Methane Leaks
Coal · 15 Aug 2026

Methane plume detected in Kazakhstan

On 15 Aug 2026, the EMIT - NASA satellite saw methane escaping at about 1,249 kg/h from a coal mine.

Satellite map of methane plume locations in Kazakhstan
Map imagery © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap © MaxarOpen the interactive map →

1,249 kg/h
± 498 kg/h (UNEP uncertainty)

If it continued at this rate for 24 hours it would release about 30.0 tonnes of methane.

Detected
15 Aug 2026 · 05:33 UTC
Satellite
EMIT - NASA
Sector
Coal
Wind
Plume drifting towards the S · 5.4 m/s
Coordinates
49.77298, 72.89537
Open in Google Maps (satellite)
UNEP plume ID
2a953600-601e-4fc6-8a38-fd45c4b9a4da

Likely operator

Qarmet Plausible

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

Emitting site

KAZ_S_057 · 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.

Push for action

Find the operator's contact details and send a ready-made, evidence-based email in about two minutes.

Write to the operator →

Authorities you can notify

Is this attribution wrong?

If you operate this site, or know who does, tell us. Operators get a right of reply, and corrections are reviewed within a week.

Get alerts for KAZ_S_057

We'll email you when UNEP publishes new plumes here. No account needed. Unsubscribe in one click.

We only use your email to send these alerts.

Cite as: UNEP IMEO MARS plume 2a953600-601e-4fc6-8a38-fd45c4b9a4da, via Methane Leaks (https://www.methaneleaks.com/plume/2a953600-601e-4fc6-8a38-fd45c4b9a4da), accessed 6 Oct 2026.