The International Copper Association has launched a new roadmap, “Copper – The Pathway to Net Zero,” with the goal of reaching net-zero emissions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2050, and working towards the same objective for Scope 3 emissions.
The roadmap sets out clear ambitions for ICA members, among the world’s largest producers of refined copper, to reduce emissions. Refined copper production emitted around 97 Mt of CO2 equivalent in 2018.
The ICA has set out guidance for its members to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions 30-40 percent by 2030 and 70-80 percent by 2040.
The roadmap lays out how ICA member mines will reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions through the use of alternative fuels, equipment electrification, green hydrogen, decarbonized electricity, and energy efficiency gains.
Further, members will collaborate with their value chain partners to reduce Scope 3 emissions 10 percent by 2030, 30-40 percent by 2040, and 60-70 percent by 2050.
However, the ICA estimates that the industry needs to meet certain needs and policy goals, including further research and development into innovative technologies for emissions reduction.
Richard C. Adkerson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Freeport-McMoRan, said, “The copper Freeport produces is essential to the technologies that will accelerate the shift toward a net zero economy. We are committed to measurable progress in advancing our climate goals, however we cannot achieve our climate objectives alone. New technological solutions, innovations and partnerships will continue to be required – many of which will be driven by industry and value chain collaboration. The announcement of ICA’s global decarbonization roadmap represents an important step and vital alignment across the copper industry to take practical, responsible steps toward a net zero mining future.”
Source: INTERNATIONAL MINING
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