory Advisors
• Finance and Accounting Professionals

Benefits of Attending:

Methane Gas extraction has proven to be financially rewarding for the coal mining industry allowing for increased revenue both as an added revenue stream and an extended revenue stream for those mines at the end of their life-cycle. The importance of knowledge and idea sharing in a relatively new but extremely fast growing Clean Coal industry is critical for the over-all success. Clean Coal technologies have given the coal mining industry an extended life and the opportunity for the industry to shine its poor carbon record.
The World Coal Association estimates that future Global Coal reserves leave the planet with around 190 years of coal; this however could be extended depending on future developments such as the discovery of new reserves through ongoing and improved exploration activities and advances in mining techniques, which will allow previously inaccessible reserves to be reached.

Listen to Industry leaders and experts as we explore, evaluate and examine the following critical areas in the Methane Gas Extraction arena for Coal Mining:
• The growth of Methane Gas Extraction and technologies being employed
• The legal and regulatory path of Methane Extraction for the coal mine industry
• How the different extraction strategies are implemented and managed in the coal mine life-cycle
• Understand the Ground Water issues and develop strategies for managing contamination
• The importance of partnerships for successful technology and skills transfer
• How to successfully build Carbon ProjectsCase studies from leading energy companies
• Technological advances in drilling
• Storage and Pipeline perspectives
• Finding Buyers is critical for successful monetisation
• Financing challenges and opportunities
• How power companies view Methane Gas as a viable alternative

Conference Structure:
• 18 June 2012 - Pre-Conference Workshop - Ground Water Management Strategies presented by Prof Gideon Steyl @ UoFS and Director @ The Inst of Groundwater Studies
• 19 - 20 June 2012 - Methane Gas in Coal Mining Southern Africa Conference

Speakers include:
• Karl Schultz - MD and Director, Climate Practice @ Energy Edge - International Speaker
• Patrick McKelvey - Operations Manager @ Schlumberger (SWS) Australia - International Speaker
• Craig O'Connor, Director Office of Renewable Energy and Environmental Exports @ Export-Import Bank of the United States - International Speaker
• Neil Butler - Technical Director @ HEL-East Ltd - International Speaker
• Philip Skelton - Technical Director @ Wardell Armstrong - International Speaker
• Dr Gerhard Pirker - GE Power and Water - International Speaker
• Dr Barry Stevens - CEO @ TBD America Inc - International Speaker
• Oliver Barker - Owner @ Banzi Geotechnics
• Mthozami Xiphu - CEO - Petroleum Agency South Africa
• Muzi Mkhize - Chief Director Hydrocarbons @ Dept of Energy
• Dave Walker - Market Sector Leader Mining Africa @ Golder & Associates
• Dr Luke Havemann @ Havemann Inc
• Prof Gideon Steyl @ UoFS and Director @ The Inst of Groundwater Studies
• Wikus Botha - Partner Mining and Metals Sector Leader Africa @ Ernst and Young
• Dr Sibbele Hietkamp - Specialist Consultant @ SACCCS - SANERI
• Kate McIntyre - Environmental Specialist (Carbon Footprint) @ Anglo American Thermal Coal
• Niko Hamp - Process Engineer @ Pronix
• Ken Smith @ Eestec Africa

Venue

Date: 18 June 2012 to 20 June 2012
Location: Balalaika Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg
Cost: ZAR7,995.00 / ZAR8,995.00

Contact: Adele Olivier
Company name: Vital Training
Telephone number: 27-12-661-0515
Email address