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This report by Ember examines the risks associated with a proposed shift in Australia's emissions reporting for open-cut coal mines, moving from state-based average emission factors (Method 1) to unverified company-led estimates (Method 2). The analysis of ten mines suggests that this shift allows companies to significantly under-report fugitive methane emissions, potentially erasing millions of tonnes of CO2-e from the national inventory without actual mitigation.

This research briefing by Ember evaluates the estimated Scope 1 methane emissions of the Lake Vermont Meadowbrook Extension Project. Ember argues that the project's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) significantly underestimates methane emissions, potentially threatening the Safeguard Mechanism and the climate targets of the Australian and Queensland governments.

This policy brief by Ember analyzes the findings of the Australian federal Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications' inquiry into the Safeguard Mechanism (Crediting) Amendment Bill 2022. While the Committee acknowledged the significant climate impact of coal mine methane emissions, Ember argues that the final recommendations failed to mandate rigorous measurement standards or direct onsite mitigation, relying instead on a system of offsets and declining intensity baselines that may not sufficiently address methane's specific warming properties.

Ember's consultation response argues that Australia's Safeguard Mechanism must be significantly strengthened to address coal mine methane (CMM) emissions, which it claims are underestimated by 30-40%. The document advocates for a mandate against new coal mines, the adoption of a 20-year Global Warming Potential (GWP) for methane, and the implementation of strict industry benchmarks (1-3kg/tonne) to drive the closure of 'super-emitting' mines and the adoption of available capture technologies.