Leaked Files Show BHP Delayed Major Pilbara Decarbonization Plans

BHP has halted or delayed several projects meant to cut emissions from its iron ore operations in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, according to internal documents leaked in May 2026. The records indicate that renewable power plans and other emissions-reduction investments have been pushed back, in some cases into the next decade. The documents also show the company assessed the potential reputational fallout of slowing climate action while it maintained public commitments to decarbonise.

The internal cache, described in the documents as the “BHP files,” outlines changes to multiple board-backed initiatives. It includes a 50-megawatt solar farm and a 20MW battery project at the Jimblebar mine that was approved and funded by the board in mid-2023 but was later shelved, according to the records. The same documents describe a larger system of nearly 500MW of solar, wind and battery capacity that was initially expected to deliver first power from December 2027.

Under the revised timetable described in the leaked records, that larger renewable system was listed as “not progress in its current form,” with no capital funding allocated until 2031 at the earliest. The documents also say BHP abandoned plans for an iron ore processing plant that could have prevented 1.7 million tonnes of emissions annually.

Internal records cited in the leak show staff warnings that delayed climate action in the Pilbara posed a “reputational risk.” The documents also say “urgent decarbonisation in line with BHP’s public commitments” was important to the company’s “licence to operate.”

Project timelines and funding pushed out

The leaked documents describe a broader shift in timing for major investments in the Pilbara decarbonisation program. They indicate that significant capital spending was pushed into the 2030s, even as some projects had previously been expected to start delivering results earlier.

The change in sequencing would affect how quickly BHP can cut emissions from electricity supply and processing steps linked to its iron ore operations in Western Australia, based on the projects described in the internal records.

Company position and wider climate implications

BHP has said it remains focused on its emissions-reduction goals and cited a 36% reduction from 2020 levels. The leaked records, however, describe internal concerns about the gap between public commitments and delayed project delivery.

Experts have raised concerns that delays to major industrial decarbonisation projects could complicate Australia’s national climate targets, given the scale of emissions tied to iron ore operations and associated infrastructure.

Investors and policymakers are expected to scrutinise how BHP schedules and funds Pilbara decarbonisation projects in coming years, including whether previously paused initiatives are revived or redesigned.