A Comparative Analysis of Emissions from Mining Sector in G20 Countries

Most industrialised and developing economies are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. This study presents a comparative analysis of emissions from the mining sector by G20 members over five years (2017–2021). We examined emissions from the production of 36 minerals, which were categorised into three groups: iron and ferro-alloy metals (11), non-ferrous metals (20) and precious metals (5). Our findings indicate that Australia is a significant emitter, producing approximately 4487.30 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e). China follows closely with 4251.21 million tonnes CO2e. Brazil and India also contribute notably, with emissions of around 2121.96 million tonnes and 1328.53 million tonnes CO2e, respectively. Our analysis shows that emissions from the mining of iron and ferro-alloy metals are higher than those from non-ferrous metals and precious metals. This is primarily due to the scale of production of these minerals. However, it is noteworthy that the unit emissions per tonne of production are comparatively higher for precious metals, despite their lower total emissions. This study offers a comprehensive understanding of the emissions landscape in the mining sector across G20 members, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of mineral production.