Mining is crucial to build green technologies and it can have significant environmental and social impacts.
The Climate-Smart Mining Facility will help resource-rich developing countries benefit from the increasing global demand for minerals and metals, while ensuring the mining sector is managed in a way that minimizes the environmental and climate footprint.
Source: World Bank
Climate Smart Mining does not only focus upon the recovery of minerals, BUT pays extra attention to minimizing the damage to the environment, conserving resources such as water and fuel, and ensuring good relations with neighbors. Sustainability is a three-legged stool = social, financial and environmental sustainability. Even mines with the best intentions to produce metals for a green economy can fail horribly if they violate social norms (tribal rights) and cause surface & groundwater depletion. Recent failures of mines to be permitted or started (Rosemont, Pebble, Twin Metals etc.) demonstrate that adherence to the principles of sustainability are key to successful mining. Regards, Charles R. Stack, MPH, BCES, VP of NeoChloris Inc., Board Certified Environmental Scientist – Sustainability Science.
Charles R. Stack, thank you for sharing your insights on Climate Smart Mining. I completely agree that responsible mining goes beyond mineral recovery and must prioritize environmental protection, resource conservation, and community engagement. Adhering to the principles of sustainability is essential for long-term success, and recent examples of failed mine projects highlight the importance of respecting social norms and preserving natural resources.