The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has announced that Scope 1 emissions from MCA member mining facilities saw a 9.3 per cent decline in FY22.
The announcement follows the release of the MCA Climate Action Plan-Progress Report 2023 during Minerals Week in Canberra.
“The report confirms that member emissions reported through the safeguard mechanism and the National Greenhouse and Energy Report scheme continued to decline during FY22 as the industry continued to make strong progress towards an ambition of net zero by 2050,” MCA chief executive officer Tania Constable said.
Scope 1 emissions refer to direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by a reporting company. Scope 2 emissions refer to purchased energy.
In the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme (NGERs), MCA member’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions fell by more than seven per cent in FY22.
“The industry has made substantial progress in the three years since the MCA launched the Climate Action Plan while supporting Australian jobs and royalties and taxes to state and federal governments,” Constable said.
“Having established a strong base, Australia’s mining industry will continue to progress climate action initiatives and report regularly on progress.”
The report is the third annual report since the release of the MCA Climate Action Plan in 2020 and provides an update on the 10 actions identified in the Climate Action Plan, as well as an update on changes to the safeguard mechanism policy framework.
The report also offers over 20 case studies showcasing the projects undertaken by MCA members to decrease emissions.
The studies reflect a diverse range of technologies and innovations such as gravitational energy, mine electrification, climate planning, renewable energy, fuel swapping, carbon capture and storage, autonomous haulage and pumped hydro.