How can mining companies make their mineral processing practices climate resilient?

2 Optimize water use

Water is a critical resource for mineral processing, as it is used for various purposes such as grinding, flotation, leaching, washing, and tailings disposal. However, water scarcity, contamination, and competition can pose serious challenges for mining companies, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. To optimize water use, you can implement measures such as recycling and reusing water, reducing water losses and leaks, improving water quality and treatment, using alternative water sources such as seawater or brackish water, and adopting dry or low-water processes where feasible.

3 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Mineral processing is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in the mining sector, as it consumes large amounts of energy and produces carbon dioxide and other gases. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, you can implement measures such as switching to renewable or low-carbon energy sources, improving energy efficiency and management, using cleaner and more efficient technologies and equipment, capturing and utilizing or storing carbon dioxide, and offsetting or compensating your emissions through credible schemes.

4 Manage waste responsibly

Mineral processing generates various types of waste, such as tailings, slags, dust, and chemicals. These wastes can have negative impacts on the environment and human health, such as contaminating soil and water, causing erosion and landslides, emitting toxic gases, and occupying land. To manage waste responsibly, you can implement measures such as reducing waste generation, recovering and reprocessing valuable minerals from waste, stabilizing and storing waste safely and securely, monitoring and mitigating waste impacts, and rehabilitating and restoring waste sites.

5 Engage with stakeholders

Mineral processing can affect the social and economic well-being of the communities and regions where it operates, as well as the broader society. Therefore, it is important to engage with stakeholders, such as local communities, governments, regulators, investors, customers, suppliers, employees, and civil society groups, to understand their needs, expectations, and concerns, and to address them effectively. To engage with stakeholders, you can implement measures such as conducting stakeholder analysis and mapping, establishing regular and transparent communication channels, involving stakeholders in decision-making and problem-solving, providing benefits and opportunities for stakeholders, and resolving conflicts and grievances.

6 Innovate and collaborate

Mineral processing is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant innovation and collaboration to overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities of climate change. To innovate and collaborate, you can implement measures such as investing in research and development, adopting best practices and standards, participating in industry networks and initiatives, partnering with academia and other sectors, and supporting and learning from others.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?