GE and BHP partner on efficient, low-emission mining operations

GE and BHP Billiton have announced a partnership to reduce the emissions intensity of mining operations, including transportation and power supply.

The two companies will evaluate mining operations in a concerted effort to maximise efficiency, optimise energy flows and develop system-level approaches. They will also share their best practice outcomes to improve economic and environmental performance across the industry.

“The mining and resources sector is a vital part of Australia’s economic landscape,” said Geoff Culbert, president and CEO, GE Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. “We must continue to look for innovative ways to help the sector become more efficient and productive while at the same time reducing the environmental impact. We are proud to partner with BHP Billiton in this mission, and draw on our combined capability and depth of experience to identify real, impactful ways to benefit the sector.”

The partnership falls under GE’s Ecomagination strategy, which aims to solve global water and energy challenges in economically sound ways. Since its launch in 2005, GE has generated more than $200 billion in revenue from Ecomagination-certified products and services, reduced its own greenhouse gas emissions by 31% and reduced its water use by 42%.

“Our strategic approach to climate change is underpinned by engagement,” said Dean Dalla Valle, chief commercial officer, BHP Billiton. “It is this commitment to transparent engagement and collaboration that drives our involvement in initiatives like Ecomagination to provide business leaders with an important platform to share knowledge, skills and resources to address the issue of climate change. We look forward to continuing to engage with industry through this partnership and to contributing to the development of new solutions.”