BHP Billiton to take more action on climate change

SYDNEY (Reuters) - BHP Billiton Ltd./Plc., the world's biggest mining group, said on Monday it plans to step up action to help tackle levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

BHP said it would commit US$300 million over the next five years to support the development of low emissions technology and to encourage emissions abatement.

It also set fresh targets to reduce the energy and greenhouse intensity of its projects by 2012.

"BHP Billiton has recognized that our company, as well as society generally, must make real behavioral changes and accelerate technological progress if we are to achieve a meaningful reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, Chief Executive Chip Goodyear said in a statement.

BHP was on track to beat a target of a five percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per unit of production by end-June 2007, and had set a target of a further 6 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 2012.