Aircraft study shows coal mines emit far more methane than reported
Aircraft measured methane over Queensland coal mines. They found about 3.6 times more than official reports.
Australia's coal mining emissions are being greatly undercounted. New research shows this.
Aircraft flew over 17 Queensland coal mines and measured their actual methane release. Open-cut mines reported far less than the aircraft detected.
Satellite data over NSW Hunter Valley mines shows the same problem. This matters because of Australia's Safeguard Mechanism.
It relies on accurate emissions numbers to set pollution limits and carbon prices. When mines underreport methane, they face weaker targets.
They also earn credits they shouldn't. In 2024-25, open-cut mines earned about 700,000 credits worth about $26 million.
This partly happened because of underestimated numbers. Federal rules for measuring methane are under review now.
- 17 Queensland mines
- Coal mines studied
- 3.6 times higher than reported
- Methane underestimate factor
- About 700,000 worth 26 million dollars
- Credits earned in 2024-25
Why it mattersWrong emissions counts mean coal mines don't have to pay for reducing the pollution they actually create. This weakens Australia's climate targets.
AustraliaCoal mine methane makes up about 5% of Australia's total emissions, so fixing measurement rules directly affects the nation's ability to cut carbon.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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