23 “super-emitter” events linked to eight global coal mines

Global Energy Monitor (GEM) identified 23 methane 'super-emitter' events linked to eight coal mines across Australia, Colombia, Mexico, and China between January 1, 2023, and April 1, 2024. Using NASA EMIT sensor data and the Global Coal Mine Tracker, GEM connected these plumes to specific operators, highlighting a lack of global incentives for mine operators to mitigate methane emissions, particularly from ventilation shafts.

• Between January 1, 2023, and April 1, 2024, 23 methane plume detections were linked to eight coal mines in Australia, Colombia, Mexico, and China. All 23 events met the US Environmental Protection Agency's definition of a "super-emitter."
• The analysis identifies specific mines and operators associated with these emissions, including the Baode coal mine (Shenhua Energy China), Bulga Coal Mine (Bulga Coal Management [BCM]), Capcoal Mining Complex (Capcoal), Jinmei Pingshang Coal Mine (Shanxi Jinmei Group Pingshang Coal), Mandalong Coal Mine (Centennial Mandalong Pty Ltd), Mimosa Coal Mine (Altos Hornos de México [AHMSA] - Grupo Acerero del Norte S.A. de C.V), Pribbenow Coal Mine (Drummond Ltd), and Wangjialing Coal Mine (Shanxi Wangjialing Coal Industry Company).
• Methane emissions from coal mines account for one-third of all fossil fuel methane emissions globally, though some estimates suggest the coal sector may exceed emissions from the oil or gas sectors.
• There are insufficient global incentives for operators to repair leaks or mitigate methane, especially for emissions from mine ventilation shafts, which are often diluted and do not offer favorable capital expenditure returns without rebates or mandatory thresholds.

APA

Global Energy Monitor (2024). 23 “super-emitter” events linked to eight global coal mines. https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/migration/reports/GEM-methane-super-emitters-December-2024-_11.pdf

Chicago

Global Energy Monitor. 23 “super-emitter” events linked to eight global coal mines. 2024. https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/migration/reports/GEM-methane-super-emitters-December-2024-_11.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Global Energy Monitor |title=23 “super-emitter” events linked to eight global coal mines |date=December 2024 |url=https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/migration/reports/GEM-methane-super-emitters-December-2024-_11.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{globalenergymonitor2024superemitter, author = {{Global Energy Monitor}}, title = {{23 “super-emitter” events linked to eight global coal mines}}, institution = {Global Energy Monitor}, year = {2024}, month = dec, url = {https://globalenergymonitor.org/sites/default/files/migration/reports/GEM-methane-super-emitters-December-2024-_11.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }