Climate Lobbying Overview: South32 does not appear to be actively lobbying on climate policy. The company’s engagement is largely limited to top-line statements on climate action and the energy transition, which are broadly supportive, although evidence suggests that the company continues to support a sustained role for coal in the energy mix.

Top-line Messaging on Climate Policy: On its corporate website, accessed in December 2020, South32 appeared to support the global goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In its 2020 Sustainable Development Report, South32 also stated its support for both the Paris Agreement and national bipartisan policy, although the company appears to favor market-based and technology-neutral forms of climate regulation. In May 2019, South32 CEO Graham Kerr also called for “productive and stable” climate policy in Australia.

Engagement with Climate-Related Regulations: There is limited evidence of South32’s engagement with climate change regulation. The company does not disclose its position on or engagement with specific climate policy in its corporate reporting, and it has not disclosed to CDP since 2018. The company’s 2018 CDP response states that it supports the South African Government’s carbon tax with minor exceptions, although it does not disclose further details and the company has not submitted a response to CDP since 2018. In February 2020, South32’s CEO Graham Kerr sought clarification on the inclusion of Scope 3 emissions in New South Wales planning regulations, but did not take a clear position.

Positioning on Energy Transition: South32’s top-line messaging indicates support for the energy transition, with CEO Graham Kerr stating that the company “supports the global shift towards a low carbon economy” in its 2019 Climate Change report. However, evidence suggests that South32 continues to support a sustained role for coal in the energy mix. In December 2020, the company lobbied the Independent Planning Commission to extend one of its existing coal mines until 2048, emphasizing the economic and employment benefits for Australia.

Industry Association Governance: South32 discloses its industry association memberships and has also published a review of the company’s alignment with their positions on climate change. South32 found no material misalignments with its industry associations. However, this assessment does not appear to capture the obstructive lobbying activities of several organizations of which it is a member including the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Minerals Council of Australia and the NSW Minerals Council.

A detailed assessment of the company's industry association review can be found on our CA100+ webpage here.