Monash researchers have compiled the first comprehensive snapshot of annual greenhouse gas emissions from 140 coal mines across Australia.
Their analysis has uncovered concerning findings about the proximity of some major coal mining operations to populated urban areas and sensitive environmental zones.
The study revealed significant clusters of coal mines in New South Wales and Queensland were surrounded by densely populated urban centres, potentially exposing local communities to higher concentrations of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants.
Researchers visualised the emissions estimates on maps of Australian population density and vegetation cover.
This highlighted areas at risk of elevated air pollution levels due to coal mining activities occurring near major townships with limited surrounding vegetation to act as a carbon sink.
The findings also suggest the location of coal mines near nature reserves and forestry could negatively impact air quality in these sensitive environmental zones.
Vegetation plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, and the study indicates a need to closely monitor urbanisation and deforestation around coal mining regions.
Interestingly, the data showed Queensland‘s highest-emitting coal mine extracted almost half the volume of coal compared to Victoria’s biggest polluter but still produced higher overall emissions.
This suggests there may be scope to reconsider mining lower-quality coal seams that generate more greenhouse gas pollution per unit of coal extracted.
“Our research suggests that the location of coal mines and their proximity to nature and forest reserves plays a more significant role than once thought when it comes to the amount of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants circulating in the air surrounding these mines,” said Duvin de Mel, one of the study’s lead researchers.
The study underscores the urgency of mitigating the environmental impact of coal mining on surrounding ecosystems and human health.
Josiah Butter, a co-lead researcher, stated: “These findings could assist policymakers and mining companies in understanding the potential climate and health risks posed by coal mining activities and inform future mitigation strategies.”
Professor Mohan Yellishetty, who guided the research, emphasised the importance of rehabilitating disused mines and exploring solutions to transform them into community assets rather than liabilities.
Overall, the study highlights the need for close monitoring of urbanisation and vegetation surrounding coal mines, as well as further research into the environmental and health impacts of Australia’s coal mining industry.