London-listed mining services company Capital has published its inaugural Sustainability Report for the year ended December 31, 2023, wherein it is revealed that the group managed to reduce its overall Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 19%.

“I . . . introduce our first standalone sustainability report for 2023, demonstrating sustainability progress made across the group and providing greater transparency with respect to our [environmental, social and governance] performance.

“The comprehensive report highlights the company’s past and present initiatives, as well as an overview of how we manage our most material sustainability-related risks and opportunities,” Capital sustainability committee chair Cassie Boggs said on May 28.

Capital’s total Scope 1 and 2 emissions for 2023 were 109 864 t of CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e), down from 135 665 t of CO₂e in 2022. This 19% decrease was owing to, among other things, the reduction in fossil fuel consumption across the group’s various work sites as a result of the use of high-efficiency equipment.

The group said mobile diesel consumption constituted the largest proportion of its emissions, representing about 80% of its Scope 1 emissions, and was therefore a primary focus for reduction initiatives.

However, owing to the age of the trucks and overall more demanding operating conditions, such as deeper pit access, Capital’s emission rates increased from 1.54 kg of CO₂e per bank cubic metre (BCM) in 2022 to 1.59 kg CO₂e/BCM.

However, the group’s drill rig fleet saw emission rates decrease from 14.28 kg CO₂e per metre drilled in 2022 to 10.58 kg CO₂e per metre drilled in 2023.

Capital also reported a decrease in the emissions generated from MSALABS, where the ongoing rollout of Chrysos PhotonAssay units had resulted in emission decreases from 1.39 kg CO₂e a sample to 1.14 kg CO₂e a sample.

The group also reduced its overall emissions through the trialling of solar power installations at workshops and camps last year, reducing reliance on diesel and grid power.

Through a 50:50 joint venture with renewable energy entity Enerwhere called Mine Power Solutions (MPS), Capital is providing holistic renewable hybrid power solutions to mining and exploration projects across the Middle East and Africa, thereby contributing to decarbonisation.

MPS aims to offer cost-effective and rapidly deployable solar hybrid energy solutions both for Capital operations and for clients.

MPS is currently trialling its first solar installation at the Capital Menkankoto camp in Mali.

The group secured a greater proportion of its energy from renewable sources last year.

In Canada, 100% of the company’s grid power comes from renewable sources and it has also achieved 63% renewable power use in its Tanzania workshop.

Capital is also piloting three H2Zero hydrogen generators to determine whether the systems will be able to operate under local conditions. The company says that initial trials have shown promising results in terms of fuel reduction, and that the trial is ongoing.

Capital said that it remained committed to upholding ethical and responsible practices throughout its operations and its supply chain, prioritising the safety, health and development of its people and local communities, conducting business in an environmentally responsible manner, and contributing to long-term value and sustainable socioeconomic development in the host countries and communities.

The report also highlighted that Capital has a 92% local employment rate, and that 8% of its work force is female, up 33% from 2022.