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We measure and report our GHG emissions in line with international standards and we support and participate in the Kazakhstan carbon trading scheme.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 430 | 408 |
| Scope 2 | 1,607 | 1,571 |
| Total | 2,037 | 1,979 |
| Copper production | 299 | 306 |
| CO2 per unit of copper produced | 6.8 | 6.5 |
| CO2 per unit of ore processed | 0.032 | 0.033 |
| Ore processed | 64,393 | 59,222 |
Absolute CO2 emissions in 2021 were 2,037 kt, a 3% increase from the prior year (2020: 1,979 kt), with consumption of diesel and electricity rising as the Group moved higher volumes of rock and processed more ore which resulted in higher Scope 1 and 2 emissions respectively.
Higher throughput resulted in a reduction in the CO2 emitted per unit of ore processed to 0.032 tonnes (2020: 0.033 tonnes) due to the efficiency of the sulphide concentrators at Aktogay and Bozshakol. However, CO2 emitted per unit of copper produced increased to 6.8 tonnes (2020: 6.5 tonnes) as although the Group processed more ore, lower average grades processed led to a 2% reduction in copper production.
Scope 1 emissions primarily relate to mining activities at Aktogay and Bozshakol as well as heat energy consumption in the East Region. Higher fuel usage in the mining fleet was the primary driver of the increase in Scope 1 emissions in 2021, with a colder winter in 2021 also resulting in an increase in emissions from the East Region.
Scope 2 emissions arising from the Group’s purchase of electrical energy from third party suppliers increased by 2% in 2021 to 1,607 kt (2020: 1,571 kt) as the Group processed more ore in the year.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 emissions (t per $ million revenue) | 732 | 840 |
| Revenue ($m) | 2,784 | 2,355 |
| Total CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2, kt) | 2,037 | 1,979 |
The Group’s CO2 intensity by revenue in 2021, as measured by the Carbon Disclosure Project (tonnes of CO2 per $1 million revenue), was 13% lower at 732 tonnes as total emissions increased by 3% due to an increase in production, while revenues increased by 18% as the Group benefited from higher average copper prices during the year.
The Group is committed to minimising the CO2 intensity of its operations as stated in its Environmental Policy. Significant reductions in CO2 intensity have already been achieved through the transition to modern open pit mining. In the longer term the Group will seek to increase the use of renewable energy sources where possible.
The Government of Kazakhstan, where the majority of the Group’s assets are currently located, is developing a 2060 Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy, under which the country is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Renewable energy sources will make up an increasing proportion of electricity generation and coal-fired power capacity will be phased out.