Australia’s coal mines can deliver two thirds of methane cuts

Australia could reduce its annual methane emissions by 18% by 2030 by focusing on coal mine methane (CMM) mitigation. The report argues that CMM is one of the cheapest and fastest sources of methane to mitigate, costing approximately $270 AUD per tonne of methane, which is four times cheaper than agricultural mitigation. Key recommendations include phasing out thermal coal mines by 2030, preventing new coal mine expansions, and implementing technical solutions like ventilation air methane (VAM) capture and extensive drainage. The report also warns that current reporting is likely underestimated, citing the IEA's estimate that 800 thousand tonnes of methane are missing from reported figures.

• Australia could reduce its total annual methane emissions by approximately 18% by 2030 by targeting coal mines alone, which would represent a 77% reduction in coal mine methane (CMM) emissions.
• Mitigating methane from coal mines is significantly more cost-effective than agricultural mitigation, with an average cost of $270 AUD per tonne of methane compared to approximately $1,200 AUD for agriculture.
• Phasing out all thermal coal mines by 2030 would reduce annual CMM emissions by 40% from 2020 levels and reduce Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions by 30% (170 million tonnes CO2e).
• Preventing new coal mines or expansions is critical, as proposed projects could increase annual CMM emissions by 50% (500,000 tonnes per year) by 2030.
• Technical mitigation for existing mines could reduce CMM emissions by 370,000 tonnes per year by 2030 at an estimated cost of $99.1 million AUD, including improved housekeeping, extensive drainage, and VAM capture.
• There is evidence of significant underreporting of methane emissions; the IEA estimates that 800 thousand tonnes of methane are missing from reported figures, and satellite data shows the Hail Creek mine emits 10 times its officially reported amount.

APA

Assan, D. S. (2022). Australia’s coal mines can deliver two thirds of methane cuts. Ember. https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2022/10/Report-Australias-coal-mines-can-deliver-two-thirds-of-methane-cuts.pdf

Chicago

Assan, Dr Sabina. Australia’s coal mines can deliver two thirds of methane cuts. Ember, 2022. https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2022/10/Report-Australias-coal-mines-can-deliver-two-thirds-of-methane-cuts.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Assan |first1=Dr Sabina |title=Australia’s coal mines can deliver two thirds of methane cuts |publisher=Ember |date=19 October 2022 |url=https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2022/10/Report-Australias-coal-mines-can-deliver-two-thirds-of-methane-cuts.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{assan2022australias, author = {Assan, Dr Sabina}, title = {{Australia’s coal mines can deliver two thirds of methane cuts}}, institution = {Ember}, year = {2022}, month = oct, url = {https://ember-energy.org/app/uploads/2022/10/Report-Australias-coal-mines-can-deliver-two-thirds-of-methane-cuts.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }