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This case study by Ember examines the underreporting of methane emissions at the Hail Creek coal mine in Australia and the resulting supply chain risks for major steel companies, specifically ArcelorMittal, POSCO, and Nippon Steel.

This submission by Ember to the Clean Energy Regulator argues that 'Method 2' for reporting fugitive methane emissions from Australian coal mines is scientifically inadequate and leads to significant under-reporting. The document highlights a growing gap between increasing coal production and stagnant or declining reported emissions, particularly in New South Wales. Ember recommends urgent reforms, including mandated regular updates to emission factors, increased borehole density, independent third-party verification, and the integration of satellite-based atmospheric monitoring to ensure the integrity of Australia's national emissions inventory.

This report by Ember analyzes coal mine methane (CMM) emissions in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. It compares officially reported fugitive emissions with satellite-based estimates and airborne measurements, finding that actual emissions in both states are significantly higher than reported, with particularly large discrepancies noted for surface mines in Queensland and overall totals in New South Wales.

Ember's submission to the Australian government argues that the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme (NGERS) relies on inadequate state-based emissions factors for Queensland open cut coal mines. The document recommends phasing out 'Method 1' in favor of direct measurement and multi-input models to accurately capture methane variability and super-emitting events.

This report by Ember analyzes the scale of coal mine methane (CMM) emissions in Australia, arguing that official figures are significantly underreported and that these emissions pose a major threat to Australia's 2030 climate targets. The document highlights the disparity between government estimates and satellite data, particularly in the Bowen Basin, and examines the impact of proposed new coal mines in Queensland and New South Wales. It recommends a transition to direct measurement, the implementation of methane abatement technologies like VAM oxidation, and the phasing out of coal, starting with the highest-emitting mines.

This report by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) provides a mine-level assessment of global coal mine methane emissions, finding that operating mines emit 52.3 million tonnes of methane per year. This volume rivals emissions from the oil and gas sectors and is significantly higher than many national inventories report. The analysis identifies China, specifically Shanxi province, as the primary source of these emissions and warns that proposed new mine projects could add another 11.3 million tonnes annually, potentially locking in emissions equivalent to the coal-based CO2 emissions of the United States.

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.