In situ thermal processing of a coal formation with heat sources located at an edge of a coal layer

A method of treating a layer of a coal formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from heaters to at least a portion of the layer, wherein one or more of the heaters are positioned proximate an edge of the layer;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the heaters to a part of the layer such that superimposed heat from the heaters pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons in the part of the layer;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.

A method of treating a layer of a coal formation in situ, comprising:

• providing heat from heaters to at least a portion of the layer to establish a pyrolysis zone in the layer, wherein one or more of the heaters are positioned proximate an edge of the layer;
• allowing the heat to transfer from the heaters to the pyrolysis zone of the layer such that controlled superimposed heat from the heaters pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons in the pyrolysis zone;
• and
• producing a mixture from the formation.