Brazil's mining sector launches 1st greenhouse emissions study

The Brazilian mining sector published a first detailed mapping of its greenhouse gas emissions amid efforts to attract more international investors and improve the public’s view of the industry.

The sector is responsible for around 0.55% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions, while the industrial sector as a whole is responsible for 3%, according to the 2024 mining sector emissions inventory, launched by local mining association Ibram. The study is based on figures compiled in 2022.

"The perception of certain investors and especially society has always been very negative regarding the mining sector, and work like this that Ibram is doing is very important, giving insight into the real impacts of mining activity," mining consultant Wilfred Bruijn told BNamericas.

"Gradually the general perception of society will become less negative towards mining," added Bruijn, who was CEO of Anglo American in Brazil and Ibram chairman until the end of 2023.

“We’re not satisfied with this result. Our objective is to reach the zero carbon target by 2030 or 2040. That’s what we must pursue,” current Ibram chairman Raul Jungmann said in a statement.

According to the study, the mining industry is one of the business sectors with the lowest greenhouse emissions in Brazil, with 12.8Mt of CO2e. 

The use of fossil fuels, especially diesel oil, is responsible for 59% of emissions, followed by land use activities with 14%. In recent years, the Brazilian mining sector has invested more in expanding the electrification of its operations, especially exchanging diesel vehicles for electric ones.

The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is taking place amid efforts by large mining firms in Brazil to show progress to investors that have a strong ESG focus. 

The mining industry and the government are also stepping up efforts to attract investors to develop the country's critical minerals as demand rises for the energy transition.

The Ibram study, which compiled figures from 42 companies, can be seen here.