UNEP, Australia announce landmark study to improve understanding of coal and steel sector methane emissions

The UN Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), with the support of Australia, launched a new research project aimed at improving the accuracy of methane emissions data from coal mines.

The study will be the first of its kind in the world. Using a simulated open-cut coal mine, where coal is dug up from the surface, scientists will evaluate the capabilities of innovative measurement technologies — from ground-based sensors to aircraft and satellites — for tracking emissions and guiding mitigation efforts across the coal and steel sectors. 

A major source of methane emissions, coal mines represent a significant climate opportunity — particularly for the steel industry, which uses metallurgical coal as a fuel source. Last year, the coal sector released around 40 million tonnes of methane across the globe, making it the energy sector’s second-largest methane emitter. But globally emissions from coal mines remain poorly monitored and reported and emissions from open-cut coal mines are particularly difficult to measure. 

The study’s findings will improve methane monitoring and inform the development of regulatory frameworks and strategies to reduce methane emissions, which drive roughly a third of current global warming. 

“Accurate, reliable data is critical to finding opportunities for mitigation and tracking progress,” said Martin Krause, Director of UNEP’s Climate Change Division. “By assessing which tools are most suitable for measuring methane emissions in this particular mine environment, we will ensure that we have the right information to seize this low-hanging climate opportunity.”  

The Australian Government pledged AUD 5.5 M (~USD 3.2M) of new funding to UNEP’s IMEO to conduct the study. The contribution is aligned with Australia’s objective to build new clean energy industries through its Future Made in Australia agenda. Decarbonising metals is a priority for Australia, both due to its potential to significantly reduce global emissions and the economic opportunity for Australia. 

Methane from metallurgical coal adds roughly a quarter to the climate footprint of blast furnace steel — the majority of steel — but could be mitigated at roughly one per cent of the price of steel. This represents a major untapped opportunity for swift climate action. 

Methane emissions must be reduced by at least 30 per cent by 2030 to keep the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature limit within reach. Accordingly, this is the target set by the Global Methane Pledge, which brings together more than 155 countries, including Australia, to accelerate methane emissions reductions and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.  

Open-cut coal mines are the most common type of coal mine in Australia, where the landmark experiment will take place, and are a major source of emissions in the steel supply chain. 

With higher-quality data, governments and industry can better understand the steel sector’s supply chain emissions and develop strategies to mitigate them. Globally, most reporting relies on generic emissions factors, which often fail to capture the wide range of emissions that come from open-cut coal mines. But new science and technologies are putting more actionable data within reach. 

Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen noted, “Australia is committed to ensuring that its world-class national inventory systems continue to use best available technologies and methods. We are pleased to make this contribution to helping all countries better understand and manage open-cut coal mine fugitive methane emissions.”  

Notes to Editors 

About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)  

UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. 

UNEP is at the forefront of methane emissions reduction in line with the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global temperature rise well below 2°C. UNEP’s work revolves around two pillars: data and policy. UNEP supports companies and governments across the globe to use its unique global database of empirically verified methane emissions to target strategic mitigation actions and support science-based policy options through the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO). UNEP also fosters high-level commitments through advocacy work and supports countries to implement measures that reduce methane emissions through the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). Both initiatives are core implementers of the Global Methane Pledge. 

About the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)   

The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) leads national efforts to address climate change, improve energy efficiency, protect the environment, and manage Australia’s water resources. DCCEEW develops and implements policies and programs that reduce emissions, support renewable energy, protect biodiversity, and ensure sustainable water use. The department works with communities, industries, and other governments to drive Australia’s transition to a net zero economy. Key priorities include decarbonising the economy, adapting to climate impacts, restoring ecosystems, and supporting clean energy innovation. DCCEEW plays a central role in shaping a sustainable and climate-resilient future for Australia. 

For more information please contact: 
 
unep-newsdesk@un.rg, UN Environment Programme