Methane plume detected in South Africa
On 1 Oct 2023, the EnMAP - DLR satellite saw methane escaping at about 600 kg/h from a coal mine.
Evidence packet
If it continued at this rate for 24 hours it would release about 14.4 tonnes of methane.
- Detected
- 1 Oct 2023 · 08:42 UTC
- Satellite
- EnMAP - DLR
- Sector
- Coal
- Wind
- Plume drifting towards the N · 1.7 m/s
- Coordinates
- -26.50742, 29.04429
Open in Google Maps (satellite) - UNEP plume ID
bb78f28d-1a75-49fc-ac35-ae76a6de4285
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 bb78f28d-1a75-49fc-ac35-ae76a6de4285, via Methane Leaks (https://www.methaneleaks.com/plume/bb78f28d-1a75-49fc-ac35-ae76a6de4285), accessed 6 Oct 2026.