International Centres of Excellence on CMM

The International Centres of Excellence on Coal Mine Methane (ICE-CMM) are designed as non-profit entities subject to the national laws of the host Member States and operating under the auspices of the UNECE Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane.

The Centres support capacity-building activities in United Nations Member States and serve as a platform for discussion on safety, environmental and economic aspects of coal mine methane (CMM). In particular, they focus on such issues as effective drainage and use of methane in coal mines and abatement of carbon emissions through cost-effective and socially responsible use or destruction of captured methane.

Apart from facilitating exchange of knowledge and experiences, hosting visits of experts, organizing professional trainings, and contributing to further development of the Best Practices Guidance for Effective Methane Drainage and Use in Coal Mines, Centres also cooperate with governments, NGOs, and industry in various research activities. In this context they actively engage in gathering and compiling information on CMM management in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.

Objectives of ICE-CMMs and the Role of the Group