Mining is currently responsible for 4% to 7% of greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions globally. Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions from the sector, those incurred through mining operations and power consumption, respectively amount to 1%, and fugitive-methane emissions from coal mining are estimated at 3% to 6%.
The significant level of emissions reflects the potential for mining to create a positive legacy, and many of the world's major miners have already set demanding targets for themselves. However, this rapid transformation is not without its challenges, and mining companies are reaching out proactively to find relevant and sustainable paths to decarbonisation.
The industry has committed to invest many billions of dollars implementing solutions. Identifying suitable solutions and designing the operation around these requirements will need both innovative thinking and extensive experience in mining operations.
