ECC builds, owns, operates, and advises mine methane capture projects.  Our projects reduce the environmental impact of mining and generate recurring revenue streams for mine owners.  ECC fully finances and operates our projects – mines do not incur financial or operational responsibilities by hosting a project.  ECC typically pays fees to mines for access to the uncontrolled waste mine methane that the mines previously emitted to the atmosphere.

Underground coal mining releases substantial quantities of methane to the atmosphere.  These emissions occur at the mine, not during transportation or combustion at a power plant.  Greenhouse gas emissions rates of larger mines is staggering – one mine can continuously release the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions as 850,000 operating passenger vehicles.  ECC’s propriety emission control system simply attaches to ventilation equipment operated by the mine.  Voluntarily deploying and operating these systems enables the generation of saleable emissions offsets.  A portion of the revenue that ECC generates through the sales of these offsets is paid to the coal mines.

ECC pays coal mines for the ability to reduce emissions from the coal mine.

The EPA has been researching greenhouse gas emissions from coal mines in the U.S. for many years and since 2012 has required mines to report emissions under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP).  This research has led to multiple publications from industry and government demonstrating the feasibility and practicality of controlling mine methane emissions.

The State of California Air Resources Board includes a provision in its cap & trade program that recognizes voluntary control of mine methane emissions.  Generating emission offsets is possible if the emissions control is voluntary.  Emission control projects that are commissioned after regulations are imposed will not be eligible to generate emissions offsets.

ECC developed and deploys two unique mine methane destruction systems.  The mobile “Series B” system is ideal for operating mines that produce significant quantities of gob gas through advancing fleets of gob gas extraction systems.  The system is designed for off-grid deployment in the harshest climates and most difficult and unforgiving terrain.  Satellite telemetry ensures continuous monitoring and control capabilities. 

Our “Series C” system is intended for smaller methane reserves, typically at abandoned mines.  The system has a wide turndown ratio ensuring full destruction of methane in all conditions.  Satellite telemetry ensures continuous monitoring capabilities.