Methane Leaks
Coal · 3 Aug 2023

Methane plume detected in Kazakhstan

On 3 Aug 2023, the EMIT - NASA satellite saw methane escaping at about 186 kg/h from a coal mine.

Satellite map of methane plume locations in Kazakhstan
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186 kg/h
± 120 kg/h (UNEP uncertainty)

If it continued at this rate for 24 hours it would release about 4.5 tonnes of methane.

Detected
3 Aug 2023 · 09:21 UTC
Satellite
EMIT - NASA
Sector
Coal
Wind
Plume drifting towards the S · 1.1 m/s
Coordinates
49.7865, 72.61496
Open in Google Maps (satellite)
UNEP plume ID
026a9ab2-fa5f-403e-a2e3-abd97bc0fa3a

Likely operator

Qarmet Plausible

Qarmet (formerly ArcelorMittal Temirtau) runs the Karaganda underground coal mines.

Emitting site

KAZ_S_038 · Venting shaft
2 plumes detected at this site

Status

UNEP has not recorded a notification for this plume.

Nobody has reported contacting the operator through Methane Leaks yet.

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Cite as: UNEP IMEO MARS plume 026a9ab2-fa5f-403e-a2e3-abd97bc0fa3a, via Methane Leaks (https://www.methaneleaks.com/plume/026a9ab2-fa5f-403e-a2e3-abd97bc0fa3a), accessed 5 Oct 2026.