Response to claims on methane emissions

Media statement
Sydney, Australia

Glencore notes recent claims made in relation to methane emissions from our coal business in Australia.

We have constructively engaged with researchers on methane detection satellite technology.  

The paper published by SRON, which is often referenced, includes inaccurate information related to our coal production and operations. The organisation was referred to our public production report for the correct information, but the correct data was not subsequently included.

The SRON paper provided limited information or detail on the emissions estimation methodology they have applied.  Atmospheric contaminants such as dust, water vapour or smoke have the potential to impact the accuracy and validity of the TROPOMI instrument’s measurements.

The paper also failed to acknowledge that there was no pre-drainage activities or underground mining at the Hail Creek open cut operation at the time of the study.  

As a result, we do not believe the paper published by SRON can be relied upon to estimate Glencore’s scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Glencore has announced a robust climate change plan for our business which we are actively implementing, it includes the following: 

• responsible depletion and managed decline of our global coal portfolio
• emission reduction targets that include Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
• reducing out total emissions by 15% by 2026
• reducing our total emissions by 50% by 2035
• aim to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050.

Our coal operations, projects and emissions have been factored into our emission reduction targets.

For further information, please contact:

Cass McCarthy
m: +61 439 178 151
e: Cass McCarthy

Francis de Rosa
m: +61 417 074 751
e: Francis de Rosa

Notes for editors

About Glencore

Glencore is one of the world’s largest global diversified natural resource companies and a major producer and marketer of more than 60 responsibly sourced commodities that advance everyday life. The Group's operations comprise around 150 mining and metallurgical sites and oil production assets.

With a strong footprint in over 35 countries in both established and emerging regions for natural resources, Glencore's industrial activities are supported by a global network of more than 30 marketing offices.

Glencore's customers are industrial consumers, such as those in the automotive, steel, power generation, battery manufacturing and oil sectors. We also provide financing, logistics and other services to producers and consumers of commodities. Glencore's companies employ around 135,000 people, including contractors.

Glencore is proud to be a member of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and the International Council on Mining and Metals. We are an active participant in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050.

Glencore recognises our responsibility to contribute to the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.  Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050. In August 2021 we increased our medium-term emission reduction target to a 50% reduction by 2035 and introduced a new short-term target of a 15% reduction by 2026.

Visit Glencore's website to find out more.

About Glencore Australia

In Australia, Glencore produces coal, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead, silver and gold from 25 mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including metals smelters, concentrators and refineries.

We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.

We employ 17,690 people in Australia and in 2020 contributed over $13.8 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $9.5 billion with 7,890 businesses across the country, as well as $2.1 billion in government tax and royalty payments.

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.

Glencore recognises our responsibility to contribute to the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050. In August 2021 we increased our medium-term emission reduction target to a 50% reduction by 2035 and introduced a new short-term target of a 15% reduction by 2026.