The drive to decarbonise the global economy is unearthing new challenges in the mining sector, an industry pivotal to the green transition. Mining provides critical minerals for renewable technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. Yet, the sector is responsible for 4-7% of global emissions, primarily from methane released by coal mines. While methane emissions are expected to decline over the next 25 years, attention is turning to the decarbonisation of other mining operations essential for the energy shift.
The International Energy Agency projects that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 will require a 50% increase in copper demand by 2040, a doubling of nickel and cobalt needs, and an eightfold surge in lithium demand. Amid these projections, Australian iron ore giant Fortescue Metals Group has positioned itself as an industry leader. Unlike many companies relying on carbon offsets, Fortescue aims for “real zero” by 2030, cutting emissions from its massive Pilbara region operations. Fortescue’s Chairman, Andrew Forrest, has been vocal against the concept of “net-zero,” advocating for tangible emission cuts instead.
Fortescue’s strategy includes replacing diesel and gas with 2-3 gigawatts of solar and wind power, backed by significant battery storage. The company has also pioneered innovative technologies, such as regenerative battery-powered trains that capture gravitational energy during descents. These designs are part of its $6.2 billion decarbonisation plan, aiming to set new standards for emissions reductions in mining.
Other global mining operations are also adopting renewables. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kamoa Copper mine signed a deal with CrossBoundary Energy for a 222-megawatt solar array and massive battery system to reduce emissions by around 78,750 tonnes annually. Matthew Tilleard of CrossBoundary Energy called it a “baseload renewable energy solution,” marking a significant step for off-grid mining operations.
Efforts are also underway to decarbonise mining vehicles. The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has partnered with manufacturers to develop zero-emission vehicles, with full-scale deployment expected by 2030. Bryony Clear Hill of ICMM noted that battery electric technology is gaining traction, with prototypes already in testing.
However, the path to decarbonisation remains uneven. Regional differences, infrastructure challenges, and government policies significantly affect progress. According to Gregoire Bellois of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development, some companies make genuine strides, while others only achieve “on paper” progress through divestment. Chinese companies, which are rapidly consolidating control over key minerals like cobalt, remain hesitant to decarbonise due to a lack of regulatory pressure.
Looking ahead, the European Union’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could reshape global mining. If implemented, CBAM would levy carbon-intensive companies exporting to the EU, potentially pushing high-emission operations toward markets with fewer regulations.
While the road to “real zero” is fraught with obstacles, experts agree that every effort to reduce emissions is crucial. As mining scales up to meet unprecedented global demand, the pressure to innovate and cut carbon footprints is more significant than ever.
