Satellite-derived approaches for coal mine methane estimation

Akshansha Chauhan and Simit Raval (University of New South Wales) present a comprehensive review of satellite-based coal mine methane (CMM) monitoring covering studies from 2015–2024; the manuscript is a preprint (submitted to MDPI Remote Sensing) and funded by ACARP (Project Number: C37002).

• Main action: This is a literature review that synthesises satellite platforms (e.g., TROPOMI, GHGSat, PRISMA, Gaofen-5, GOSAT, IASI, EMIT, EnMAP), inversion methods (RemoTeC, matched-filter), plume-detection approaches (manual, cone plume model, HYSPLIT, CNN-based automation) and flux-estimation methods (IME, CSF, WAS, mass-balance) used to quantify CMM across major basins from 2015–2024. It reports detection limits (examples: GOSAT ~50 t/h; TROPOMI ~10 t/h to 25 t/h detection range; PRISMA/GAOFEN-5 ~0.5–1 t/h; GHGSat-D ~0.1 t/h), provides regional estimates for basins (e.g., Shanxi province studies reporting multi-Tg/year basin totals and specific plume rates up to ~12,729 kg/h), and cites ACARP funding (Project Number: C37002).

• Background and details: The review documents major sources of uncertainty and methodological choices that affect quantified emissions: wind selection and altitude (10 m–1500 m, ERA5/GEOS-FP variability), surface albedo and heterogeneity, cloud/aerosol screening requirements (AOD thresholds), limited clear-sky overpasses (example: 124 clear-sky TROPOMI observations out of ~500 in Australia 2018–2019), and algorithmic differences (RemoTeC vs simplified RTMs vs matched-filter). It highlights automated plume detection (CNN + classifier) and the need for multi-sensor integration and ground/airborne validation; funding and data availability statements indicate data can be provided on request.