Global warming poses danger to the life on earth, risking fresh water, food, and energy supplies. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the primary cause of global warming. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are GHGs produced by the combustion of oil, fossil fuels, and other sources.
The metals and mining industry accounts for approximately 4% to 7% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. GHG emissions are produced by industry operations such as energy generation, heat or steam, and fuel use. The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has committed to a goal of net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050.
Rio Tinto is an international metals and mining company that carries out the mining, exploration, and processing of various mineral resources such as aluminum, copper, iron ore and gold. In 2021, the company reported total GHG emissions of around 584.6 million tonnes CO2 equivalents (MtCO2eq), down 3% from 2020.
Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions are the three categories of GHG emissions. Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from facilities owned or controlled by Rio Tinto, such as fuel use, on-site electricity generation, anode and reductant use, and process emissions. Indirect GHG emissions from the generation of purchased energy, such as the electricity, heat or steam brought in from third parties are referred to as Scope 2. Scope 3 emissions refer to the company's other indirect emissions beyond the company’s direct operations and occur in the company’s value chain, including upstream and downstream activities.
Scope 3 emissions account for most of Rio Tinto’s overall GHG emissions, accounting for 94.7% of total GHG emissions (553.5 MtCO2eq) in 2021. In 2021, the company's Scope 1 emissions fell by 0.4%, and Scope 2 emissions fell by 3.4%.
Rio Tinto announced new climate targets in 2021, including new commitments to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030. The company also intend to invest $7.5 billion in climate abatement projects until 2030.
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