http://www.ucg-gtl.com/australian-UCG-underground-coal-gasificati...

http://www.ucg-gtl.com/australian-UCG-underground-coal-gasification-process.html

Quick Points:

-Since the 1930s over 50 UCG pilot programs have been conducted world wide
-The ignition rate can be controlled and can be stopped
-The gas quality can be controlled
-Between 70 - 90% of the coal is utilised
-UCG has been deemed the "CLEANEST-GREENEST" way to utilise coal
-The technology is widely seen as being ready for commercial development
-The adoption of UCG will liberate vast quantities of "stranded" coal
-Three Australian companies have carried out successful UCG trials
-Australia has SEVERAL TRILLION TONS of coal that may be suitable for UCG
-Coal seams more than 2m thick are highly suitable, 1.5- 2m medium suitable and less than 1m thick are unsuitable.
-Queensland is said to be able to produce syngas worth 1 TRILLION DOLLARS
-The USA, China, UK, South Africa, Vietnam and India (http://www.steelguru.com/raw_material_news/Development_of_coal_gasification_projects_in_India/193077.html) are currently researching and developing UCG technniques