Coal Mine Methane

Overlooked and underestimated

Not only are coal mines being overlooked they are likely underreporting their methane emissions, with emissions potentially twice as large as reported.

Setting up improved monitoring and implementing existing technologies to utilise or destroy methane should be the first priority for all coal producing countries.

According to the IEA, 54% of methane emissions from coal mines could be captured for an average cost of $230 USD per tonne of methane. The biggest wins can be had by starting with super-emitting mines.

As clean energy replaces coal in the electricity and steel sectors, the process of closing coal mines will need to ensure that methane is trapped, for example by flooding mines.

Satellites are starting to show how big the issue is. However, these are most effective when used in conjunction with other forms of monitoring. Greater attention will mean that countries and companies won’t be able to ignore their emissions for much longer.

Data tools

Coal Mine Methane Data Tracker

Ember’s Coal Mine Methane (CMM) Data Tracker allows users to analyse and visualise the most comprehensive dataset available on national-level coal mine methane emissions. The tool – launched a few weeks ago – provides country-by-country insights into CMM commitments, reported emissions, independent estimates and forward projections through 2027. It also integrates coal production data, the split between underground and surface mines and Ember’s confidence scoring for reported emissions.

The dataset covers all major coal-producing countries and includes historical emissions reported to the UNFCCC, complemented with independent estimates from the IEA and GEM, and Ember’s own gap-filling calculations.

Satellite Coal Mine Methane Observation Map

Despite coal mines releasing methane, emissions are accurately tracked at very few sites. Spaceborne methane monitoring techniques, using satellites, are becoming a key tool for tracking global methane emissions – providing insights, which can be used by governments, industry, and civil society organisations.

In Ember’s report “The Geography Factor”, analysts assessed the impact of environmental factors on the effectiveness of spaceborne methane monitoring techniques. This data tool, originally featured in the report, displays the varying potential for satellite methane detection across operational coal mines worldwide – factoring in the effects of annual cloud cover, sunlight availability, solar zenith angles, elevation, and wind patterns, among other variables.