An analysis of conditions which enable attaining possibly highest productivity of industrial scale underground coal gasification technology is presented. The analysis was prepared basing on results obtained during an experimental gasification process conducted in workings of an active hard coal mine. Basic aspects determining application and productivity of the technology concern both general conditions, referring to the hard coal seam being gasified, and practical issues, which need to be

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... dered in coal mine conditions. To present them, the technology of underground coal gasification and still commonly used classical longwall method of mining coal seams are compared.