Codelco to create carbon footprint calculator for mining suppliers

This project aims to measure, manage and minimise the carbon footprint of the inputs and products it receives from mining, which will make a measurement platform available to the industry, a service that has not been available until now for this industry.

“As the main Chilean state-owned company and the largest producer of a key raw material for leading trends in a sustainable society, such as electromobility and different clean energy generation systems, we have the responsibility to promote this commitment throughout our value chain. and join the supply companies so that together we can advance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” commented the Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability of Codelco, Renato Fernández.

The projection is that, in the near future, this carbon footprint calculator, which will be available on a free platform in 2H22, will make it possible to positively discriminate against those suppliers with smaller footprints and GHG emissions into the atmosphere.

“The mining team of the IDB, with financing from the government of Sweden, has supported the government of Chile in the formulation of a guide for the measurement of emissions in the copper mining supply chain. Within the framework of efforts to pilot said methodology, and our 2025 Vision for the development of the region, we celebrate Codelco's initiative and actions for the decarbonisation of the mining sector Public awareness of effective strategies for reducing carbon emissions and creating building resilience through smart sustainable procurement practices is critical to meeting climate goals,” added Martin Walter, Infrastructure and Energy Specialist at IDB.

The carbon dioxide calculator for mining products and services developed by Codelco will be available to all industry suppliers, as well as to other companies in the sector, which will make it possible to advance in the measurement and reduction of GHG emissions from scope 3 (indirect emissions produced in the value chain of a company) of large mining companies.

“Being part of this initiative represents a great opportunity for mining suppliers, as it constitutes a concrete way to contribute to the industry's commitments,” said Sergio Hernández, Executive Director of Aprimin.

The tool will be offered through a user-friendly web platform with confidential information. Suppliers must enter their information parameters related to energy consumption, fossil fuels and transportation services associated with the production and supply of their goods and/or services, and they will obtain their respective carbon footprint. Said calculation, which will be private information, will help them to measure themselves, challenge themselves and establish their own goals for reducing their footprint.

“Additionally, this initiative will allow supplier companies to differentiate themselves and for their efforts to reduce GHG emissions to be recognised as part of their attributes, further enhancing development programs for this key segment in the mining industry's value chain. We want to promote and enhance the business and technological capabilities of our suppliers so that they are seen, valued and selected by large national and international mining companies, generating sustainable production chains over time,” concluded Víctor Pérez, Director of Minería Verde and Leader of the project, High Law.

In this way, Codelco, together with the IDB, Alta Ley and Aprimin contribute by adding a new tool so that many small, medium and large suppliers linked to mining join the global challenge of transitioning to a low-carbon economy and achieving country's goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/technology-digitalisation/22042022/codelco-to-create-carbon-footprint-calculator-for-mining-suppliers/