Carbon dioxide-rich coals of the Oaky Creek area, central Bowen Basin: a natural analogue for carbon sequestration in coal systems

The influence of hydrogeological disturbance and mining on coal seam microbial communities

“…However, there was a 9‰ difference in δ 13 C values and a 23‰ difference δD values between the samples taken from a similar area 7 months apart. Gas stable isotope compositions from the second sampling of the formation fell within the range of a more comprehensive study of desorbed methane from Mine B coal cores, where δ 13 C values ranged from −66.1 to −55.7‰ and δD values ranged from −223 to −213‰ (Golding et al ., ). The formation water at Mine B fell to the left of the global meteoric water line (GMWL), whereas goaf water from Mine A (sample GOAF‐A8) plotted on the GMWL.…”

“…In general, coal seam methane with a δ 13 C value of <−60‰ is classified as ‘biogenic’, whereas a δ 13 C value >−50‰ is classified as ‘thermogenic’ (Whiticar, ). This is consistent with large scale surveys of coal seam gas in the Bowen Basin (Draper & Boreham, ) and a study of the coal seam gas present at Mine B before mining commenced (Golding et al ., ). This suggests that, at least in the geological past, methanogenesis must have occurred.…”

“…At Mine B, the difference between formation methane δ 13 C and δD values in the first and second sampling may be due to differences in methanogenesis but probably it is more due to different time points of coal seam degassing. Methane samples from degassing coal may have different isotopic compositions when sampled at different time points because isotopically light methane is preferentially removed from the coal seam first (Strąpoć et al ., ; Golding et al ., ). In coal degassing canisters, this fractionation can result in up to 5‰ difference in methane δ 13 C values (Golding et al ., ).…”

Mobilisation of elements from coal due to batch reactor experiments with CO2 and water at 40°C and 9.5MPa

“…Fracture orientation relative to principal stress is also important though; a fracture aligned perpendicular to maximum horizontal stress is unlikely to be open for fluid flow and the matrix of black coal is effectively impermeable so coal could act as a good seal in such cases. Studies have shown that CO 2 has naturally migrated into and been stored within coal over geological timescales, both adsorbed within the organic coal matrix and via carbonate mineral formation (Faiz et al, 2007;Golding et al, 2011Golding et al, , 2013Uysal et al, 2011).…”

Conceptual exploration targeting for microbially enhanced coal bed methane (MECoM) in the Walloon Subgroup, eastern Surat Basin, Australia

“…Draper and Boreham, 2006;Faiz and Hendry, 2006;Golding et al, 2011Golding et al, , 2013aGolding et al, , 2013bKinnon et al, 2010;Li et al, 2008;Smith and Pallasser, 1996). An additional study (coupling production gases and waters; K. Baublys) is in progress.…”