Global GHG emissions of select major mining companies FY 2024

In financial year 2024, the state-owned China Shenhua Energy emitted 191.34 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) – more than many other major global mining companies. Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from Glencore, the world’s leading mining company based on revenue, were 286.38 MtCO₂e in financial year 2024. 

Mining emissions across the mining value chain

Scope 3 emissions across the mining value chain dwarf Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions, often accounting for more than 95 percent of a mining company’s carbon footprint. For example, Rio Tinto’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions were 32.6 MtCO₂e in FY2024, but the company’s Scope 3 emissions were estimated at almost 580 MtCO₂e. Scope 3 emissions for mining consist of indirect emissions such as upstream production of fuels used in the mining industry. 

Where are coal mine emissions highest?

Globally, China produces the highest annual methane emissions from operational coal mines by far, with 2.9 GtCO₂e as of April 2024. This is more than three times higher than the combined methane emissions of the next top five ranked countries. However, China's proposed new coal mines would have annual methane emissions amounting to roughly 830 MtCO₂e.