Story perspectives

Conservationists Demand Audit of Methane-Leaking Coal Boreholes

9/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Conservationists call for an audit of methane-leaking coal boreholes in Queensland and New South Wales.
Two abandoned boreholes emit methane equivalent to 10,000 vehicles.
Queensland has around 130,000 abandoned coal exploration bores with uncertain sealing quality.
The Queensland Conservation Council suggests using coal royalties for remediation funding.
Dr. Stephen Harris notes untracked methane emissions from boreholes nationwide.
NSW has over 9,000 coal exploration boreholes, many of which are uninspected.
The Queensland government has not addressed inquiries regarding an audit or cost recovery.

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Story summary

Conservationists call for an audit of methane-leaking coal boreholes in Queensland and New South Wales.
Two abandoned boreholes emit methane equivalent to 10,000 vehicles.
Queensland has around 130,000 abandoned coal exploration bores with uncertain sealing quality.
The Queensland Conservation Council suggests using coal royalties for remediation funding.
Dr. Stephen Harris notes untracked methane emissions from boreholes nationwide.
NSW has over 9,000 coal exploration boreholes, many of which are uninspected.
The Queensland government has not addressed inquiries regarding an audit or cost recovery.