The Global Energy Monitor estimates 7.2 billion tonnes of coal are mined each year, from 3,670 recorded coal mines across 70 countries. Coal mining worldwide emits around 52 million tonnes of methane per year (equivalent to 4,320 million tonnes of CO2*), more than oil (39 million tonnes) or gas (45 million tonnes). If new coal mines under development go ahead, they would add another 11.3 million tonnes of methane per year (equivalent to 936 million tonnes of CO2*). Methane is a powerful climate change accelerant.
In the ‘gassiest’ of coal mines, the methane released during the act of coal mining contributes as much to climate change as burning the coal mined. Unlike CO2 from burning coal, methane release from mining coal is not consistently measured and there is little in the way of international commitments to reduce it. This is concerning as coal mine methane emissions must fall 11% each year until 2030 if we are to remain within reach of the International Energy Agency’s roadmap for Net Zero 2030, according to Global Energy Monitor.
After 15-months of illegal coal mining Ffos-y-fran opencast coal mine finally closed 0n 31st November 2023. As of 2025, just one commercial coal mine is in operation - Aberpergwm, a deep coal mine in South Wales. Aberpergwm secured an extension in 2022 to extract up to an additional 42 million tonnes of coal until 2039. There are 5 other 'artisanal' coal mines operating, with one in Northumberland and 4 Gloucester. Although significant, the volume of coal mining in the UK now is tiny compared with the historical coal mining sector in the UK which was a major employer of over 100,000 of workers at the industry's height, whereas by March 2025, the sector employed just 267 people. Glan Lash dormant opencast coal mine in South Wales reapplied in 2024 to reopen the coal mine and expand it after its 2018 application to do the same was rejected in 2023.
Click on the current and recent coal mine-specific campaigns of the UK below:
Significant emissions can be released from coal mining and impacts from coal mining can be wide-ranging with global and local consequences. These include:
* measured over 20 years, UNECE
Burning coal emits more CO2 than any other fuel source for the amount of energy it produces. Burning coal also pollutes our air with many other hazardous gasses, including... Read more
