Fortescue says the Albanese government should consider tying a lucrative fuel tax credit to decarbonisation efforts for Australia’s mining giants, but insists it is not advocating for the subsidy to be scrapped for farmers and minor players.

The Commonwealth diesel fuel excise covers the costs of maintaining public roads, and all users, including mining companies, pay it. But companies can claim a tax rebate when the diesel is used on private roads – such as those on mine sites or farms – as these are maintained by their owners.