Fortescue has released a new ‘high ambition’ decarbonisation plan, a partnership to help it decarbonise, and a raft of new grants to empower others to innovate for sustainability.
The iron ore major’s plan has been externally reviewed by the University of Oxford Sustainable Finance Group and lays out how the company plans to stop burning fossil fuels across its Australian iron ore operations by the end of the decade.
This is part of Fortescue’s ‘real-zero’ by 2030 mission, and details how Fortescue will eliminate Scope 1 and 2 emissions without voluntary carbon offsets and without carbon capture and storage.
“Our climate transition plan is a gold-standard example of the level of corporate ambition required to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels,” Fortescue founder and executive chair Andrew Forrest said.
“Only when we hold ourselves accountable for our commitments do we earn our seat at the table.”
To help Fortescue reach its goal, the company has locked in a partnership with engineering group MacLean that will see a fleet of GR8 motor graders, to be powered by the Fortescue Zero power system, delivered to Fortescue by 2026.
“To fulfil our 2030 mission, we must partner with like-minded companies like MacLean, which has a proud reputation for designing and manufacturing innovative and high-quality products for underground mining,” Fortescue Metals chief executive officer Dino Otranto said.
“Importantly, they also share our vision for a mining industry – and a world – no longer reliant on fossil fuels.”
Community organisations in the Pilbara region of WA will also be able to join in on Fortescue’s real-zero mission, with the major now offering up to $25,000 in funding for projects that think outside the box and foster long-term, sustainable impacts.
The Fortescue Innovation Grants are available to eligible applicants to support innovative community projects within the council boundaries of the Town of Port Hedland, City of Karratha, Shire of Ashburton and Shire of East Pilbara.
“Projects such as solar lighting, digital signage, sustainable living workshops and innovative programs are exactly the kind of initiatives we want to support,” Fortescue approvals, communities and environment director Warren Fish said.
“These grants are about empowering community organisations to achieve sustainable solutions that positively impact both their communities and the planet.”
Applications are open from October 1–31 2024.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.