BHP Shelves Board‑Approved Solar Farm and Delays 500 MW Renewables Project

Context Leaked internal files show the world’s largest miner is pushing back climate‑critical projects at its Pilbara iron‑ore operations. The documents, obtained by the Guardian and ABC’s Four Corners, detail a shift from the company’s public decarbonisation commitments to a slower, capital‑light approach.

Key Facts - In mid‑2023 the board approved funding for a 50‑MW solar farm and a 20‑MW battery at the Jimblebar mine. The project was shelved shortly after approval, drawing criticism from staff who questioned the unilateral cancellation. - A combined solar, wind and battery system capable of delivering nearly 500 MW—enough power for a small city—has been pushed back. No capital will be allocated until 2031 at the earliest, replacing the original plan to start delivering power in December 2027. - An iron‑ore processing plant designed to eliminate 1.7 million tonnes of CO₂ each year—equivalent to removing over 350,000 cars from the road—has been quietly scrapped, despite being labelled “well‑aligned” with BHP’s climate transition plan. - While BHP announced a slowdown of its decarbonisation programme last year, it continues to purchase diesel haul trucks, including a $500 million order for new diesel units at Jimblebar, and plans to use diesel trucks at a proposed mine at Ministers North.

What It Means The postponements undermine BHP’s pledge to cut emissions 30 % by 2030 and to reach net‑zero by 2050. Delaying a 500 MW renewable hub pushes a major source of low‑carbon power out of service for at least four more years, while cancelling the emissions‑cutting plant forfeits a reduction comparable to taking hundreds of thousands of cars off the road. Analysts warn that such delays could jeopardise Australia’s target of a 43 % emissions cut below 2005 levels by 2030. Stakeholders will be watching BHP’s next capital‑allocation cycle for signs of renewed investment in clean‑energy infrastructure.

*Watch for BHP’s 2025‑2026 budget decisions and any board statements on revised decarbonisation timelines.*