In 2024, global temperatures crossed the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels, underscoring the urgency of rapid climate action. Methane, with 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, accounts for nearly 30% of observed global warming — and coal mining is the fourth-largest human-made source.
As the seventh-largest coal producer, South Africa faces both challenges and opportunities in addressing coal mine methane (CMM). This study provides a first-of-its-kind assessment of South Africa’s coal sector emissions, examining mitigation opportunities, policy frameworks, and barriers to action.
The findings reveal critical data gaps and institutional challenges, also highlight pathways for South Africa to align its energy reliance with global climate goals while strengthening national resilience.