China, the largest producer and consumer of fossil fuels, is developing enough new coal mines to increase production by 1,280 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), according to a report published by Global Energy Monitor (GEM).

The report, ‘China’s Coal Conundrum: Examining coal mine production, proposals, and methane emissions’, looked at the development of large coal mines with an expected capacity of 1Mtpa.  

GEM said that 35% of all new coal mine capacity in China is already under construction. Additionally, nearly 80% (1,022Mtpa) of the proposed mines are greenfield developments. 

According to Mining Technology’s parent company, GlobalData, China’s coal production in 2023 reached 4.53 billion tonnes.  

China’s coal industry is already responsible for 70% of global coal mine methane emissions, the report said. If all the proposed mines go ahead, China’s annual methane emissions are projected to rise by 10Mt, potentially taking this figure up to 75%.  

Dorothy Mei, project manager for GEM and author of the report, explained that the increase in coal production capacity is a priority for China.  

Chinese mining companies, the majority of which are state-owned, are often mandated to fulfil obligations from the government under long-term contracts.

The new pipeline expansion accounts for more than half of the mines under development around the world, at all stages of development, GEM said.  

The surge in new production "starkly contrasts with China's dual carbon neutrality targets."

Mei added: “Recent surges in coal production, prompted by supply concerns, may be curtailed by ongoing efforts to optimise the industry and reduce excess capacity.” 

In 2020, Chinese president Xi Jinping announced at the 75th United Nations General Assembly the ‘dual carbon’ targets that committed to the country reaching carbon neutrality by 2060 and a 65% drop in carbon dioxide emissions, per unit of GDP, compared to 2005 levels.