Leading global mining company Anglo American has updated on its progress towards the target of carbon neutral operations (Scopes 1 & 2) by 2040 and announced its ambition to reduce Scope 3 emissions by the same year, 2040, against a 2020 baseline.
Its Sustainability Performance 2021 Presentation quantifies total Scope 3 emissions at 115 MT between upstream and downstream, with 77% of emissions driven by the steel industry.
Anglo’s target to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2040 will be achieved through changes in the product portfolio and by working with customers and technology partners towards the decarbonization of the steel industry.
The company also intends to drive efficiencies and control emissions in the freight and supply chain.
Between 2020 and 2030, Anglo’s Scope 3 emissions are likely to trend higher due to production growth outpacing the decarbonization in the steel value chain.
However, steel value chain decarbonization will take effect after 2030, eventually leading to a 50% decline in these emissions when compared to 2020.
Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive said in an accompanying statement that “our ability to significantly reduce our Scope 3 emissions is dependent both on the steel sector decarbonising and a supportive global policy environment.”
References: Mining.com , Anglo American Report, Presentation and Press Statement.
Image of solar panels on tailings pond at Los Bronces, Chile: Flickr
Image of Anglo American’s Climate Ambitions: Climate Change Report 2021