Aligned with global climate goals agreed upon in international pacts such as the Paris Agreement, most of the major mining companies that will supply the raw materials required to build the low-carbon future have declared their own targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 to 40 per cent by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.

How likely is it that this industrial sector known for its enormous diesel-powered digging and hauling machines and power-hungry ore processing plants will be able to achieve these lofty goals?