A method of removing methane from mines. It consists of injecting water under pressure into a coal seam to push out the gas. Holes are drilled horizontally into the coal face and water is pumped into some of the holes at pressures varying from 200 to 650 psi (1.4 to 4.5 MPa). This forces the methane out through the other holes and also from the exposed part of the coal seam.