Full Title: Decarbonizing the Copper Sector - Discussion Topics and Considerations for a 1.5°C-aligned Trajectory and Target-setting Methodology
Author(s): The Copper Mark
Publisher(s): The Copper Mark Company
Publication Date: April 18, 2024
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Copper production today is a small share (~0.2%) of global greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions. However, the sector also needs to expand production (including by doubling
primary output by 2050) to support the overall energy transition as copper is a critical
component for several key technologies including EVs, solar & wind power generation
and transmission infrastructure. This expansion coupled with challenges (including
eliminating diesel in large haul trucks or electrifying high temperature heat) to reduce
emissions within the copper supply chain itself means that, without intervention, the
sector could be >2% of global GHG emissions by 2050.
This report outlines the key issues to be addressed in the development of a copper
specific 1.5°C-aligned target setting methodology (i.e., a sectoral decarbonization
approach or SDA) similar to those that were recently developed in other sectors such as
steel and aluminum. The SDA aim is to provide copper producing companies with a
clear methodology to set emissions reduction goals that are in line with the 1.5°C target
and which account for both the growth needed in copper production and the sector-specific challenges to decarbonization.