Principle 7

We did not meet our 2003 to 2008 GHG emissions target, with a 3.8 per cent increase in emissions per tonne of product (excluding former Alcan operations), compared to a four per cent reduction target.

Over the target period, improved anode use and PFC emission control at aluminium smelting operations contributed to overall group performance improvements compared to 2003. However, these were overshadowed by additional waste movement required to access bulk commodities such as coal and iron ore. Lower grade ore was also mined and processed at some operations. Land clearance rates increased associated with mine expansion and development to meet the changing market conditions. These changes resulted in increased GHG emissions per unit of production.

Changing our emissions profile is a long term challenge. During 2008 we progressed a number of projects targeting emissions reductions:

• Rio Tinto Alcan continues to invest in clean hydropower through the upgrade of the Shipshaw power station. It is also upgrading the Kitimat smelter in British Columbia, by deploying its proprietary AP smelting technology.
• Rio Tinto Iron Ore announced an upgrade of its Pilbara power station using more efficient technology which will reduce emissions by 14 per cent. 
• Kennecott Utah Copper is constructing a lower emissions combined heat and power plant and Richards Bay Minerals is developing power generation from furnace off gas. 
• Scientists from Australia's CRCMining research centre and energy company AGL are working with Coal & Allied's Mount Thorley Warkworth mine in New South Wales. They are investigating capture of coal seam methane gas.