Global methane emissions from coal mining to continue growing even with declining coal production. (20th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kholod, Nazar; Evans, Meredydd; Pilcher, Raymond C.; Roshchanka, Volha; Ruiz, Felicia; Coté, Michael; Collings, Ron
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 256(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05-20
• Subjects: Coal mine methane -- Abandoned mine methane -- Emission inventory -- Emission factors -- Projections; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120489
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents projections of global methane emissions from coal mining under different coal extraction scenarios and with increasing mining depth through 2100. The paper proposes an updated methodology for calculating fugitive emissions from coal mining, which accounts for coal extraction method, coal rank, and mining depth and uses evidence-based emissions factors. A detailed assessment shows that coal mining-related methane emissions in 2010 were higher than previous studies show. This study also uses a novel methodology for calculating methane emissions from abandoned coal mines and represents the first estimate of future global methane emissions from those mines. The results show that emissions from the growing population of abandoned mines increase faster than those from active ones. Using coal production data from six integrated assessment models, this study shows that by 2100 methane emissions from active underground mines increase by a factor of 4, while emissions from abandoned mines increase by a factor of 8. Abandoned mine methane emissions continue through the century even with aggressive mitigation actions. Graphical abstract: Global CMM and AMM emissions from coal mining, 2010–2100, bcm. Image 1 Highlights: This study presents estimates of global coal mine methane emissions through 2100. Methane emissions related to coal extraction are higher than reported from previous estimates. Coal mines continue emitting methane even if coal production is ceased. Evidence-based emission factors are applied to account for increasing mining depth. A new methodology for calculating emissions from abandoned mines is proposed.