The results of the study of methane content in coal seams, their gas recovery in mine workings and degassing wells are presented, the ecology of coal mines and regions of Russia is assessed. The problems of methane in the underground method of coal mining, methane abundance in coal mines are highlighted, the role of sources of mine methane emission and methods of gas emission control are assessed. New technological solutions for mine degassing and prevention of explosive methane accumulations are presented. The method of forecasting volumes and intensity of mine methane emission into mine workings of gas mines is substantiated.