‘Wake-up call’: methane emissions from Australian coalmines more than double official estimates, report finds
Methane emissions from Australian coalmines are more than double the official government estimates, according to a new International Energy Agency report. The findings, based on satellite data, reveal a significant gap between reported and actual emissions, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales. Climate experts say the discrepancy underscores the need for urgent, accurate measurement and rapid reductions in methane emissions.
- ▪The International Energy Agency reported that Australian coalmines emitted 1.7 million tonnes of methane in 2025, more than double the government's estimate of 0.82 million tonnes.
- ▪Satellite measurements used by the IEA are not included in the Australian government's current emissions reporting methods.
- ▪Methane is about 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period and has contributed to about 30% of global warming since the Industrial Revolution.
- ▪Australia is one of the world's largest coal exporters, giving it significant responsibility to reduce coalmine methane emissions.
- ▪Independent assessments, including previous IEA reports, consistently show that Australia's official methane emissions data underrepresents actual emissions from fossil fuel operations.
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‘Once again that methane emissions from Australia’s coal sector remain drastically underreported,’ methane analyst Dr Sabina Assan said. Photograph: Rob Griffith/APView image in fullscreen‘Once again that methane emissions from Australia’s coal sector remain drastically underreported,’ methane analyst Dr Sabina Assan said. Photograph: Rob Griffith/APGreenhouse gas emissions‘Wake-up call’: methane emissions from Australian coalmines more than double official estimates, report findsInternational Energy Agency findings show government must commit to rapid cuts in emissions of greenhouse gas, climate experts say Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here Graham ReadfearnMon 4 May 2026 01.31 EDTLast modified on Mon 4 May 2026 01.41 EDTSharePrefer…
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