As of February 1, 2008, CDX has 64 granted patents in the U.S. and more than 50 granted internationally. It has licensed its technology to at least one operator in north-central West Virginia. “Historically, we have kept our technology for our own operations and have employed it with our joint venture partners,” says Lynne Howard, CDX manager, intellectual property. “It’s only been as of last year that we have started our licensing effort. We have continued to generate a lot of interest and we expect there to be more.” CDX continually looks for ways to refine and improve its technology, says Howard. “It certainly isn’t static. There are always new challenges in the field, and we look for ways to capture new ideas and grow our patent portfolio. Also, drilling 30,000 acres with only 50 wells is a minimal disturbance to the environment. We strive to be environmentally conscious and are very proud of that.” “We would like to expand our technology into other states such as Pennsylvania and Virginia,” says Michael McCown, CDX senior vice president. “There are many CBM plays that are conducive to our drilling technique.” CDX also continues to seek E&P and coal-owner partners. The company’s sweet spot is thinner coals, typically three- to five-foot coal seams, which are made economic with its technology. “If prices increase, we can drill even thinner coals and still be economic,” says McCown. Seeing synergies in partnering with mining companies using its drilling technology to recover unconventional reserves in coal, shale and tight gas sandstone formations, CDX has positioned its 160-employee company to focus on two business lines; its core E&P business, and a licensing business for its enhanced resource recovery technology. Privately held CDX hopes more E&Ps in the Appalachian Basin will license its technology to achieve the same success. Elsewhere, CDX uses the technology exclusively to produce its Arkoma Basin assets and has drilled a few wells in the Rockies.