Methane Emissions from Mining in the European Union

Methane emissions from coal mining remain a significant environmental challenge in the European Union, particularly in the context of climate change commitments and the ongoing transformation of the energy sector. This article analyses methane emissions from surface and underground coal mining, distinguishing between emissions from mining activities, abandoned underground mines, and post-mining activities. A key aspect of the analysis is the methane emissions per 1000 tonnes of lignite and hard coal mined, which allows a comparison of emission intensities between different mining methods. Between 2009 and 2021, methane emissions from coal mining in the EU decrease, with reductions of 2436 kt CO 2 eq. (87 kt CH 4 ) from surface mining and 16,518 kt CO 2 eq. (590 kt CH 4 ) from underground mining. However, total methane emissions in 2021 still amount to 25,414 kt CO 2 eq. (908 kt CH 4 ), with underground mining contributing 84.7% of the emissions. Discrepancies in national emissions reporting and the lack of transparent data on methane emissions from imported coal make accurate assessments difficult. Strengthening international cooperation, improving data transparency, and exploring methane recovery for energy use are essential steps towards achieving the EU’s climate change objectives.