BHP admits to stalled emissions reductions as WA premier says miners have ‘moral obligation’ to decarbonise
Summary
BHP, a large mining company, has delayed its plans to reduce emissions, partly because electric trucks and trains are not yet advanced enough to replace diesel. The Western Australian premier says big mining companies have a moral responsibility to reduce pollution as part of their social role. Internal documents reveal BHP may delay major climate actions until 2035 or 2040, risking its goal to reach net zero emissions by 2050.Key Facts
- BHP stopped a project that would have cut 1.7 million tonnes of emissions each year, equal to removing 350,000 cars from the road.
- The company delayed renewable energy projects and continues to use polluting diesel trucks.
- BHP's WA iron ore head said slower electric vehicle technology has postponed diesel replacement plans without a clear timeline.
- Internal documents show BHP might delay major climate investments until 2035 or 2040.
- Western Australia’s premier, Roger Cook, said miners have a moral duty to reduce emissions to keep public support for mining.
- The federal government gave BHP $622 million in diesel tax rebates, while the company paid less than $9 million for exceeding emission limits last year.
- BHP has cut global emissions by 36%, mostly from its Chile operations and closing a nickel mine, but emissions in Australia remain largely unchanged.
- Analysts doubt BHP’s current plan will successfully meet its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
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