Analysis suggests some mines are emitting much more than they said they would. 

Whitehaven Coal's underground mine in northern NSW has been found to emit more than three times the greenhouse gas emissions it originally forecasted when it received environmental approval in 2015, according to a new analysis.

Experts warn that current systems are flawed, as mining companies can obtain licences to pollute without being held accountable for their emissions. 

Environmentalists say that companies may be incentivised to underestimate and under-report their emissions.

The problem lies in the methodology used to estimate emissions, which is often chosen by the coal companies themselves without independent verification. 

Additionally, mining companies are rarely required to stick to their estimates, as emissions limits are set by the federal Clean Energy Regulator, while project approvals are managed by state governments.

More details are accessible here.