Minerals Council says it will release a 'climate action plan' next year

'A leopard doesn't change its spots,' says activist investor group, dismissing plan as effort to play for time

The Minerals Council has announced it will develop a "climate action plan" amid increasing pressure on its biggest members, BHP and Rio Tinto, to quit the industry body over its position on global heating.

In a statement posted on the Minerals Council website this week, the chief executive, Tania Constable, said the plan would be released next year and would "support strong and innovative action by Australia's world-leading minerals sector to address human-induced climate change.