Satellite analysis reveals Australia’s coal mine methane emissions are 40 percent higher than officially reported, according to a study conducted by Ember using TROPOMI satellite data analysed by Kayrros.
The study focused on six major coal mining clusters in Queensland and New South Wales, covering 79 percent of black coal production.
The report said emissions in New South Wales significantly underreported; limited clusters showed double the state’s official methane levels.
Open-cut coal mining in NSW shows methane emissions 4–6 times higher than company-led estimates.
Findings align with international satellite and aircraft studies, including one identifying 4–5 times higher emissions at Hail Creek mine.
Australia has launched an Expert Panel and departmental review to assess fugitive methane measurement and company-reported estimates.
Over 90 percent of Australia’s metallurgical coal production covered in the study, much of it exported to the EU.
EU-bound exports will be affected by Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism requiring strict emissions reporting.
Discrepancies raise concerns over self-reported data and the need for independent monitoring.
Without inventory improvements, domestic policies and global steel supply chains lack reliable emissions data.
Experts stress closing the knowledge gap is essential for mitigation, as methane has high global warming potential.
“There is a significant gap between reported emissions and satellite-based estimates,” said Sarah Shannon, Ember’s Satellite Analyst – Coal Mine Methane. “Given methane’s high global warming potential, improving reporting is essential for identifying and implementing effective mitigation strategies.”
“Australia’s coal mine methane emissions remain under a cloud of international scrutiny,” said Christopher Wright, Climate Strategy Advisor at Ember.
GreentechLead.com News Desk