The world's biggest miner, BHP, has halted or delayed projects aimed at cutting vast amounts of emissions and has quietly war-gamed options to stall major climate investments in its Western Australian iron ore operations into the next two decades, according to documents leaked to the Guardian and ABC's Four Corners.
Internal Memo Reveals Delays
The leaked memo outlines a significant backtracking on key climate initiatives, raising concerns among environmental groups and investors. BHP had previously committed to ambitious emission reduction targets, but the internal documents suggest a more cautious approach.
BHP's Response
In a statement, BHP said its progress towards net zero emissions was dependent on technological shifts in trucks, trains, and dozers, which were not yet ready to be deployed. The company emphasized that it remains committed to its long-term climate goals but faces practical challenges in implementing new technologies at scale.
Implications for Climate Action
The revelations come as pressure mounts on major corporations to accelerate their climate efforts. Critics argue that BHP's backtracking undermines global efforts to combat climate change and could set a precedent for other mining companies. The leaked documents have sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability in corporate climate commitments.
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