BHP Scales Back Decarbonisation Projects at Western Australian Iron Ore Operations

Global mining giant BHP has reportedly shelved several major decarbonisation projects at its Western Australian iron ore operations.

The reports, based on leaked internal documents, suggest the miner is reassessing climate initiatives that were once central to its long-term sustainability strategy. Among the projects suspended is a board-approved solar and battery installation at the Jimblebar iron ore mine, alongside the deferral of a planned 500-megawatt renewable energy and battery storage system.

BHP has also reportedly abandoned plans for a lower-emissions iron ore processing facility that could have reduced annual emissions by approximately 1.7 million tonnes.

Despite the reported setbacks, a BHP spokesperson stated that the company had reduced operational emissions by 36% from its 2020 baseline by mid-2025, with renewable sources now accounting for 70% of total electricity consumption. The spokesperson noted, however, that several technologies needed to achieve net-zero targets — particularly for heavy mining equipment and bulk logistics — are still not commercially ready for large-scale deployment.

The company added that it continues to trial battery-electric haul trucks and locomotives in partnership with industry stakeholders.

BHP’s move reflects a broader trend among major mining companies reassessing the pace and scale of decarbonisation investments amid technological and economic challenges. Rival miner Rio Tinto also revised its decarbonisation spending plans in December, reducing projected investments through 2030 from as much as $6 billion to between $1 billion and $2 billion.

The scaling back of climate-related projects by mining majors is expected to attract increased scrutiny from investors and environmental groups concerned about the potential impact on global industrial decarbonisation efforts.