Coal measures in Hunan Province are mainly in the Lower Carboniferous Cheshui Formation and Upper Persian Longtan Formation. The coal-bearing areas totalled 5. 5?10

4

km

2

. The coal series wiThin the study area are well developed. The degree of coal evolutionhas reached mature-over mature stage with relatively strong gas-producing capacity and absorbality. The gas content of the coal beds is controlled by the depositional envoironment

thedegree of coal evolution

buried depth

hydrologic condition and geological structure of thecoal-bearing measures

while its porosity and permeability are mainly controlled by coal-rocktype

coalification degree and ground stress. Hydraulic fracturing and cave completion are effective ways to improve poor porosity and permeability. Hongshandian lean coal experimentalzone in Central Hunan and Duolishan coke coal experimental zone are the most favourable regions to develop coal-bed methane.The target bed is the Upper Permian Longtan Formation.