Perforation operations (above) are shown under way by a unit of Texaco Inc. on its joint-venture coalbed methane exploration project in China's Huaibei area. Photo by Jack Derickson, courtesy of Texaco.Click here to enlarge imageBeijingCoalbed methane (CBM) is a highly prospective, readily usable, and clean gas source. The exploitation and utilization of CBM can compensate for a lack of supply of other clean energy sources, thus decreasing the effects of coal mining on the environment and the occupational hazards associated with coal production. So developing CBM resources in China has the dual benefits of boosting the national economy and benefiting human welfare.To formulate a positiv...