Beholder’s Post

Minimizing Environmental Footprint: Strategies for Sustainable and Responsible Mining Practices. Responsible Mining Framework *Pre-Mining Phase* - Conduct thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) to identify potential environmental risks - Engage with local communities to understand concerns and develop plans to address them *Mining Operations* - Implement sustainable mining practices, such as: - Reducing water usage - Minimizing waste - Using renewable energy sources - Plan for rehabilitation and reclamation of mined land - Optimize resource use to minimize waste and reduce environmental impacts *Environmental Management* - Establish robust monitoring and reporting systems - Implement measures to conserve biodiversity - Develop effective water management plans *Post-Mining Phase* - Plan for responsible mine closure, including rehabilitation and decommissioning - Support community development initiatives, such as education and economic development programs *Technological Innovations* - Adopt clean technologies, such as electric or hybrid mining equipment - Leverage digitalization and automation to optimize mining operations *Certification and Standards* - Obtain responsible mining certifications, such as IRMA - Adhere to international standards, such as the ICMM Sustainable Development Framework By adopting this framework, mining companies can minimize environmental destruction and contribute to sustainable development.

The Benefits of Sustainable Oceanic Mining for my company: As the world shifts towards more sustainable practices across various industries, oceanic mining presents a compelling opportunity for responsible resource extraction. While traditionally viewed with skepticism due to its environmental implications, sustainable oceanic mining holds several potential benefits that can support both economic growth and environmental stewardship. 1. Resource Efficiency Oceanic mining focuses on extracting valuable minerals and resources such as rare earth elements, cobalt, and nickel, essential for green technologies, including wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries. By tapping into these underwater resources sustainably, there is potential to reduce the strain on terrestrial mining, which often results in significant ecological disruption. 2. Economic Opportunities The ocean mining industry promises significant economic growth for coastal communities. By creating jobs and fostering local industries, it can enhance economic development in regions that may otherwise struggle with economic opportunity. This, in turn, can support better community services and infrastructure. 3. Innovative Technologies Sustainable oceanic mining often necessitates the development of cutting-edge technologies that minimize environmental impact. Techniques such as remotely operated vehicles and automated systems can be employed to extract resources with precision, reducing the disturbance to marine ecosystems. This innovation can set a new standard for mining practices globally. 4. Mitigating Climate Change By focusing on sustainable practices, oceanic mining can contribute to the global fight against climate change. By supplying the critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies, the industry can play a vital role in transitioning away from fossil fuels and supporting renewable energy solutions. 5. Regulatory Frameworks With increasing awareness of the need for responsible mining practices, many countries and organizations are developing regulatory frameworks that prioritize the health of marine ecosystems. These regulations can ensure that the environmental impacts of mining activities are monitored, managed, and mitigated effectively. 6. Biodiversity Preservation While mining operations can initially threaten marine life, sustainable practices can be put in place to minimize these impacts. Efforts such as designating protected areas and employing techniques that rehabilitate disturbed sites can enhance biodiversity conservation. Conclusion Sustainable oceanic mining represents a balanced approach to resource extraction, prioritizing both economic and environmental considerations. As we move forward, it is essential to embrace innovations and regulations that ensure oceanic mining is conducted responsibly. By harnessing the ocean’s resources sustainably, we can pave the way for a greener, more prosperous future.

As we look forward to NY Climate Week next week (Phoenix Tailings will be there and we hope to see you!), I thought it would be good to reflect on the impact of rare earths and the broader critical metals ecosystem on the climate. While much attention is paid to the mining of rare earth elements (REEs) and critical metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, it’s the refining technologies that pose one of the biggest challenges to sustainable growth in clean energy and tech innovation. An insightful article from Harvard’s International Review, "Not So Green Technology: The Complicated Legacy of Rare Earth Mining", explores the environmental damage caused by traditional rare earth mining and refining methods. Toxic chemicals, tailing ponds, and harmful emissions plague the current processes, especially in regions with lax environmental regulations, creating severe environmental and health hazards. For rare earth elements, refining involves separating these metals using processes that emit harmful gases and wastewater. Toxic tailing ponds leak radioactive materials into groundwater, creating long-term environmental issues. Most refining is concentrated in countries like China, which has captured a dominant share of the market by using low-cost, high-pollution methods. Other critical metals, like cobalt and lithium, face similar challenges. Cobalt, mostly mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is refined using methods that release harmful chemicals, and lithium extraction consumes significant amounts of water, exacerbating droughts in arid regions. The stakes are high. Electric vehicles require six times more mineral inputs than conventional cars, and renewable energy technologies like wind turbines rely heavily on metals such as Neodymium and Dysprosium. As demand for these technologies grows, solving the challenges across the entire supply chain becomes essential. The key to solving this problem is by investing in all aspects of the supply chain, from mining to refining and recycling. By developing cleaner, more efficient refining methods and ensuring sustainable practices throughout the process, we can reduce environmental harm and secure a steady supply of critical materials. To truly unlock the potential of the energy transition, we must address the challenges across the entire supply chain. Cleaner refining technologies, ethical sourcing, and responsible investments will drive the sustainable growth of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and modern technologies.  Michelle Chao Balazs Sarkany, PMP #RareEarthMetals #CriticalMetals #SustainableTech #EnergyTransition #SupplyChain #CleanEnergy #TechInnovation #VentureCapital #GreenTech #ClimateWeekNYC

Circular mineral harvesting As the world moves toward a sustainable energy future, the demand for rare earth elements (REEs) is rapidly increasing. These elements are essential for the production of clean technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and wind turbines. Traditional methods of extracting these valuable resources can pose environmental challenges. Aclara Resources is redefining mining practices with its innovative clean extraction technology: Circular mineral harvesting. This approach not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also sets a new standard for environmentally responsible mining.

