abc.net.au/news/australian-mine-sites-screened-by-methane-detecting-camera/102473756Screening for methane leaks at fossil fuel sites across Australia could reveal mining companies that are underestimating their emissions, according to environmentalists.An environmental organisation is using optical gas imaging technology in Australia to clarify methane emission results
Using an optical gas imaging camera to gather on-ground footage of methane leaks, thermographer Théophile Humann-Guilleminot has kickstarted a month-long investigation outside the front gates of the Appin Colliery west of Wollongong. "The videos we are producing showing different features of emissions could be used to dispute companies proven to be doing the wrong thing."
Mr Humann-Guilleminot has been involved in screening over 400 oil and gas sites across 15 European countries, which found up to 90 per cent of locations either intentionally released methane into the atmosphere or disguised their reporting. "We've noticed that at several different facilities, and several different stages in the mining process, a deliberate venting of methane," Ms Garrett said.
"A commitment like this will be worthless so it's incredibly important we have the right kind of benchmark and data.""They are operating in a system they have been allowed to operate in by the government," she said.