Methane Emissions from Super-emitting Coal Mines in Australia quantified using TROPOMI Satellite Observations

TL;DR

This study uses two years of satellite data to quantify methane emissions from Australian coal mines, revealing significant underreporting and highlighting the need for improved monitoring and mitigation strategies.

Contribution

It provides the first satellite-based quantification of methane emissions from Australian coal mines, identifying discrepancies with official reports and emphasizing the importance of enhanced monitoring.

Findings

Australian coal mines emit 570 Gg of methane annually.

Satellite estimates are significantly higher than government reports for some mines.

40% of emissions originate from a single surface mine, Hail Creek.

Abstract

Two years of satellite observations were used to quantify methane emission from coal mines in Queensland, the largest coal-producing state in Australia. The six analyzed surface and underground coal mines are estimated to emit 570+/-98 Gg a-1 in 2018-2019. Together, they account for 7% of the national coal production, while emitting 55+/-10% of the reported methane emission from coal mining in Australia. Our results indicate that for two of the three locations our satellite-based estimates are significantly higher than reported to the Australian government. Most remarkably, 40% of the quantified emission came from a single surface mine (Hail Creek) located in a methane-rich coal basin. Our findings call for increased monitoring and investment in methane recovery technologies for both surface and underground mines.