{"id":81670,"date":"2023-11-16T05:24:20","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T05:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalroadtechnology.com\/\/?p=81670"},"modified":"2024-01-15T03:43:42","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T03:43:42","slug":"sustainable-mining-practices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalroadtechnology.com\/sustainable-mining-practices\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding The Key to Sustainable Mining\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mining is as indispensable now as it has been throughout human history. <\/span>In today’s world, mining is a significant contributor to the global economy and an enabler of innovation. <\/span>It gives us access to the <\/span>essential resources<\/b> we need for industries like construction, energy, transportation, and manufacturing.\u00a0<\/span>As the next Energy Transition looms, that list will expand to include technologies and industries we have yet to even think of, let alone invent.\u00a0<\/span>However, we know that mining is hard on the environment, raising obvious concerns about its sustainability. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sustainable mining is a concept that aims to balance the economic benefits with environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities. <\/span>In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the practice, and miners are moving quickly to adopt sustainable, <\/span>future-focused<\/b> operations. <\/span>At a high level, sustainable mining involves integrating environmental, social, and economic factors throughout the mining process, from exploration to mining and export. <\/span>This includes reducing the environmental impacts, decarbonisation, improving safety, and ensuring that mining activities benefit local communities economically and socially. <\/span>With so much riding on it, it\u2019s crucial that miners step up with improved efficiency and reduced costs while maintaining a \u201csocial license\u201d to operate. <\/span>In this way, it can continue to play its role in reducing poverty, protecting the environment, and driving sustainable growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Facing up to the Challenges<\/span><\/h2>\n

Unsurprisingly, there are still quite a few hurdles in the way of sustainable mining, now with the added pressure of increased public awareness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Climate, Environmental, & Social\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

While miners unearth the critical minerals that will enable the global decarbonisation effort, they themselves are under the pump to cut greenhouse gas emissions. <\/span>Shareholders, stakeholders and the public are increasingly focused on the social and community impact of mining. <\/span>Remote communities are keen for economic and social growth but want mining companies to leave a lasting positive legacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Safety & Health<\/b><\/p>\n

Mining remains a risky business, and whether it\u2019s open-pit or underground, there are ever-present hazards to the health and safety of workers. <\/span>This simple fact can make it hard to attract people into vital roles, especially those in younger generations. <\/span>Digitalisation and connectivity mitigate the problem to a degree, while smartphones and wearables are two of the physical innovations improving safety on (or under) the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Skills Shortages<\/b><\/p>\n

Many industries are experiencing skills shortages post-COVID, but mining is particularly susceptible. <\/span>Maintenance is one area of high demand, requiring specialist skill sets that take years to learn and develop. <\/span>As trade enrollments fall away, miners are hard-pressed to find people capable and willing to keep their fleets and plants fully operational.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Mining a Sustainable Frontier<\/span><\/h2>\n

In reality, mining must adapt and move with the pace of change worldwide. <\/span>This means following through on the shift to sustainable practices while continuing to meet the rising demand for its products. <\/span>Combined, miners face a <\/span>significant challenge<\/b>. <\/span>Companies and shareholders must meet these challenges head-on or risk being left behind in the high-pressure and now highly scrutinised sector.\u00a0<\/span>Implementing policies and regulations at the government level is helpful, but executing new on-site practices requires more work.<\/span><\/p>\n

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But, If miners can get it right, the benefits are worth it, including:<\/b><\/p>\n