Measuring mining emissions for a greener future

Who says mining and sustainability can’t dig into the same pit? 

As the world scrambles to address the mounting urgency of climate change, Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) is proving that even in the gritty world of mining, a greener future is within reach. 

The company has broken new ground — literally and figuratively — by completing an inventory of its carbon emissions related to land use change.

And here’s the kicker: NAC is the first company with mining assets in the Philippines to pull this off. This monumental achievement isn’t just a gold star for the company; it’s a shining beacon for others to follow. Responsible mining? NAC says, “Why not?”

For NAC, this bold move marks a milestone in its ambitious quest to achieve its Net Zero Carbon objective by 2050.

Armed with data that’s sharper than a pickaxe, the company can now set measurable targets, align its initiatives with international climate standards, and even submit its goals to the Science Based Targets initiative, a global body that champions science-backed emissions reduction practices.

Teaming up with the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB), NAC commissioned a study that dove deep into the carbon emissions resulting from land use change at its mining sites. These include Cagdianao Mining in Dinagat Islands, Hinatuan Mining in Surigao del Norte, Rio Tuba Nickel Mining in Palawan, and Taganito Mining in Surigao del Norte.

Led by Dr. Florencia B. Pulhin, the research — titled “Carbon Emissions from Land Use Change in Nickel Mining” — was no small feat. It examined carbon pools in forests and soils, calculated how much carbon these areas store, and measured emissions triggered by mining operations.

“I have seen the reforestation areas of NAC, and I must say that they are truly serious in rehabilitating the areas they once mined,” Pulhin said, giving credit where it’s due.

Meanwhile, NAC senior vice president and chief sustainability officer Jose Bayani Baylon doubled down on the company’s green commitment. 

“This initiative reflects our serious commitment towards a greener future. By partnering with UPLB — a premier academic institution — we can ensure that our baselines and targets are complete and accurate. We will continue to prove, through our operations and our programs, that responsible and sustainable mining exists,” he said.

The pioneering project, which NAC fully funded, began in the last quarter of 2022 and wrapped up in December 2023. The two years of meticulous data collection and analysis underline NAC’s dedication to doing things right.

But NAC isn’t stopping there. The company is also working on its Scope 3 greenhouse gas inventory, which tracks emissions across its supply chain. With inventories for Scope 1 and Scope 2 already in the bag (covering direct and indirect emissions, respectively), NAC is checking all the sustainability boxes.

The carbon emissions inventory is just one part of NAC’s larger sustainability playbook. 

Through extensive reforestation efforts, the company is not only offsetting its emissions but also bringing biodiversity back to areas impacted by mining. These efforts are helping to create a ripple effect that benefits local communities while setting the stage for a greener mining industry.

By leading the charge in carbon accountability, NAC is putting the “responsible” in responsible mining. Its efforts underscore a vital message: that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a necessity — even for industries historically associated with environmental challenges.

As the world rushes toward greener practices, NAC stands as a testament to what’s possible when vision, collaboration, and grit come together. 

Mining may be a tough business, but as NAC shows, there’s room for heart — and a whole lot of hope.