The Key Laboratory of Coalbed Methane Resources and Reservoir Formation Process, Ministry of Education, is located in Building B of the National Science and Technology Park at China University of Mining and Technology in Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province. It was established in 2008 with the approval of the Ministry of Education and relies on China University of Mining and Technology as a specialized research platform for fundamental theories and development technologies of coalbed methane.

The laboratory has currently established five stable research directions: the dynamic conditions and geological selection processes of coalbed methane reservoir formation; theories and methods for coalbed methane resource evaluation and favorable area prediction; the formation mechanisms of coalbed methane enrichment and high-permeability zones; theories and methods for seismic exploration information processing of coalbed methane; and the geological effects and mechanisms of coal reservoir drainage dynamics. These five research directions focus primarily on fundamental and applied geology of coalbed methane, while also incorporating geological technology development. The aim is to drive technological innovation through fundamental research, providing support for the sustainable development of the national coalbed methane industry, as well as coal mine safety production and atmospheric environmental protection.

The laboratory currently possesses a total of 223 pieces of equipment, including 24 sets valued at over 100,000 yuan each, with the total original value of the equipment amounting to 26.1567 million yuan. It has established four experimental innovation platforms: the coal reservoir and coalbed methane composition and physical property detection system; the coalbed methane reservoir formation dynamics experimental analysis system; the coalbed methane field geological information detection and interpretation system; and the coalbed methane development dynamic numerical and physical simulation system. These platforms provide excellent hardware conditions for the laboratory to undertake major national scientific research tasks and talent cultivation.

The construction goal of the laboratory is to address national needs in implementing strategic bases for coalbed methane exploration and development. It focuses on major geological scientific issues and technological foundation problems urgently requiring solutions in China's coalbed methane industry in the near to medium term. Key research areas include scientific and applied fundamental issues related to coalbed methane reservoir formation processes, distribution patterns of coalbed methane enrichment and high-permeability zones, coalbed methane resource potential prediction, seismic exploration information processing for coalbed methane, and dynamic effects of coal reservoir drainage. The research outcomes are expected to reach the international forefront. The laboratory aims to build a leading domestic and internationally first-class platform for fundamental geological research on coalbed methane and high-level professional talent cultivation, striving to develop the capability to apply for a national key laboratory within 3–5 years. It also seeks to vigorously cultivate and introduce talent capable of tracking international development frontiers with strong technological innovation abilities, building an innovative team with significant academic influence in the international field of related disciplines.

https://labcbm.cumt.edu.cn/18018/list.htm