South Africa’s coal mines are leaking methane – and no one knows how much

By: Jennifer Lee Broadhurst, University of Cape Town; Brett Cohen, University of Cape Town, and Jesse Burton, University of Cape Town, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 29, 2025

Words: 1,346

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 6 days ago

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Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. It is released from natural sources (like wetlands) and human activities (coal mining, and oil and gas production). It is also emitted by agriculture (especially livestock and rice paddies), and decomposing waste in rubbish dumps.

Methane traps over 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide in the first 20 years after it is released. It is responsible for about 30% of the warming the planet has …

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