Mining Emissions on the Decline. The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has disclosed a significant 9.3% reduction in Scope 1 emissions from MCA member mining facilities for the fiscal year 2022 (FY22).
This announcement coincided with the release of the MCA Climate Action Plan-Progress Report 2023 during Minerals Week in Canberra.
MCA’s Chief Executive Officer, Tania Constable, emphasised the positive trend, stating,
“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.”
In the context of emissions reporting, Scope 1 emissions signify direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the reporting company.
Scope 2 emissions refer to purchased energy.
MCA member’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions witnessed a commendable reduction of over seven percent in FY22. These stats are referred to within the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme (NGERs).
Constable underscored the industry’s remarkable achievements since the launch of the MCA Climate Action Plan three years ago.
She noted, “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.”
Furthermore, Constable outlined the industry’s commitment to advancing climate action initiatives.
“Having established a strong base, Australia’s mining industry will continue to progress climate action initiatives and report regularly on progress.”
The recently released report represents the third annual report following the unveiling of the MCA Climate Action Plan in 2020.
It not only provides updates on the ten actions identified in the Climate Action Plan but also highlights changes to the safeguard mechanism policy framework.
Additionally, the report showcases more than 20 case studies illustrating the projects undertaken by MCA members to curtail emissions.
These case studies encompass a diverse array of technologies and innovations, spanning gravitational energy, mine electrification, climate planning, renewable energy adoption, fuel substitution, carbon capture and storage, autonomous haulage systems, and pumped hydro solutions.