Executive summary

Methane (CH4) is the second most prevalent anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) after carbon dioxide (CO2), with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) 28-34 times more potent than CO2 over a 100-year timeframe. Coal mining, a major source of CH4 emissions, accounts for about 12% of global anthropogenic CH4 emissions (U.S. EPA, 2019). Most emissions come from underground coal mines, predominantly working mines, but emissions from abandoned underground mines are increasing. National monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) programmes not only help countries better understand the contribution of coal mining to their overall CH4 and GHG emissions, but also identify opportunities for mitigation, ranging from identifying prospective locations for coal mine methane (CMM), abandoned mine methane (AMM) and surface mine methane (SMM) mitigation projects to informing the design of policies for CMM, AMM and SMM.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Affordable and Clean Energy

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Climate Action