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🇦🇺 Australia /Environment & Climate

Leaked documents reveal doubts over BHP's ability to hit net zero

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Documents & data Context piece
  • Leaked documents suggest BHP may struggle to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050, with its Western Australian iron ore operations only projected to cut emissions by 1% by 2030.
  • Internal memos reveal company doubts about achieving the goal due to delays in adopting renewable energy and electric vehicles for its operations.
  • Critics argue that BHP's current actions are not aligned with climate science, while the company states its global emissions have fallen significantly due to renewable energy use in its Chilean mines.

Leaked internal documents indicate that mining giant BHP harbors doubts about its ability to achieve its net-zero emissions pledge by 2050. The documents, obtained by Four Corners and Guardian Australia, specifically highlight concerns regarding BHP's vast Western Australian iron ore operations, which are forecast to reduce emissions by a mere 1% by 2030.

Solutions are still being sought to achieve net zero.

— BHP internal memoIndicating internal doubts about meeting net-zero targets.

These mines account for a significant 30% of BHP's global emissions, meaning substantial cuts in the Pilbara region are crucial for meeting the 2050 target. However, the company's delayed rollout of renewable energy sources and its first fleet of electric trucks and trains have fueled internal skepticism. One internal memo from May last year stated that "solutions are still being sought to achieve net zero," while another warned that delaying climate action into the 2040s "risks achieving 2050 goal."

Further internal documents reveal that BHP staff acknowledged a decision to continue using diesel trucks at one Pilbara mine was "inconsistent with the trajectory for greenhouse gas abatement and pathways to net zero." Tim Buckley of Climate Energy Finance criticized BHP's current trajectory, stating, "Their actions are not aligned with the science."

risks achieving 2050 goal

— BHP internal documentWarning about the consequences of delaying climate action.

In response, BHP asserted that its global emissions have already decreased by 36% since 2020, largely attributed to converting its Chilean copper mines to renewable energy. The company reiterated its commitment, stating, "BHP continues to focus on delivering our operational emissions target and long-term net zero goal."

inconsistent with the trajectory for greenhouse gas abatement and pathways to net zero

— BHP staffDescribing the decision to stick with diesel trucks as contradictory to climate goals.

The leaked documents also shed light on BHP's perspective regarding the diesel fuel rebate. Unions, economists, and environmental groups are pressuring the government to reform this rebate, arguing it hinders the mining sector's transition to zero-emission technology. Internal memos show BHP explicitly links the rebate to the pace of emissions reduction at its WA iron ore mines, with one memo discussing the potential impact of the federal government revoking the diesel fuel excise, which would "provide a strong incentive to decarbonise."

Their actions are not aligned with the science.

— Tim BuckleyCriticizing BHP's current approach to emissions reduction.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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