Estimate of Global Methane Emissions from Coal Mines

摘要

The paper gives estimates of country-specific emissions of methane (CH4) fromunderground coal mines, surface coal mines, and coal crushing and transport operations for 1989. Emissions for individual countries are estimated by using two sets of regression equations (R2 values range from 0.56 to 0.71). The first set is used to estimate the CH4 content of coals in selected countries based on country-specific coal depth and other relevant parameters. The second equation relates this CH4 content and the country's coal production rate to the emissions from coal mining operations. The regression equations developed in this study rely on documented relationships that exist between mine emissions, coalbed CH4 content, coal production rate, and other coal properties. Only those independent variables which could be included at 95% confidence or greater were retained in the regression equations. Estimated global emissions from coal mining are estimated to be 45.6 Tg for 1989.