Methane emissions derived from coal mining in the European Union (EU) are a serious environmental threat due to methane's high global warming potential. Coal mine methane (CMM) is released from coal seams and surrounding rock layers that are disturbed by mining activities. Both surface mining (for lignite) and underground mining (for hard coal) contribute to methane emissions, but their impacts differ considerably in terms of scale, sources, and available mitigation strategies within the EU context. Understanding these differences is key to controlling emissions effectively and meeting the EU's climate goals.
We examine these distinctions, the sources and magnitudes of emissions from each mining type, the regulatory frameworks in place, and the mitigation technologies aimed at reducing methane emissions associated with coal mining activities in the EU.1
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Methane Emissions from Surface Lignite Mining
Surface lignite mining involves extracting coal from open pits where methane trapped in coal and adjacent soil layers is released primarily during mining operations and post-mining activities such as coal storage and transportation.
Compared to underground mining, surface mines generally emit less methane per unit of coal produced because methane concentrations are lower and more dispersed near the surface.1,2
However, surface mining still contributes to methane emissions that shouldn’t be overlooked, particularly in countries with substantial lignite production such as Germany, Poland, and Greece.
Surface mining methane emissions are caused by the disturbance of shallow coal seams and the removal of overburden, which releases methane into the atmosphere.
Due to lower methane concentration, capturing methane from surface mines is technically more challenging and limited in practice, although research into extraction technologies continues.1,2
Methane Emissions from Underground Hard Coal Mining
Underground hard coal mining emits considerably more methane due to the deeper coal seams, which operate at higher pressure and contain higher methane content.
Methane is released during mining activities, mine ventilation, methane drainage systems, and post-mining processes.
Most methane emissions from coal mining in the EU originate from underground operations, particularly in countries like Poland and the Czech Republic, where deep hard coal mining is common.1,3
In these underground mines, methane concentrations can reach hazardous levels, posing a significant explosion risk to miners. To safely manage methane levels, extensive ventilation and degasification systems are used.
Methane is released as ventilation air methane (VAM), drainage methane, and abandoned mine methane (AMM) from closed mines. The methane emissions from underground mines are substantially higher per unit of coal than surface mines and represent a critical target for mitigation efforts.1,3
What is the EU Methane Regulation?
The EU is updating its rules on methane emissions from coal mining to support climate goals, such as those outlined in the European Green Deal.
The EU Methane Regulation, approved in 2024 and effective from 2025, sets strict requirements for monitoring, reporting, and reducing methane emissions from both active and abandoned coal mines.
Active underground mines must implement continuous, direct measurements of methane at ventilation shafts and drainage stations.
For surface mines, emissions must be estimated using updated, deposit-specific emission factors. Even closed and abandoned mines have to be monitored because they continue to emit methane after mining ends.1,4
Trends and Challenges in Methane Emission Reduction
Methane emissions from EU coal mining have declined due to regulatory efforts, less coal production, and phased mine closures.
Between 2009 and 2021, methane emissions from surface lignite mining decreased significantly, while those from underground mining saw even larger reductions, as underground mining had higher initial emissions.
The decrease in underground methane emissions aligns with mine closures and improvements in degasification, but emissions from abandoned mines still constitute a major share. These abandoned mines continue to vent methane from ventilation shafts, boreholes, and fissures. It is, therefore, urgent to reduce these emissions to prevent wasting energy and releasing greenhouse gases.1,4,5
Several EU Member States have active coal mines requiring methane abatement, with Poland, Romania, and Germany having the largest number of operations.
The EU Methane Regulation anticipates that mitigation requirements and the ongoing phase-out of thermal coal will reduce EU coal methane emissions by nearly 48 % by 2031 compared to 2021 levels.
The biggest emission reductions are expected from banning methane venting from abandoned mines and closing underground mines. However, loopholes and delayed implementation timelines limit the speed at which full emission reduction targets can be realized.4,6
What are the Solutions to Coal Mine Methane Emissions?
Solutions to tackle coal mine emissions include capturing the gas from drainage systems and ventilation air, which can then be flared or used as an energy source.
Regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) are a practical solution for methane destruction, offering high efficiency and energy recovery. Capturing methane reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps recover valuable energy that would otherwise be lost if released into the atmosphere.
Investing in these capture technologies is crucial for underground mining operations that produce high concentrations of methane. In contrast, surface mining methane is more diffuse and requires further technological advancements for effective and economic recovery.7
Methane Intensity and Policy Implications
Methane intensity, which refers to the amount of methane emitted per unit of coal mined, is an important metric for comparing the environmental impacts of surface and underground mining.
Generally, underground hard coal mining emits methane at levels many times higher than surface lignite mining due to geological depth, methane content, and mining methods.
The EU aims to establish methane intensity thresholds for coal products, including imports, to encourage global reductions in methane emissions. Transparent reporting and verification of methane emissions and intensities across the mining supply chain will play a key role in enforcement and market-based incentives for emission reductions.4,5
Conclusion
Geology, mining methods, and EU regulations influence coal mine methane emissions.
While surface lignite mining produces less methane in total, its emissions are still part of the overall reduction strategy. Most methane is generated from underground mining, as well as from active, closed, and abandoned mines.
The EU's step-by-step regulatory approach, combined with new technologies and changes in the coal industry, offers pathways to substantially reduce these emissions. However, monitoring emissions from surface mines and old mines remains a challenge that needs scientific innovation and policy support.
References and Further Reading
- Zieba, M., & Smolinski, A. (2025). Methane Emissions from Mining in the European Union. Energies, 18(4), 791. DOI:10.3390/en18040791. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/4/791
- Methane emissions. European Commission. https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/carbon-management-and-fossil-fuels/methane-emissions_en
- The hidden threat: Abandoned coal mine methane emissions in the EU. (2024). Global Energy Monitor. https://globalenergymonitor.org/report/the-hidden-threat-abandoned-coal-mine-methane-emissions-in-the-eu/
- Assan, S. (2024). Understanding the EU’s Methane Regulation for coal. EMBER. https://ember-energy.org/latest-insights/eumethane-reg-explained/
- Methane emissions in the EU: the key to immediate action on climate change. (2022). European Environment Agency. https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/methane-emissions-in-the-eu-the-key-to-immediate-action-on-climate-change
- Assan, S. (2023). Loopholes in EU methane regulation allow coal mines to add emissions the size of Belgium and Czechia combined. EMBER. https://ember-energy.org/latest-updates/loopholes-in-eu-methane-regulation-allow-coal-mines-to-add-emissions-the-size-of-belgium-and-czechia-combined/
- Yang, J. et al. (2023). Experimental Study on Ultra-Low Concentration Methane Regenerative Thermal Oxidation. Energies, 17(9), 2109. DOI:10.3390/en17092109. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/9/2109
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