Anglo American: Greenhouse Gas Emissions, by year
YearEmissions,
in million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent
202312.5
202213.3
202114.5
202015.4
201916.9
201815.2
201718.0
201617.9
201518.3
201417.4
201317.1
201218.0
201119.0
201020.0
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Time period: 2010 to 2023
  • Published: Mar 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 7, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Overall Decline in Emissions Over 14 Years

Anglo American reduced its greenhouse gas emissions from 20.0 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2010 to 12.5 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2023, marking a significant decrease of 37.5% over 14 years. This trend reflects the company's ongoing efforts to lower its environmental impact.

Yearly Emissions Reduction Since 2019

Since 2019, Anglo American has consistently reduced its emissions each year, with the annual decrease moving from 16.9 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2019 to 12.5 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2023. This period shows the most consistent downward trend in emissions, highlighting intensified efforts in recent years.

Largest Annual Decrease in 2010-2011

The largest single-year decrease occurred between 2010 and 2011, when emissions fell from 20.0 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent to 19.0 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent, a reduction of 5%. This drop signifies an early significant effort in reducing emissions.

Variability Before Consistent Reductions

Before the consistent reductions starting in 2019, Anglo American's emissions displayed variability, with notable increases and decreases. For example, emissions decreased from 18.0 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2012 to 17.1 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2013, but rose again to 18.3 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2015, indicating fluctuating efforts in reducing emissions during those years.

Emissions Stabilization Before 2019

Between 2016 and 2018, emissions were relatively stable, ranging from 17.9 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent to 15.2 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. This stability suggests a period of adjustment or plateau in emission reduction efforts before the more aggressive cuts made from 2019 onwards.

Achieving Lowest Emissions in 2023

2023 marked the year with the lowest recorded emissions at 12.5 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent, evidencing Anglo American's most effective result in its sustainability efforts to date. Achieving this milestone suggests the culmination of strategies and technologies implemented over the years to reduce its carbon footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall reduction in Anglo American's greenhouse gas emissions over 14 years?

Anglo American's greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 37.5% from 20.0 million metric tons in 2010 to 12.5 million metric tons in 2023.

When did the largest single-year decrease in emissions occur?

The largest single-year emissions decrease occurred between 2010 and 2011, falling by 5% from 20.0 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent to 19.0 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent.

Terms and Definitions

Anglo American plc is a multinational mining corporation. The company primarily mines precious metals and minerals such as gold, diamond, platinum, copper, nickel, iron ore, and coal. Their mining and extraction activities take place at various locations around the world.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions refer to the release of gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. The primary greenhouse gases emitted as a result of human activities include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Carbon Dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. It is also released during natural processes like respiration and volcanic eruptions.

Methane is another potent greenhouse gas, produced both through natural sources and human activities. In the context of mining operations, methane is often released during the extraction and production of coal, oil, and natural gas.

Nitrous Oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas released from agricultural and industrial activities, combustion of fossil fuels, and during the treatment of wastewater.

Carbon Footprint is a subset of the greenhouse gas emissions, specifically referring to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and its equivalent released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of an individual, organization, or community.

Sustainability refers to practices and systems that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses three main pillars: economic, environmental, and social sustainability.