Leaked internal documents from BHP, one of the world's largest mining companies, reveal a significant retreat from its climate commitments. The documents, obtained by the Guardian and ABC's Four Corners, show that the company has delayed key decarbonisation projects at its Pilbara iron ore operations in Western Australia.
In 2019, BHP's then-CEO Andrew Mackenzie described climate change as an 'existential' threat and pledged a 30% reduction in operational emissions by 2030, with a net-zero target by 2050. However, an internal memo from May 2025 indicates that the urgency to source renewables has 'diminished' and that the company's plan to achieve net-zero in the Pilbara by 2050 has a 'low probability of success'.
The memo outlines options that would delay the electrification of BHP's truck and rail fleets until 2035 or even 2040, and includes a 'do nothing' scenario that would break commitments made to shareholders. A large wind and solar project, capable of powering 150,000 homes, has also been postponed.
BHP has cancelled a project that could have significantly reduced emissions and continues to purchase diesel trucks despite earlier plans to fully electrify its fleet from 2027. In response, BHP stated it has already reduced emissions by 36% from 2020 levels and is the second-best performer among Australia's largest listed companies.
