The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has backed the Federal Government’s commitment to a 43 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 and has urged consultation, collaboration and certainty over the set targets.
MCA Chief Executive, Tania Constable, said any targets beyond 2030 should be in line with the requirements of the Paris Agreement.
“Any proposal for post-2030 should be in line with Australia’s requirements under the Paris Agreement’s existing architecture,” said Ms Constable.
“The MCA and its member companies support the Paris Agreement’s goal of global net-zero emissions by 2050 and is taking rapid action to reduce emissions.
“The industry is carrying out many abatement activities to bring down emissions.”
Ms Constable also said that a net-zero transition will be motivated by new technologies.
“Companies are investing in renewable energy projects, water management, ore processing improvements and collaborating with equipment providers to develop and deploy zero emissions technology, and developing carbon capture and storage projects in prospective areas like the Surat Basin,” Ms Constable said.
“The industry is leading the world in investing in research and development to electrify mine processes and transport.
“The reality is the transition to net zero will continue to take place over decades as new technologies are developed, commercialised and phased in to replace aging industrial equipment.
“The pathway will not be linear for all industries but massive progress is being made across mining.”
