Submission: Boggabri Coal Mine Modification

We also highlighted that the mine has no clear plan to address methane emissions, and is yet to assess the potential that significant increases in mining depth could lead to greater emissions releases in the future. 

This oversight is particularly alarming given the importance of all sectors to contribute to meeting Australia’s state and Federal Net Zero targets, the Global Methane Pledge, and the global imperative to reduce methane emissions due to their dual impact on increased surface ozone and rapidly warming the global climate. 

Specifically, Ember’s submission highlights that:

1. Direct Fugitive Emissions Calculations are 95x lower than NSW Method 1 guidance
2. Projected Scope 1 emissions could be 9 million tonnes higher 
3. Direct emissions monitoring will likely be widespread before the Modification begins
4. There is no current assessment of how methane emissions may increase with depth
5. There are insufficient measures to manage Fugitive Emissions into the future

Authored by Chris Wright, Ember’s Climate Strategy Advisor – Coal Mine Methane.