Why we prefer IFT over RIO
Global mining giant Rio Tinto was recently in the spotlight when Aboriginal rock shelters at Juukan Gorge in Western Australia dating back 46,000 years were destroyed by the company as it sought to expand iron ore mining operations in the Pilbara. The destruction of a culturally significant site is unacceptable under any circumstances, but more so when we consider the reason for destruction in this particular example. As ~75% of seaborne iron ore is destined for China, it is fair to assume that the mineral earmarked for extraction from Juukan Gorge would have ended up there as well. Iron ore continues to be used for steel production (an industry that is one of the biggest producers of CO2), which has historically been used to stimulate economies. There is evidence this year that China is kick-starting its economy by turning to steel and other carbon-intensive industries after the economic collapse caused by COVID-19. China is not alone on this, and according to Bloomberg, as of June, 50 of the largest countries have committed $12 trillion to support their economies during this crisis, of which only $18 billion is targeted at post-carbon economic priorities. Nevertheless, the world’s reliance on carbon intensive industries to support economies has no doubt benefitted BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals and other mining companies as well as the Australian economy, but this has come at a social and environmental cost. This is particularly disappointing when there are alternatives to minerals and fossil fuels, as well as green economic policy alternatives such as the one proposed by think tank Beyond Zero Emissions here in Australia.
Another revelation recently was the announcement by Rio Tinto that its New Zealand aluminium smelting plant would close. Aluminium production uses vast amounts of electricity and therefore the production comes with a significant carbon footprint. The unique position Rio Tinto had in New Zealand was that it derived 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, making it one of the most environmentally friendly aluminium producers in the world. The closure of this smelter is disappointing given it is likely to shift aluminium production to smelters powered by electricity generated solely from fossil fuels and accelerate the effects of climate change. Rio Tinto previously declared itself an ethical and environmentally conscious mining company, where last year, the company CEO, Jean-Sébastien Jacques claimed after divesting its coal asset that the company is ‘now the only major mining company with a fossil-fuel free portfolio, which means we are well-positioned to contribute to a low-carbon future.’ Despite not owning any coal assets, Rio Tinto’s mines are powered by coal, and with the recent closure of one of the few green aluminium smelters in the world, their operations are contrary to the CEO’s rhetoric.
Rather than investing in carbon-intensive industries and companies that are inauthentic about climate change, we prefer to invest in proven, global renewable energy developer Infratil with intentions for global change. Infratil is an infrastructure holding company with investments across a diverse range of assets, and telecommunications, data centres and renewable energy making up ~75% of their portfolio. Infratil has committed $3.3 billion to renewable energy projects in Australia, New Zealand, US and Europe and we expect it to become a larger part of their business.
Despite the Australian and global economy’s reliance on fossil fuels, we think that there is reason for optimism in this space. First and foremost, renewables are now the cheapest form of electricity in many parts of the world, making it economical to develop new renewable energy projects. Furthermore, many countries are taking action to decarbonise their economies; even in the US, renewable energy is the fastest growing energy source.
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