BHP's Climate Promises Under Fire: Leaked Docs Reveal Delays

Leaked internal documents, dubbed the BHP files, indicate that mining giant BHP has significantly slowed its decarbonisation initiatives, particularly concerning its Western Australian iron ore operations. An internal memo from May 2025 revealed that the urgency for sourcing renewables had "diminished" and that the plan to achieve net zero in the Pilbara by 2050 had a "low probability of success." The memo outlined options to delay crucial projects, including a large wind and solar initiative and the electrification of truck and rail fleets, potentially pushing back targets by several years.

These revelations come despite BHP's past climate pledges, including a 2019 speech by former CEO Andrew Mackenzie warning of "existential" climate risks. The leaked documents suggest that BHP considered delaying the rollout of battery-electric trucks and trains until 2035 and even explored doing nothing, despite potential reputational risks. Experts criticize BHP's approach, suggesting that the Australian government's Safeguard Mechanism policy allows companies like BHP to delay direct emissions cuts by purchasing carbon offsets, thereby "wasting time" on climate action.

BHP attributes the slowdown to the lack of advanced technology for electric trucks and trains at operational scale, stating no Australian miner currently uses such equipment. The company also noted that a proposed beneficiation plant, which could have significantly reduced scope-three emissions, was quietly shelved due to marginal economics. Environmentalists argue that these delays undermine Australia's climate policies and that BHP's actions contrast with competitors like Fortescue, which has set an earlier net-zero target and ordered electric trucks.