Real Zero, Not Net Zero
We are committed to Real Zero – not net zero, not carbon offsets, but zero fossil fuel use across our Australian terrestrial iron ore operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030. This means real, measurable reductions in operational emissions.
We’re a major emitter today, and we don’t shy away from that. Just as we once defied the odds in iron ore, we will do it again, proving that decarbonising heavy industry at scale is possible and profitable.
Taking action now
We are advancing a multi layered transition across infrastructure, energy systems and operations and last financial year alone invested US$405 million of capital in decarbonisation initiatives. This transition is being delivered through the electrification of our operations and the construction of large-scale renewable energy, battery storage and transmission infrastructure, together with a zero-emissions mining fleet.
Electrifying our mining equipment
We are replacing our diesel powered mining equipment with zero emissions alternatives at scale.
We're working with our global partners to deploy around 800 pieces of battery-electric heavy mobile equipment. Electric excavators, drills and locomotives are already operating on our sites and our battery-electric haul trucks are in early production.
To support this large-scale deployment, we are upgrading site electrical infrastructure, installing charging systems and integrating zero-emissions equipment with our renewable energy and battery storage network.
Powering our operations with renewable energy
Decarbonisation at scale requires firm, reliable, 24/7 energy. That is why we are building Pilbara Energy Connect (PEC), an integrated renewable energy network linking our operational sites with renewable generation and battery storage to enable the seamless delivery of renewable electricity across the Pilbara.
Once complete, the network will span more than 620 kilometres of high voltage transmission lines, supported by around 2GW of solar and wind generation and 4-5GWh of large-scale battery storage. We’re already generating an initial 100MW of solar power from our North Star Junction solar farm, that will be supported by a recently installed 250MWh battery energy storage system. We have also delivered a 120MWh battery energy storage system at Eliwana.
Further expanding the network, we have our 133MW Nullagine Wind project under construction, alongside our 190MW solar farm at Cloudbreak.
Integrating AI systems and efficiencies
We have a portfolio of autonomous haulage solutions, advanced battery intelligence software, and remote monitoring systems, working to support the efficiency and profitability of decarbonisation.
We have developed a fleet management system and autonomous haulage solution that forms a connected ecosystem of smart hardware and software, enabling fully autonomous, driverless mining operations that enhance safety, precision and productivity.
At the heart of this ecosystem is Elysia, our battery intelligence software which is integrated into our electric fleet and battery energy storage systems. Elysia doesn’t just power batteries, it turns them into brains. It enables batteries to communicate in real-time, providing critical information like early warnings of potential safety issues, end-of-life notifications, and optimal charging times and methods and enhances battery safety.
