The New South Wales government has approved a project to reduce methane emissions from the Appin coal mine, which has been described as a significant case study for the industry. The VAM (ventilated air methane) abatement project received the green light two years after the state government committed $15 million towards the plan.
The thermal oxidiser plant will capture methane from the coal seam and heat it to convert it into carbon dioxide and water. It is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Appin mine by about 36,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, which is equivalent to about 8,500 cars annually. However, this represents only 1.7 per cent of the mine's declared greenhouse gas emissions, according to figures provided to the Clean Energy Regulator.
Construction is expected to begin next year, with the VAM plant becoming operational in 2027. Appin mine owner GM3 said the project reflects a long-term commitment to sustainability. Planning Minister Paul Scully noted that the approval is a good outcome for employment and emissions reduction, while Resources Minister Courtney Houssos highlighted it as an example of investments by the coal mining industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The VAM project began in 2023 as a partnership with the CSIRO to develop methane capture technology. The thermal oxidiser technology differs from that worked on with the CSIRO. One submission to the Major Projects process questioned why, if the VAM technology is mature, it is not being fully implemented across the mine now.
