A Guardian/ABC exclusive reveals leaked BHP documents showing delays in the company's decarbonisation plan, including a shelved iron ore processing plant that would have cut about 1.7 million tonnes of emissions annually and set back renewables projects by years.

Internal memos show senior management were aware that slower decarbonisation could harm BHP’s reputation and jeopardize targets such as net zero by 2050, with possible timelines discussed as late as 2035 or 2040.

Leaked BHP files indicate urgency around decarbonisation was tied to the company’s operating licence, but spending cuts and pushed timelines pushed action into the 2030s or later.

Industry voices in Pilbara acknowledge the complexity of electrifying haulage and call for broader collaboration and accelerated trials of low-emission tech to influence investment decisions.

The leaked documents prompt questions about Australia’s climate policy effectiveness, notably the safeguard mechanism, and highlight attention on diesel tax concessions critics say encourage diesel use.

BHP continues to buy diesel haulage trucks for Pilbara projects, including a more than $500 million purchase at Jimblebar, suggesting slow progress on electrification and potential use at a new mine.

The first decarbonisation investment at Jimblebar, a 50 MW solar farm and 20 MW battery, was approved in 2023 but reportedly shelved soon after funding, drawing internal criticism.

BHP says it remains committed to emissions reductions, citing a 36% drop from 2020 levels, but argues electrification is limited by technological readiness.

Western Australian Premier frames miners’ decarbonisation as a moral obligation and social license issue, signaling political pressure for rapid action.

Analysts suggest BHP has made little progress in reducing emissions from Australian operations, indicating a gap between global progress and local decarbonisation efforts.

Tim Day, head of WA iron ore, acknowledged delays due to slow diesel-to-electric replacements in trucking and rail, with no firm timetable for diesel exit.

A nearly 500 MW solar, wind, and battery system intended to power Pilbara operations has been delayed, with no capital funding before 2031, despite prior aims to energize by late 2027.