Decarbonisation

As a mining and processing company with a global footprint we have a key role to play in producing the materials the world needs to decarbonise, and in doing so, reducing our own emissions, and helping our customers reduce theirs.

We’ve moved from strategy to action on decarbonisation and are making clear progress towards our climate targets: a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Our Scope 3 emissions, particularly those from steelmaking, are also in our sights and we’re actively piloting potential solutions with our partners.

We’re on track to achieve our challenging 2030 targets, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Our partnerships with governments, communities, and industry will continue to be critical to our success.

We have a clear plan, we are taking action and we are creating value in the way we are approaching the energy transition and path to net zero. While we still have a long way to go, our momentum is building.

• We’re focused on reducing our Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions through transformative initiatives such as exploring double digestion technology at our Queensland Alumina refinery and establishing Évolys to produce biocarbon to reduce emissions in our industrial processes.
• We’re working with partners across the globe to secure low-carbon electricity, from exploring renewable energy projects with Traditional Owners in Australia to supporting large-scale wind and solar development in South Africa, Madagascar and the US.
• We’re also repowering our aluminium assets with renewables. We’ve already secured 2.2GW of solar and wind energy in Queensland and have long-term contracts to position Tiwai Point in New Zealand as a leader in low-carbon aluminium.
• We’re also developing new technologies. From our BlueSmelting™ project in Canada, which could cut emissions from titanium dioxide production by 70%, to our world-first trial of hydrogen calcination at the Yarwun alumina refinery in Australia, to working with industry partners to test battery-electric haul trucks in our mines.
• As we work towards electrification, we’re sourcing biofuels, already in use at Boron and Kennecott in the US, and investing in renewable diesel feedstocks like Pongamia seed.
• Beyond decarbonisation, we’re investing in nature-based solutions to create positive outcomes for the communities where we operate in Australia, Argentina and Madagascar.
• Scope 3 emissions are another priority which we’re addressing head on. With around two-thirds coming from steelmaking, we’re pursuing multiple pathways to decarbonise the steel value chain and ensure that Pilbara iron ore is well prepared for the transition to low-carbon steel.
• We’re advancing technologies like BioIron™, which could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95%, and working with BlueScope and BHP to build Australia’s first ironmaking Electric Smelting Furnace pilot plant.