Methane plume detected in South Africa
On 30 Aug 2023, the EMIT - NASA satellite saw methane escaping at about 1,269 kg/h from a coal mine.
Evidence packet
If it continued at this rate for 24 hours it would release about 30.5 tonnes of methane.
- Detected
- 30 Aug 2023 · 10:23 UTC
- Satellite
- EMIT - NASA
- Sector
- Coal
- Wind
- Plume drifting towards the N · 2.4 m/s
- Coordinates
- -26.50742, 29.04429
Open in Google Maps (satellite) - UNEP plume ID
5dd715c8-3646-44eb-99c2-1b4f52b00349
Likely operator
Sasol Plausible
Sasol Mining supplies the Secunda synfuels complex from adjacent collieries.
Emitting site
ZAF_S_015 · Venting shaft
6 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 5dd715c8-3646-44eb-99c2-1b4f52b00349, via Methane Leaks (https://www.methaneleaks.com/plume/5dd715c8-3646-44eb-99c2-1b4f52b00349), accessed 5 Oct 2026.