The push for increasing coal production rates continues to place increasing demands on mine management to safely and effectively control seam gas._x000D_
Gas drainage strategies applied vary in both effectiveness and form. Methods employed are a function of assessed risk, gas reservoir characteristics, surface and underground access, budgetary constraints and gas utilisation potential._x000D_
With the aim of establishing and optimising the effectiveness and efficiency of gas drainage systems, Australian coal miners in cooperation with gas management specialists are embracing the use of gas reservoir simulators and gas emission models._x000D_
This paper discusses the evolution of gas drainage practices in Australian underground coal mines and the role of gas reservoir assessment methods in optimising gas drainage systems and gas production forecasts.