Geoanalytics firm Kayrros SAS reported methane releases in a key coal-mining region in Australia last month. Two large methane plumes appeared over the Bowen Basin on June 21. Australia is one of the world’s largest coal producers, and the Bowen Basin is one of its key producing regions. According to Kayrros, the Bowen Basin emits 7.5 kilograms of methane for every ton of coal produced. That is 47% above the global average in 2018.
Australian coal miners are required to report methane releases under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme. However, Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science said it did not receive any notification about leaks between June 20 and 21.
The coal sector has been under greater scrutiny amid rising awareness of global warming and climate change. Efforts to reduce coal consumption have been emphasizing the CO2 emissions from its burning. However, coal mining is also problematic because it often involves releasing trapped methane underground to reduce the risk of explosion. The Global Methane Initiative projects that the coal industry will account for 10% of man-made methane emissions by 2030.
