The application of high pressure water jet technology to the drilling of longholes in coal has resulted in the development of a system currently capable of drilling to lengths greater than 200m._x000D_
Field tests at the German Creek Mine have demonstrated directional control of the holes within a 0.5m section of the seam._x000D_
Initial application of the technique at the German Creek operations is for drilling methane drainage holes. These developments, in three stages, result from support by the National Energy Research Development and Demonstration Council