Methane emissions from coal mining: shocking data from Australia!

Methane emissions from coal mining: shocking data from Australia!

In a groundbreaking research project, scientists from... University of Bremen In collaboration with Airborne Research Australia (ARA), significant methane emissions from a large open-cast coal mine in Australia were detected. The study, conducted in the Bowen Basin in Queensland in autumn 2023, is critical as it presents precise data on methane emissions from coal mining for the first time. The results show that emissions are three to eight times higher than officially reported by the operator.

Human-made methane emissions are a major contributor to global warming, and coal mining is responsible for about a third of the world's methane emissions from fossil fuels. The research flights, which took place in September and October 2023, included more than 40 surveys to detect and quantify emissions. These airborne measurements were carried out on behalf of the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) as part of the UNEP Environmental Program to gain a more comprehensive understanding of methane emissions from coal mining.

Precise measurements and innovative technologies

The technology used to measure methane emissions, the MAMAP2D-Light methane spectrometer, represents a new generation of aircraft remote sensing sensors. It shows great potential for detecting methane emissions from the air. This innovative approach allowed researchers to capture many hotspots of methane emissions with high data quality.

The measurements in the Bowen Basin, one of the largest coal mining areas in the world, are particularly relevant as Australia was the largest exporter of hard coal to Germany in 2024. The amount of coal imported from Australia has doubled since 2020, from around four million tonnes to over eight million tonnes in 2024. These developments highlight the need for improved data to reduce emissions from the coal sector and therefore reduce the impact on the environment.

Significance of the results

The results of this study not only provide critical insights into methane emissions from the specific coal mine, but also highlight the potential for mitigating emissions in the steel supply chain. The detailed analysis of the data collected will also enable comparisons with existing estimates to provide a more comprehensive picture of methane emissions in the region.

Project leader Heinrich Bovensmann from the University of Bremen emphasizes that this work represents significant progress in understanding methane emissions from coal mining. The findings are intended to help support global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote far-reaching measures necessary to limit global warming.