Coal Mine Methane Policy Action and Scientific Support (COMPASS)

Fugitive methane emissions from coal mining and handling activities are expected to increase as India continues to ramp up coal exploration, production, and consumption. Approximately 0.83 million tonnes of CH4 are emitted annually into the atmosphere from coal mining and handling activities in India (Singh & Kumar, 2016).

Attempts at measurement and mitigation remain limited due to technical, commercial, and sociopolitical challenges. Production, in particular, is expected to rise from 1.134 billion tonnes in 2024-2025 to 1.511 billion tonnes by 2029 (MoC, 2021; MoC, 2023). Annual coal mine methane emissions are expected to double from 812 kilotonnes (kt) in 2019 to over 1670 kt by 2029, and higher-emitting underground mining activities are proposed to triple this decade (after years of declining production), potentially exceeding 100 million tonnes (Mt) per year.

Capturing and utilizing these rapidly growing emissions for power generation, heating, and clean cooking fuel can reduce emissions and enhance energy security – using excess CMM alone could displace $980 million USD worth of gas imports by 2030 (Wright et al., 2024).

Significant discrepancies and gaps exist in measurement and reporting of fugitive methane emissions in India by domestic and international agencies. The COMPASS project aims to:

• Identify uncertainties (in stakeholder perceptions and measurement approaches) about mine methane
• Develop new emissions estimates for a national policy planning tool
• Provide policy recommendations to measure and mitigate mine methane in India