Peabody Resources Ltd 1999 Public Statement Company Progress
In the year ending June 1990, greenhouse gas emissions from Peabody’s Australian coal and mining operations were approximately 157,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent global warming potential (CO2 GWP). Peabody noted that emissions per unit of production (Bank Cubic Metre Total Movement) and per tonne Run of Mine (ROM) coal had reduced between 1990 and 1995, primarily due to continuous improvement programs.
Peabody has in place a substantial expansion program between 1990 and 2000 which will see the start-up of the new Bengalla mine and an increase in coal production from Warkworth mine. Total material movement by Peabody’s operations will increase by 96% from 47.1 million BCM to 92.35 million BCM. In addition, ROM coal production will more than double from 7.2 million tonnes to 15.9 million tonnes.
With this anticipated increase in production, in its cooperative agreement Peabody made the following commitments:
an 8% reduction in CO2 emissions per BCM TM1 from Energy Use between the years 1990 and 2000,a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions per tonne ROM from Energy Use between the years 1990 and 2000. In the year 2000, Peabody’s total emissions for the group will be 311,000 tonnes CO2 GWP. For Ravensworth and Warkworth mines, productivity improvements and individual projects will achieve a further 10% average reduction in the kg CO2 per BCM from Energy Use by June 2000. Bengalla mine has been designed and built to be energy efficient to enable a 20% reduction in the kg CO2 per BCM from Energy Use by June 2003, based on typical mining industry benchmarks.
Emissions Update
Nett Emissions for the current reporting year ending June 1999 are 252,569 tonnes CO2 GWP which include fugitive and non-fugitive emissions resulting from Peabody’s mining business operations. These emissions are in line with our predictions and show that Peabody is on track to meeting its Greenhouse Challenge commitment.
On a per unit of production basis, Peabody continued to perform within the objective to decrease greenhouse gases per unit of production. In 1999, these emissions were 2.37 kg CO2/BCM TM and 15.20 kg CO2/t ROM compared to 2.27 kg CO2/BCM TM and 15.04 kg CO2/t ROM in 1998. These latest figures differ slightly from the figures reported in 1997 as a result of the availability of more recent information.
Action Plan Achievements
Savings in the current year from projects and continuous improvement activities amount to 43,894 tonnes CO2 using 1990 as the base year.
Bengalla mine has been constructed to be extremely energy efficient in all aspects of its operations.
Some projects at Peabody’s existing operating mines have been deferred by six to eighteen months to allow further evaluation. However, Peabody Resources Limited is confident that projects will be implemented in sufficient time to achieve the forecast savings.
Forecast Emissions and Savings
As a result of a significant increase in planned production with the introduction of two new large draglines, Peabody has revised the estimate for the year 2000 emission level to be 311,000 tonnes CO2 GWP. Without the actions taken under the Cooperative Agreement, annual emissions at that time would be 370,500 tonne CO2 GWP or higher by about 59,400 tonnes CO2 per year (using 1990 as the base year).
The total cumulative savings in emissions between 1990 and 2000 are estimated at 318,000 tonnes CO2 GWP.
Bengalla's new dragline
Contact us (02-9871 6641) if you would like further information or would like assistance with your Greenhouse Challenge Programme.
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