Mining company BHP Group is scaling back key decarbonization projects at its iron ore operations in Western Australia. This is reported by Bloomberg with reference to leaked internal documents reviewed by the Guardian and Four Corners.

Thus, the company is slowing down its climate strategy, which has become central to its long-term growth plans, the agency notes.

According to the documents, BHP postponed the construction of a solar power plant and battery pack at the Jimblebar mine, approved by the Board of Directors, and also postponed the 500 MW solar, wind and battery system project. In addition, the company has abandoned plans to process low-emission iron ore.

According to a BHP representative, by the middle of last year, the company had reduced emissions by 36% compared to the 2020 baseline. Progress has led to the transfer of 70% of total electricity consumption to renewable sources. However, many of the technologies that the industry will need to achieve zero emissions, in particular in the field of heavy earthmoving machinery and bulk cargo transportation equipment, are not yet ready for implementation.

According to a company representative, BHP, together with its partners, is conducting electric tractors and locomotives to support the acceleration of the introduction of this technology.

Companies from different sectors, Bloomberg emphasizes, have recently taken measures to dilute commitments to reduce emissions amid rising costs, lack of available technology or political pressure. Rio Tinto Group, BHP's largest competitor, last December lowered its expected decarbonization costs by 2030 to $1-2 billion, compared with a previous estimate of $6 billion.