For “de-gassing” above a mineable seam and completion of a thicker single-layer seam, TAM’s Casing Annulus Packer and Stage Collar (or Port Collar) can be used to stage cement above the seam. This proven successful method offers flexibility for future operations. In many wells where shallow water aquifers have been protected with surface casing, the completion consists of an inflatable or swellable packer on the casing string set immediately above the producing seam without cementing. This method allows retrieval of the casing for use in another well. It also eliminates possible interference from the production well during mining. In some mining cases, the production well has been converted to a fresh air shaft for the future mine.