Sustainability Comparison

Rio Tinto vs BHP Sustainability: SINK Score Comparison

BHP scores 3 points higher than Rio Tinto on SINK's sustainability index.

Question-by-question

How each category compares

Category
Rio
BHP
Carbon Footprint — Operations
7/10
8/10
Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain
5/10
7/10
Emissions Trajectory
3/10
4/10
Energy Source
6/10
5/10
Nature & Biodiversity Impact
3/10
4/10
Resource Use & Waste
3/10
4/10
Water Impact
4/10
5/10
Targets & Commitments
3/10
3/10
Transparency & Accountability
6/10
7/10
Controversies & Red Flags
0/10
1/10
Frequently asked

Rio Tinto vs BHP, answered.

Which is more sustainable, Rio Tinto or BHP?

BHP is more sustainable according to SINK's open sustainability index, scoring 23/100 vs Rio Tinto's 20/100 — a difference of 3 points.

What is Rio Tinto's SINK sustainability score?

Rio Tinto scores 20/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Significant gaps). Rio Tinto reports comprehensive operational emissions data but remains the highest Scope 1 & 2 emitter among mining peers globally. The company has no Scope 3 reduction target despite Scope 3 representing 95% of emissions and rising since 2020. Active anti-climate lobbying contradicts public commitments; the Juukan Gorge destruction and multiple regulatory violations expose systemic environmental and cultural harm.

What is BHP's SINK sustainability score?

BHP scores 23/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Significant gaps). BHP reports comprehensive climate data with verified operational emissions reductions, but Scope 3 emissions—97% of total—lack absolute reduction targets. The 2015 Samarco dam disaster killed 19 people and contaminated 600km of river; BHP faces £36 billion UK litigation. Industry association misalignment on climate policy undermines stated commitments.

How does SINK compare Rio Tinto and BHP?

Both companies are rated on the same 10-question SINK rubric: Scope 1/2/3 carbon footprint, energy source, nature and biodiversity, resource use, water, emissions trajectory, science-based targets, transparency, and controversies. Scores are 0–100, based on public data, and fully reproducible.

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