Introduction

The report presents a science-based roadmap for achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in copper and nickel mining value chains by 2050. Copper and nickel are critical inputs for clean technologies such as solar, wind, transmission infrastructure, and electric vehicle batteries. The roadmap provides actions and milestones to guide companies, policymakers and financiers through the transition, including emissions reduction pathways, ESG considerations, policy reforms and sustainable finance solutions. Achieving global climate targets requires limiting warming to 1.5°C and reducing global emissions by roughly 85–90% by 2050, with remaining emissions neutralised using carbon removal offsets.

The decarbonization challenge for copper and nickel mining

Copper and nickel demand is expected to rise substantially due to the global energy transition and electrification. Under a 1.5°C scenario, demand could increase by around 156% for copper to approximately 59 Mt per year and by about 208% for nickel to roughly 11.5 Mt per year by 2050.

Without decarbonisation, this supply expansion would significantly increase emissions from primary production. A business-as-usual pathway could raise copper-related emissions by roughly 125% to about 192 MtCO₂e annually and nickel emissions by about 90% to 167 MtCO₂e.

To reach net zero, emissions from copper production must decline from roughly 85 MtCO₂e per year to about 8.5 MtCO₂e, while nickel emissions must fall from around 88 MtCO₂e to about 8.8 MtCO₂e.

This transition must occur while expanding supply to support renewable energy and electrification technologies, which rely heavily on these metals.

A Net Zero roadmap for copper and nickel mining

The roadmap proposes a mitigation hierarchy that prioritises monitoring and reporting emissions, avoiding emissions through efficiency improvements, minimising emissions with low-carbon technologies, and finally neutralising residual emissions through carbon removal offsets.

Mining companies are encouraged to establish transparent Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions targets, develop company-wide net zero strategies and implement internal carbon management systems. Internal carbon pricing aligned with a 1.5°C pathway—estimated at around US$210 per tonne of CO₂e by 2030 and US$315 by 2050—can guide investment and procurement decisions.

Key technological interventions include energy efficiency improvements, electrification of mining equipment, renewable energy deployment, fuel switching to biofuels or green hydrogen, and digital optimisation technologies.

The roadmap outlines phased reductions in emissions: approximately 35–50% by 2030, 70–80% by 2040, and more than 90% by 2050.

Residual emissions should then be balanced with credible carbon removal offsets and sustainable land-use projects.

Delivering a just transition

The transition to net zero mining must also ensure social and economic benefits for workers and communities. Decarbonisation investments can strengthen regional resilience and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals by improving livelihoods and supporting inclusive growth.

Stakeholders across the mining value chain—including companies, governments, labour groups and local communities—should collaborate to deliver equitable outcomes and build community resilience. Workforce training and skills development are also needed to address labour market shifts as mining operations adopt new technologies and energy systems.

Sustainable finance for enabling a just transition to Net Zero copper and nickel

Sustainable finance is identified as a critical enabler of the transition. Instruments such as green bonds, sustainability-linked loans and blended finance can support investment in low-carbon technologies and infrastructure. Accessing sustainable finance can also provide lower financing costs, diversify funding sources and strengthen corporate sustainability governance.

Mining companies are encouraged to engage early with financial institutions and align projects with emerging sustainable finance taxonomies to ensure capital availability for large-scale decarbonisation investments.

Policy, legal and regulatory considerations for the Net Zero transition

Government policies and regulatory frameworks play an essential role in enabling net zero mining. Policymakers can support the transition through incentives, regulatory clarity, and investment frameworks that encourage low-carbon technologies and responsible resource development.

Mining companies are encouraged to collaborate with governments to address regulatory barriers and ensure that policy frameworks support sustainable mining while maintaining stable and competitive investment environments.

Collaborative initiatives to support the net zero transition

Achieving net zero across copper and nickel value chains requires sustained multi-stakeholder collaboration. Partnerships among mining companies, technology providers, governments, industry associations and communities are necessary to deploy low-carbon technologies and address Scope 3 emissions across supply chains.

Collaboration can also accelerate innovation, scale investment, and ensure that environmental and social impacts are managed responsibly across the mining ecosystem.

Conclusion

The roadmap concludes that net zero mining for copper and nickel by 2050 is achievable if industry stakeholders rapidly deploy low-carbon technologies, implement ambitious emissions targets, mobilise sustainable finance, and collaborate across value chains and policy frameworks. Achieving this transition will allow the mining sector to meet rising demand for critical minerals while supporting global climate objectives.