Figure 11: Major Oil and Gas discoveries after 2000

Coalbed Methane (CBM)

India has substantial coal reserves and most are suitable for CBM development. Deep coal deposits, not accessible by conventional mining operations, also offer CBM development opportunities. In 1997, India’s government formulated a CBM policy and allotted a number of blocks for exploration. Commercial production of CBM began in 2007. The first CBM production started in 2007 from Raniganj in West Bengal. Government aims to offer up to 90% of total coal bearing area by the end of 2016-17 for exploration and production of CBM. The CBM reserves as per Directorate General of Hydrocarbons is tabulated here under: