Members of the International Council of Mining and Metals (ICMM) assumed a collective obligation to achieve zero gas greenhouse emissions by 2050 or earlier. According to Reuters, mining giants will reduce both direct and indirect emissions when buying energy, thereby making a real revolution in the industry.
The head of the organization Rohitesh Dhavan stated in an open letter that the decision made is the “key point” in ICMM history. The letter was signed by 28 leaders of leading mining companies operating in more than 50 countries. It is planned to achieve a conceived goal possible thanks to the transition to renewable energy sources and the abandonment of diesel trucks. ICMM members will report to the progress achieved every year.
Some mining companies, among which Anglo American, Rio Tinto and BHP, due to the pressure of the economy and their shareholders, have previously announced plans to reduce emissions by 2050. However, the collective commitment ICMM means that such a decision has already adopted a third of the entire world mining and metallurgical industry. From 2016 to 2018, ICMM members managed to reduce emissions by six percent.
In addition to reducing direct and indirect emissions related to energy purchase, it is planned to reduce emissions in the so-called third coverage area. It includes all other indirect emissions, for example, when smelting steel from iron ore. This is especially important because the steel industry accounts for about eight percent of global carbon dioxide emissions.
ICMM announced a collective commitment on the eve of the UN Climate Summit COP-26, which will be held from October 31 to November 12 in Glasgow. During the meeting, the participating countries will put new goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Otherwise, according to the UN Secretary General, Antoniou Guterres, the world will face catastrophic consequences.