ICMM Report Highlights Low GHG Emissions from Mining for Energy-Transition Minerals

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has released a new Global Mining & Metals Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Dataset. This report comes amidst growing demand for energy-transition minerals, providing an overview of the emissions in the mining sector.

According to ICMM's findings, non-coal mining contributed only 0.54% to global GHG emissions in 2024. In contrast, coal-related fugitive emissions accounted for 2.46%. Overall, mining and metals processing comprise 3% and 8% of emissions respectively, making the sector the sixth-largest source of global GHG emissions.

Steel and aluminium production, alongside coal mining, are the major contributors to emissions within the sector. These activities make up 93% of scope 1 and 2 emissions. The dataset indicates that most emissions stem from Asia, reflecting the region's concentration of primary mines and processing facilities.

The ICMM report aims to better inform dialogues among policymakers, investors, and stakeholders about the sector's GHG contributions and support sustainable development efforts through transparent data insights.