Underground mining

[edit / update model]
Fugitive emissions methodology, underground mining. Calculates methane (CH4) emissions based on the quantity of coal produced. Globally applicable.

Summary

This methodology represents methane (CH4) emissions associated with the surface mining of coal. The data and calculation methodology are sourced from the IPCC, as published in Volume 2, Chapter 4 - Fugitive Emissions of their 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories.


The methodology

Emissions model

Fugitive emissions of greenhouse gases can arise during underground coal mining through several pathways:

  • Mining emissions: CH4 emissions result from the liberation of gases during the breakage of coal and surrounding strata during mining operations
  • Post-mining emissions: CH4 is additionally released from coal during processing and transportation
  • Low temperature oxidation: CO2 is produced by the oxidation of coal carbon (C) on exposure to oxygen
  • Uncontrolled oxidation: CO2 is produced during the uncontrolled burning of coal. This may occur as a consequence of the trapping of heat produced by low temperature oxidation.
Only the first two sources of emissions are considered in this methodology: low temperature oxidation is typically insignificant (especially where rehabilitation practices are employed); uncontrolled oxidation is sometimes significant but extremely difficult to quantify.

The methodology considers the three emissions components in order to calculate net annual emissions:

  • CH4,total (kg) = CH4,mining + CH4,post-mining - CH4,recovered
Emissions associated with mining operations: This methodology calculates mining-associated CH4 emissions based on emissions factors which describe the rate at which CH4 is released in relation to the quantity of coal produced (in terms of mass, i.e. tonnes). By multiplying these rates (e.g. m3 per tonne) by the annual quantity of coal produced (e.g. tonne per year), an estimate of the annual methane emissions - by volume (i.e. m3 per year) - is made.

Emissions associated with the post-mining phase: This methodology provides two ways of calculating post-mining emissions. (1) As with mining-phase emissions (see above), an emissions factor is available which describes the rate at which post-mining CH4 is released in relation to the quantity of coal produced. (2) Alternatively, a more accurate post-mining emissions factor can be derived on the basis of the in situ gas content of the coal, since a fixed proportion of this is estimated to be emitted subsequent to extraction. The precise precise fraction of this in situ CH4 which is released differs depending on whether pre-drainage of mines is practised.

Methane recovery: Where methane recovery/capture is practised, this is deducted from the emissions calculation.

All emissions quantities are calculated on a volumetric basis and converted to mass quantities using the standard value for CH4 density provided by the IPCC guidelines.

Model data

The extent to which CH4 is released depends on the depth of the mine. Emissions factors are provided for three depth ranges (<200 m, 200-400 m, >400 m). Each depth range is represented by:

  • A mining phase emissions factor (m3 per tonne)
  • A post-mining phase emission factor (m3 per tonne)
The methodology also uses several additional values for making the final emissions calculations

  • An in situ gas factor which represents the proportion of the in situ gas which is release in the post-mining phase. This factor depends in whether pre-draining of the mine is practised (pre-drainage, 30%; no pre-drainage, 10%)
  • A standard value for the density of CH4 (0.67 tonnes per m3) which enables the conversion of volumetric to mass-based emissions
  • The global warming potential of CH4 which enables the conversion of absolute CH4 emissions into a CO2e quantity - i.e. the quantity of CO2 which would exert the same atmospheric warming effect

Activity data required

Greenhouse gas emissions are directly proportionate to the mass of coal produced annually, which therefore must be provided in order to calculate.

The specification of the in situ gas content of the mined coal is optional but may result in a more accurate estimate of post-mining emissions.

Also optional is the specification of a volume of recovered methane

Calculation and results

Both mining and post-mining CH4 emissions are calculated and aggregated. Any recovered CH4 is then subtracted from this total.

Two emissions quantities are ultimately provided, representing: CH4 and CO2e emissions. All emissions calculated by this methodology represent those attributable to the specified annual quantity of coal production, minus any CH4 which is recovered.


Related methodologies

Other IPCC methodologies which focus on mining-associated fugitive emissions scenarios are available, covering surface mining, abandoned underground mines (tier 1 and tier 2) and methane flaring.

Where recovered methane is burned for energy production, flared, or fed into a gas distribution system, the IPCC methodologies for stationary fuel combustion, methane flaring and oil and gas processing may be of interest.

UIDLabel
1TG79DYSVXIG 200 m to 400 m
C0JAXMT4OSGV greater than 400 m
3LLRJ01IF6C5 less than 200 m
Rate of coal production
In situ gas content
Set to 'true' to indicate the practise of mine pre-drainage
Rate of methane recovery