ASIATODAY.ID, SYDNEY – A startling new satellite analysis has revealed that methane emissions from Australia’s coal mines are up to 40% higher than officially reported, raising serious concerns about the country’s climate accountability and putting its international coal exports at risk.
The collaborative study—conducted by global energy think tank Ember in partnership with energy intelligence firm Kayrros—used satellite data from TROPOMI to monitor six major coal mining regions across Queensland and New South Wales (NSW). These areas represent 79% of Australia’s black coal production. The findings: methane emissions were consistently and significantly underreported, especially in NSW.
It gets even more alarming. In open-cut coal mines, emissions were found to be 4 to 6 times higher than figures reported by mining companies to the government.
Why does this matter? Over 90% of Australia’s metallurgical coal—used in steelmaking—is exported, with a large portion going to the European Union. But under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the EU is enforcing stricter emissions disclosures. Without credible reporting, Australia’s exports could be rejected or penalized.
“Without transparency, our trading partners can’t know the true carbon footprint embedded in Australian coal,” said Christopher Wright, Climate Strategy Advisor at Ember, April 16, 2025.
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International studies—including aircraft-based research over the Hail Creek mine—mirror the same pattern: actual emissions are 4 to 5 times higher than reported. This indicates a systemic issue, not an isolated case.
In response, the Australian government has launched a National Expert Panel to review current methane measurement methods, and initiated an internal audit into company-reported emissions from open-cut coal mines.
“Every satellite estimate we have—this one included—tells the same story: a massive gap between reported and actual emissions,” said Sarah Shannon, Ember’s Satellite Analyst for Coal Mine Methane. “Unless we close this knowledge gap, we can’t begin to cut emissions effectively.”
With methane’s warming potential over 80 times that of CO₂ in the short term, these findings sound a powerful warning—not just for Australia, but for the global community.
The era of self-reported emissions must end. Accurate data is no longer optional—it’s a matter of national credibility, trade relationships, and true climate leadership. (AT Network)
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