Methane Leaks
Coal · 13 Jul 2026

Methane plume detected in Kazakhstan

On 13 Jul 2026, the Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI - ESA satellite saw methane escaping at about 19,000 kg/h from a coal mine.

Satellite map of methane plume locations in Kazakhstan
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19,000 kg/h
± 8,000 kg/h (UNEP uncertainty)

If it continued at this rate for 24 hours it would release about 456 tonnes of methane.

Detected
13 Jul 2026 · 08:41 UTC
Satellite
Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI - ESA
Sector
Coal
Wind
Plume drifting towards the S · 1.7 m/s
Coordinates
49.95, 72.85
Open in Google Maps (satellite)
UNEP plume ID
71d99e79-b9d7-4583-926d-907a6cb6e590

Likely operator

Qarmet Plausible

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

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 71d99e79-b9d7-4583-926d-907a6cb6e590, via Methane Leaks (https://www.methaneleaks.com/plume/71d99e79-b9d7-4583-926d-907a6cb6e590), accessed 5 Oct 2026.