The Permian coal measures in Yizikong basin in Liupanshui area have workable seams of 20- 40 m thick with gas content of 10- 20 m

2

/t. Coals are mainly of rich coal

coking coal and lean coal

which are favorable for development of cleat. Coals are in massive or lumpy texture. Permeability of coalbed is relatively high. The basin has coalbed methane resources of 358.78 billion m

3

with an average abundance of 429 million m

3

/km

2

. Therefore

prospects for exploration and development of coalbed methane in the basin are bright. Evaluation through drilling several wells in the basin shows that Jinzhuping block is a favorable area with further exploration and development potential

while Liangshan block is a poor area without any development value.