A leaked internal memo from mining giant BHP reveals the company has significantly slowed its climate action plans, backtracking on commitments made just a few years ago. The documents, obtained by the Guardian and ABC's Four Corners, show BHP has delayed or cancelled key projects aimed at reducing emissions from its vast operations in Western Australia's Pilbara region.
BHP's Climate Pledge and Retreat
In 2019, then-CEO Andrew Mackenzie gave a landmark speech in London, calling climate change an 'existential' threat and urging the biggest global mobilisation since World War II. BHP subsequently pledged to cut operational emissions by 30% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. However, a May 2025 memo shows the company now claims its net zero plan for the Pilbara has a 'low probability of success' and that the urgency to source renewables has 'diminished'.
Delayed Renewables and Electrification
The memo outlines options that would massively delay decarbonisation. A 500MW wind and solar project, enough to power 150,000 homes, has been put on ice. Electrification of diesel truck and train fleets could be pushed back to 2035 or even 2040, with one option being to do nothing at all. BHP cited a lack of available battery-electric truck technology, though competitor Fortescue has made major orders.
Scrapped Beneficiation Plant
BHP also quietly cancelled a planned iron ore beneficiation plant that would have reduced scope-three emissions by 1.7 million tonnes annually—the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road. The company cited marginal economics, but experts say such plants are a practical way to cut emissions in Chinese steelmaking.
Emissions and Offsets
BHP's annual emissions of 8.7 million tonnes CO2 exceed those of 80 countries. While it claims a 36% reduction from 2020 levels, much of this came from a renewable energy deal in Chile and a mine closure. In Australia, its Pilbara operations alone emit 2.62 million tonnes, more than all buses on Australian roads. BHP spent less than $9 million on carbon offsets to cover excess emissions under the safeguard mechanism, which critics say allows polluters to delay direct cuts.
Influence and Lobbying
BHP has lobbied the Australian government to weaken climate policies, including the safeguard mechanism. It employs multiple lobbying firms and provides trips for politicians. Climate Energy Finance director Tim Buckley called BHP's climate plan 'marketing and greenwashing', noting that its annual report forecasts emissions will increase in the next five years.
