Learn about the methods and tools to monitor sustainable mining practices, and how they can improve your environmental, social, and economic performance and your career prospects.

Is there really such a thing as sustainable mining? I don't think so because the environment of the mine is changed permanently. Impacts need to be considered along the entire production chain; from mining to processing to transport to downstream processing like smelting, etc. I think that the key is to strive for production that is minimally destructive and will not significantly the environment in the longer term and the location of the deposit and/or the production facility matters significantly. Mining (and/or the downstream production of materials from the earth) can be done well but the product in question and the location are very important in considering the long-term impacts.

How can you monitor sustainable mining practices?

Sustainable mining practices are essential for the environmental and social responsibility of the mining industry, as well as for its long-term profitability and competitiveness. However, monitoring and evaluating the sustainability performance of mining operations can be challenging, as it involves multiple dimensions, indicators, and stakeholders. In this article, you will learn about some of the methods and tools that can help you monitor sustainable mining practices, and how they can benefit your mining engineering career.

1 What is sustainable mining?

Sustainable mining is a concept that aims to integrate environmental, social, and economic aspects into the planning, design, operation, and closure of mining projects. Sustainable mining practices seek to minimize the negative impacts and maximize the positive benefits of mining activities on the natural resources, human health, and community well-being. Sustainable mining also considers the intergenerational equity and the rights and interests of the affected parties, such as indigenous peoples, local communities, workers, and shareholders.

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Allan Polk

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Is there really such a thing as sustainable mining? I don't think so because the environment of the mine is changed permanently. Impacts need to be considered along the entire production chain; from mining to processing to transport to downstream processing like smelting, etc. I think that the key is to strive for production that is minimally destructive and will not significantly the environment in the longer term and the location of the deposit and/or the production facility matters significantly. Mining (and/or the downstream production of materials from the earth) can be done well but the product in question and the location are very important in considering the long-term impacts.

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Serguei Kenzap, M.A.Sc, P.Eng Mining, MEC

Mining Contracting Excellence Worldwide | Mineral Resources Engineering | Running Sports |
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There are several ways to monitor sustainable mining practices; including: 1. Environmental impact assessments. 2. Social impact assessments. 3. Monitoring of water quality. 4. Monitoring soil quality. 5. Carbon footprint tracking. 6. Reporting on sustainability practices. 7. Independent audits.

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2 Why is monitoring sustainable mining important?

Monitoring sustainable mining is important for several reasons. First, it can help you assess the progress and performance of your mining project against the established sustainability goals and standards, and identify the areas of improvement and innovation. Second, it can help you communicate and report your sustainability achievements and challenges to the relevant stakeholders, such as regulators, investors, customers, and civil society. Third, it can help you enhance your reputation and credibility as a responsible and transparent mining company or professional, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

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Serguei Kenzap, M.A.Sc, P.Eng Mining, MEC

Mining Contracting Excellence Worldwide | Mineral Resources Engineering | Running Sports |
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Sustainable mining monitoring is important in order to reach the following goals: 1. Facilitate the creation of mineral wealth. 2. Ensure mineral production is economically and socially effective. 3. Fair distribution of the surpluses from mining. 4. Sustain the benefits after a mine closure.

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3 How can you monitor sustainable mining practices?

Different methods and tools can help you monitor sustainable mining practices, depending on the scope, scale, and context of your mining project. For instance, sustainability indicators can be used to measure environmental, social, and economic performance. These indicators should be relevant to the project and based on available data, stakeholder expectations, and industry best practices. Moreover, sustainability reporting involves disclosing and communicating performance and impacts to stakeholders using standardized frameworks. For example, GRI Standards or MAC's Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Initiative can be used for this purpose. Lastly, sustainability certification is a process of verifying and validating performance and practices by an independent third party. Obtaining ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification or Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) Chain of Custody certification may prove beneficial in terms of improving operational efficiency, quality, market access, and recognition.

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Serguei Kenzap, M.A.Sc, P.Eng Mining, MEC

Mining Contracting Excellence Worldwide | Mineral Resources Engineering | Running Sports |
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1. Environmental impact assessment is conducted by environmental and social impact teams to identify potential risks and impacts of mining operations on the surrounding environment. 2. Water and soil quality are monitored to ensure that mine waste does not pollute groundwater and soil. 3. Mining companies are required to report on their sustainability practices, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. 4. Independent auditors can conduct assessments of sustainable mining practices to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

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4 What are the benefits of monitoring sustainable mining practices?

Monitoring sustainable mining practices can bring various benefits, both for your mining project and your mining engineering career. These include improved environmental and social performance, increased economic performance, and enhanced professional development. By monitoring sustainability impacts and outcomes, you can identify and address environmental and social risks, as well as implement best practices and solutions to reduce your footprint and enhance your contribution. Additionally, you can optimize resource use and efficiency, reduce costs and liabilities, increase profitability and competitiveness, acquire knowledge and skills in sustainable mining, advance career prospects, build reputation and network in the mining industry. All of these measures can help protect the environment, human rights, foster social license to operate and community development while creating value for shareholders and stakeholders.

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Serguei Kenzap, M.A.Sc, P.Eng Mining, MEC

Mining Contracting Excellence Worldwide | Mineral Resources Engineering | Running Sports |
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Sustainability concept bring mining projects feasibility evaluation on next level. Real options analysis improves traditional NPV approach and allows managing mining assets efficiently. Real options analysis, for example, allows to analyze mine plans that have an uncertain time horizon that varies as metal prices vary. Real options uses financial theory to correctly price the risks associated with future uncertain cash flows that are realized when the option is exercised, to determine the true present value of the cash flows. Real options allows to incorporate technical risks into analysis.

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5 How can you learn more about monitoring sustainable mining practices?

If you’re interested in learning more about monitoring sustainable mining practices, you can explore a variety of resources and opportunities. Enrolling in online courses is a great way to gain knowledge on topics such as environmental management, social responsibility, sustainability reporting, and sustainability certification. You can also attend webinars and listen to podcasts hosted by the ICMM, the RMF, or the Mining Shared Value to hear from experts and practitioners in the field. Additionally, joining professional associations and networks like the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME), the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum (CIM), or the Women in Mining (WIM) can provide you with resources and opportunities to learn, connect, and collaborate.

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6 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?

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How can you monitor sustainable mining practices?

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1 What is sustainable mining?

2 Why is monitoring sustainable mining important?

3 How can you monitor sustainable mining practices?

4 What are the benefits of monitoring sustainable mining practices?

5 How can you learn more about monitoring sustainable mining practices?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Mining Engineering

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How can you monitor sustainable mining practices?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 What is sustainable mining?

2 Why is monitoring sustainable mining important?

3 How can you monitor sustainable mining practices?

4 What are the benefits of monitoring sustainable mining practices?

5 How can you learn more about monitoring sustainable mining practices?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Mining Engineering

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