Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. It is released from natural resources (such as wetlands) and human activities (coal mining and oil and gas production). It has also been improved by agriculture (mainly livestock and rice paddies), and the reduction of waste in the garbage.
Methane emits more heat than carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after release. It is responsible for 30% of the planet’s warming that has been experienced since the industrial revolution began in the 1760s.
South Africa is the seventh largest producer of coal in the world. Coal fuels about 73% of the country’s energy. Although it is beginning to be revealed, the coal industry remains an important source of employment and domestic economic activity.
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In coal mines, methane is naturally trapped beneath the coal seam and surrounding rock. When coal is extracted, this gas is released into the atmosphere – both during the operation of active mines and abandoned and closed mines – polluting the air and endangering public health. The coal mine is leaking and raises the risk of mine explosion.
South Africa’s plan to fight global warming is focused on reducing its biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions: carbon dioxide from the heavy coal economy. There has been very little research on methane emissions from coal mines.
We are engineers and Open Energy and mining experts working with Swaniti, a think tank focused on policy, management and social issues to drive effective, long-term improvements. In collaboration with our PhD Author, PhD Plantiment Nicola Wills, we set out to fill a gap in research: Understanding how much methane has risen from South African coal mines, and what can be done to stop this.
We reviewed existing research and policy documents on the South African coal sector. We also had experts to collect data, and understand what methods are available around the world to reduce My My Methane, and whether they work in South Africa.
Read more: Mines and wetlands explain rising methane
Our research found that South Africa has no reliable or up-to-date records of methane emissions from mines and few coal mine methane reduction projects.
Increasing the elevation of methane is very important. Reducing this will reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in South Africa released into the atmosphere. And it will improve safety, protect health, and perhaps even create jobs in coal regions that will experience job losses from the energy transition.
The methane problem
South Africa has a carbon tax. Weather regulations and mine safety regulations are in place. But, apart from the tax, it has no dedicated policies that clearly target the exit of coal mines (including closed and converted mines).
Methane has not yet been mentioned in South Africa’s investment plan just to move the country away from coal-fired renewable energy or its contribution to the country’s commitment (the world’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions).
Read more: Africa now emits as much carbon as IT shops: World Research
Instead, the responsibility for reporting the departure of MINI Harne vessels is divided between government departments. When mines and other companies report their methane emissions, this is a trick and often not done publicly. This leaves huge gaps. For example, official government data put methane emissions from coal mines at 0.06 million tons in 2022. But the global Energy Monitor, research studies and satellite observations put the real number between 0.6 million and billion tons.
That’s 10 to 14 times higher than reported. This gap is due to limited monitoring, different measurement methods, and the complete absence of data on the output of closed and abandoned mines.
Why dealing with methane can be a huge treasure
The International Energy Agency suggests that up to 90% of active mining emissions could be reduced. Capturing methane before, during, or after mining is another way to do this. For example, before mining begins, methane gas can be removed from the coal seam so that it can escape into the atmosphere when mining begins. The captured gas can be used as a source of energy instead of waste.
These and other technology options used during mining and after mine closure need to be tested in the South African coal mining sector to see if something is viable and cost-effective. If so, reducing the emissions of mining ships can make a meaningful contribution to lowering the Emissions profile of the country as a whole.
Simply directing the emissions from the surface can help reduce greenhouse gases quickly.
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Methane management projects also create demand for new technical and engineering jobs in active, closed and abandoned areas. Miners who lost their jobs as coal mines closed down could be employed in many jobs.
By capturing and using methane instead of letting it escape, companies will not be taxed on the carbon they emit (carbon tax). They may be able to earn money by selling carbon credits.
Setting up Mily Methane capture projects would have South Africa as one of the leading coal producers in the Global South South to deal with my methane on a large scale.
What needs to happen next
Our report sets out several steps that policymakers and the coal industry should take:
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Measure better: Strengthen monitoring with on-site equipment and satellite data, and make results public.
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Close policy gaps: integrate methane into policy where appropriate, alongside energy planning.
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Financial support projects: Use climate finance or carbon tax money to finance risky start-up projects and build investor confidence.
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Don’t forget closed and converted mines: include methane management in mine closure obligations and rehabilitation obligations.
Read more: South African coal workers face uncertain future – learning flags in Mpumalanga left out of green transition
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Involve coal communities: make sure unions, local governments and communities are involved from the start to make the transition away from coal and right.
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Facilitate cooperation across the Global South: promote cooperation between coal-producing countries. These partnerships can share knowledge, expertise and best practices for monitoring and mitigation. This could include joint research and development and pilot projects to reduce methane. Regional knowledge exchange should be set up to exchange proven solutions in local conditions and build long-term technical capacity.
If nothing is done, methane will continue to leak from active, closed and abandoned coal mines. It will quietly add to the climate crisis. But if the country works, it can cut greenhouse gases and help support livelihoods in coal regions.
This article is published from an independent, non-profit, independent news organization that brings you facts and honest analysis to help you understand our complex world. Written by: Jennifer Lee BroadHurst, University of Cape Town; Brett Cohen, University of Cape Townand Jesse Burton, University of Cape Town
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Jennifer Lee Bradhurst receives money from various sources for research purposes, but no one has expressed interest in the results of this work.
Brett Cohen receives money from various organizations that support research work, but no one has a vested interest in the results of this work.
Jesse Burton receives money from various sources for research purposes, but no one has expressed interest in the results of this work.
