Kumba Iron Ore, a subsidiary of Anglo American, is a leading player in the iron ore industry, headquartered in South Africa (ZA). Established in 2005, the company has rapidly grown to become one of the largest iron ore producers globally, with significant operations in the Northern Cape region.
Kumba's core business focuses on the exploration, mining, and production of high-quality iron ore, primarily for the steel industry. Its flagship products, including lump and fines iron ore, are distinguished by their exceptional quality and low impurities, making them highly sought after in international markets.
With a commitment to sustainable mining practices and community development, Kumba Iron Ore has achieved notable milestones, reinforcing its position as a key player in the global iron ore market.
+33 vs industry average
Kumba Iron Ore’s score of 47 is higher than 86% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Iron Ores is among the most carbon-intensive industries
Industry performance
The Iron Ores industry has reduced its overall emissions by 65% since 2019
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2028
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Kumba Iron Ore's reported carbon emissions
Kumba Iron Ore's carbon emissions data shows significant fluctuations across its operational history. For the reporting year 2024, the company reported a total of approximately 839 million kg CO2e in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Scope 3 emissions for 2024 were substantial, amounting to approximately 57.04 billion kg CO2e. The largest contributors to Scope 3 emissions in 2024 were the processing of sold products (approximately 53.82 billion kg CO2e), followed by downstream transportation and distribution (approximately 1.10 billion kg CO2e) and purchased goods and services (approximately 791.2 million kg CO2e). In 2023, Kumba Iron Ore reported total Scope 1 and 2 emissions of approximately 968 million kg CO2e, with Scope 3 emissions at approximately 57.66 billion kg CO2e. The processing of sold products was again the largest contributor to Scope 3, at approximately 54.08 billion kg CO2e. The company's climate commitments include a target to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030, using a 2016 baseline. Additionally, Kumba aims for carbon neutrality in its Scope 2 emissions by 2030. Looking further ahead, Kumba has committed to a 50% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2040, based on a 2020 baseline. The company's climate targets are cascaded from its ultimate parent company, Anglo American plc.
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Kumba Iron Ore’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
5 goals2030
30% reduction in all scopes
to improve our energy intensity and reduce our absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 relative to a 2016 baseline, and to be ca…
2030
62% reduction in total GHG
Vs 2019 baseline. Validated by SBTi. Includes full supply chain.
2040
50% reduction in Scope 3 intensity
Across purchased goods and services and logistics.
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Scope 3 top emissions categories
10 of 15 categories disclosedSee all scope 3 categories
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Climate initiatives
Science Based Targets Initiative
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
Inherited from Anglo American plc
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Inherited from Anglo American plcEmissions comparison with industry peers
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Kumba Iron Ore
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