Australia’s resources sector, including mining and oil and gas (O&G) operations, produced 99 million tonnes (mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions in 2022. This accounts for 23% of the country’s total emissions, according to the Climate Change Authority (CCA). Fugitive emissions from coal mines (mostly underground) were the largest contributor, responsible for 25% of the sector’s emissions. Diesel fuel combustion at mines, primarily linked to haulage fleets and equipment, accounted for 20% of emissions. On-site power usage across mining and O&G operations accounted for 11%. Decarbonising the sector will require widespread electrification and deployment of fugitive abatement technologies in oil, gas, and coal mining, the CCA states.
