Combined scope 1 and 2 greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions from the world’s largest gold producers fell below 30-million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) in 2024, marking the first time since 2014 that the industry has reached this level, according to the ‘Gold ESG Focus 2025’ report published by Metals Focus on September 11.

The report shows that total emissions from leading gold miners have decreased for the fourth consecutive year, falling 2% year-on-year to a little more than 29.9-million tonnes of CO₂e.

“The reduction reflected asset divestments, renewable-energy projects and new grid connections, although lower gold output meant average emissions intensity increased for the third straight year,” Metals Focus mine supply director Sarah Tomlinson explained in a presentation of the findings.

She noted that Scope 3 emissions rose 2% to more than 26.2-million tonnes, while sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions declined by 16% and 8%, respectively, reflecting improved environmental performance.

The report revealed that several companies advanced renewable-energy adoption during 2024.

“Barrick and Newmont’s Nevada Gold Mines joint venture commissioned a solar facility projected to cut emissions by 234 000 t CO₂e annually; AngloGold Ashanti connected its Geita mine, in Tanzania, to the national grid; and Kinross reduced diesel reliance at Bald Mountain.

“Nevertheless, challenges remain. In Kazakhstan, Solidcore Resources lost its direct access to renewable power, illustrating the difficulties of maintaining progress towards decarbonising purchased electricity,” Tomlinson said.

Meanwhile, gold miners also expanded their economic contributions.

Payments to governments rose by 11% year-on-year to $10.2-billion last year, the highest since 2014. The report revealed that Barrick Mining was the largest single contributor at $2.6-billion.

Local procurement rose for the seventh straight year, up $2.6-billion to $28.1-billion. Barrick Mining and Newmont led with $7.1-billion each, while Kinross spent $2.5-billion, exceeding its in-country sourcing target at 86%.

Consultant to Metals Focus, Michael Bedford, said local sourcing remained a vital driver of economic benefits, and that 11 of the companies spent more than $1-billion each on this in 2024.

Meanwhile, community spending was steady at $338-million.

“Polyus led at $95-million, focused on Russian regional projects, while Barrick Mining invested $49-million and Newmont $69-million, largely in educational initiatives. Health, economic and infrastructure projects also received support,” Bedford pointed out.

However, safety performance weakened during the year. Fatalities reported by companies covered in the report rose to 27 in 2024, up from 24 in 2023.

“Mining is inherently hazardous, with a higher potential for fatal and life-altering injuries than other industries. Workers may also face long-term health issues from exposure to noise, vibration and airborne particulates.

“To address these challenges, the industry is committed to a ‘zero harm’ objective, focusing on continuous improvement in health and safety practices,” Bedford explained.

In 2024, eight of the 14 companies in the report recorded a combined 27 fatalities at their mine sites, up from 24 in 2023. This represented a reversal of the downward trend observed over the last two years. More than half of these incidents occurred in underground operations in Africa, where seismic and fall-of-ground incidents are more common owing to the deep level nature of South African mining.

Six companies reported zero fatalities, with Northern Star extending its fatality-free record to 11 years and B2Gold its record to nine years.