BHP delays climate projects despite public commitments, leaks reveal
Consensus Summary
Leaked internal documents from BHP reveal the world’s largest miner has repeatedly delayed or abandoned key climate projects in its Western Australian Pilbara operations despite public commitments and board approvals. The documents show BHP shelved a 50-megawatt solar and battery project at Jimblebar mine after approval in mid-2023, delayed a 500-megawatt renewable energy system until 2031, and cancelled an iron ore beneficiation plant that could have cut 1.7 million tonnes of annual emissions. Instead, BHP purchased 62 new diesel trucks for Jimblebar, locking in diesel use until at least the late 2030s, and expanded its gas-fired power plant. Internal memos acknowledge reputational risks from inaction and warn that BHP’s decarbonization plan has a 'low probability of success,' citing slow technological advancement. While BHP claims a 36% reduction in scope-1 and scope-2 emissions since 2020, its scope-3 emissions (from customer use of its products) have risen 7% since 2010, undermining its net-zero-by-2050 target. The delays coincide with a global shift away from climate action, including the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, and raise concerns about Australia’s ability to meet its 2030 emissions targets.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- BHP shelved a 50-megawatt solar and 20MW battery project at Jimblebar mine in the Pilbara after board approval in mid-2023
- BHP delayed a 150-megawatt solar and two 90-megawatt wind farm project (total ~500MW) with battery storage, with no funding until 2031
- BHP purchased 62 new diesel trucks for Jimblebar mine, locking in diesel use until at least the late 2030s (potentially to 2041)
- BHP cancelled plans for an iron ore beneficiation plant at Jimblebar that would have reduced scope-3 emissions by 1.7 million tonnes/year
- BHP’s Pilbara iron ore operations made $US14.4 billion ($22 billion) in pre-tax profits in the last financial year
- BHP’s WA iron ore operations account for 30% of its global emissions and over a third of its Australian emissions
- BHP’s board was told in 2023 that 'urgent decarbonisation... underpins [its] licence to operate, sustain and grow' and warned of 'reputational impacts' from slow progress
- BHP’s net zero target is 2050, with a 30% emissions reduction goal by 2030
- BHP’s internal documents acknowledge 'reputational risk' from delaying climate projects
- BHP claims its scope-1 and scope-2 emissions have fallen 36% since 2020, but scope-3 emissions (customer use) have risen 7% since 2010
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- BHP’s internal memo cited 'cash prioritization requirements' as the reason for halting the Jimblebar solar project, despite acknowledging 'reputational risk'
- BHP’s then-CEO Andrew McKenzie warned in 2019 that fossil fuel dependence posed 'existential risks' to humanity
- BHP’s Newman mine will extend the life of 51 diesel trucks, delaying zero-emission transition until the 2030s (unspecified date)
- BHP is testing two electric trucks but has not confirmed if the trial has begun
- BHP’s rival Fortescue aims to have its first electric truck running by September 2026 and plans to decarbonize by 2030
- BHP’s internal documents from August 2025 state the 500MW renewables project 'will not progress in its current form'
- BHP’s gas-fired power plant in the Pilbara is being expanded despite decarbonization goals
- BHP spent $60 million in 2024-25 on reducing potential scope-3 emissions and collaborated with 11 steel producers (22% of global steel production)
- BHP is assessing alternative methods to reduce steelmaking emissions, including blast furnace abatement, carbon capture, and electric smelting furnaces
- BHP’s cumulative emissions since 1885 exceed 11 billion tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 25 years of Australia’s current annual emissions
- BHP receives $620 million annually in diesel rebates under Australia’s fuel tax credit scheme, the largest beneficiary
- BHP’s internal memo from May 2025 claims its decarbonization plan has a 'low probability of success' due to slow technological advancement
- BHP’s memo war-gamed delaying electrification of trucks and trains until 2035 or 2040, or taking no action at all
- BHP’s beneficiation plant cancellation was framed as having 'marginal economics' despite being rated 'excellent social value' internally
- BHP’s scope-3 emissions increase of 7% since 2010 equates to over 25 million tonnes/year
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The ABC states BHP’s internal memo acknowledged the Jimblebar solar project was once considered 'urgent,' while the Guardian does not explicitly repeat this phrasing in its summary
- The ABC claims BHP’s internal documents show the 500MW renewables project was planned to deliver first power by December 2027, but the Guardian does not specify this exact timeline
- The ABC reports BHP’s internal memo cited 'cash prioritization' as the reason for halting the Jimblebar solar project, while the Guardian focuses on 'marginal economics' for the beneficiation plant cancellation without linking it to the solar project directly
- The Guardian states BHP’s cumulative emissions exceed 11 billion tonnes since 1885, while the ABC does not provide this historical emissions figure
- The ABC highlights BHP’s purchase of 62 diesel trucks at $3 million each (down from $5 million), but the Guardian does not specify the price drop or exact number of trucks purchased
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