#Space #technology in #Mining....I love the intersect between technology and mining and I am passionate about making mining more #sustainable and also more #inclusive. Mining provides a huge opportunity for creating socio-economic development and a just #energy #transition. Mining investment is capital intensive and long-dated, and there are many risks to consider and manage to ensure a successful project, and because of the difficulty to quantify the risks the access to capital is limited and expensive. The successful identification, quantification, management and mitigation of these risks can ensure that a wider pool of investors will be willing to invest in mining and this will drive down the cost of capital. This in turn will allow for economic benefits to be shared much earlier with doorstep communities as well as local governments and therefore the real tangible socio-economic benefits will flow through to all stakeholders. The de-risking platform, #Sensr360, that is being developed by Makor Resources and Auyan with the support of Innovate UK is exactly what the industry needs at this point in time. It's the solution that paves the way for transforming responsible and sustainable mining through #spacetech, remote sensing technologies and #AI. #Sensr360 provides comprehensive situational awareness to... 🚀 Enable ongoing & real-time monitoring of mining activities and operations and various #ESG efforts 🚀 Provide real-time data on land use/degradation, deforestation, water resources, contamination sites, migration and movement, infrastructure development, safety measures, illicit activity and permit registration to aid in determining the quality of potential investments 🚀 Ensure compliance with regulatory standards 🚀 Advance the #SDGs and combat environmental impacts and #climatechange So here is for a big step forward in de-risking mining investments and broadening the #investor pool! https://lnkd.in/epbuF8Gc

LITHIUM - Pennsylvania Resources - Making batteries takes lots of lithium: Almost half of it could come from Pennsylvania wastewater - A new analysis using compliance data from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection suggests that if it could be extracted with complete efficiency, lithium from the wastewater of Marcellus shale gas wells could supply up to 40% of the country's demand. - Already, researchers in the lab can extract lithium from water with more than 90% efficiency according to Justin Mackey, a researcher at the National Energy Technology Laboratory, and his Ph.D. advisor Daniel Bain, associate professor of geology and environmental sciences at the University of Pittsburgh's Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. - The U.S. Geological Survey lists lithium as a critical mineral (although, as Mackey was quick to point out, lithium is an element, not a mineral). The designation means the U.S. government wants all lithium to be produced domestically by 2030, and so the search for sources has intensified. Currently, much of it is extracted from brine ponds in Chile. Then it's shipped to China, where it's processed. - There are lithium mining operations in the U.S., but Mackey said. "This is different. This is a waste stream, and we're looking at a beneficial use of that waste."

Cypher Environmental Ltd - an interesting company joining us this week at the Decarbonized Mine Cypher Environmental focuses on reducing OPEX and environmental footprint simultaneously through better road management.   Hauling costs can account for up to 50% of the total operating costs incurred in open-pit mining. Any savings generated from improved road design and management benefit the mining company directly by a reduced cost per tonne of material hauled. With this in mind, Cypher Environmental developed a strategy to design products that can enhance the engineering properties of mine haul roads, improving their stability in all weather conditions and reducing dust and maintenance requirements, with a specific focus on reducing rolling resistance – helping to reduce fuel consumption of haul fleets, improving productivity, and increasing tire life. The benefits of using Cypher Environmental products are substantial providing clients with up to a 90% reduction in dust, an 85% reduction in water consumption, a 17.4% reduction in haul fleet fuel consumption, 65% reduction in rolling resistance, and over 300% gain in CBR, amongst others.   Cypher Environmental can put the client’s CSR strategies into action, enhancing the mine’s social licence to operate through the company’s industry-pioneering Cypher Green Roads program. The program involves the donation by Cypher Environmental of 5% of a project value to local communities nearest the mine, on behalf of the mine, in the form of the same product being used at the mine to help improve their roadway infrastructure. This ensures the local communities also benefit from having a dust-free environment and a more sustainable road network. The program builds a stronger and more trusting relationship between the mine and the community, enabling the sharing of best practices between the community and the mining company. 

“AI has tremendous potential to advance environmental health and support the global transition to clean energy and a net-zero future. DIGITAL is proud to co-invest alongside innovators like Novamera Inc. and support partnerships that continue to showcase the expertise and accomplishments of Canadian industry in building globally relevant AI and advancing international commercial pathways for Canadian companies.” - Sue Paish, DIGITAL CEO. The Data Driven Surgical Mining initiative: Novamera’s data-driven, real-time ‘Surgical Mining’ suite of technologies will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to allow mining companies to extract additional mineral deposits on existing and currently unmined projects, supporting increased production while reducing waste by up to 95%, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 44% and at a fraction of traditional costs. Their combination of hardware and software solutions generates real-time digital twin models of deposits; prescribes a course for surgical, low-impact extraction; and informs how and where to drill with real-time adjustments while using conventional drilling equipment. In collaboration with Great Atlantic Resources, Maritime Resources Corp., and the Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador, this project will demonstrate the application of Novamera’s technology with facility testing and on-site in Newfoundland towards the following objectives: - Illustrate Novamera’s impact towards enabling better accuracy and measurement of mineral deposits through Surgical Mining solutions. - Quantify the reduced environmental impact of surgical mining relative to open pit methods, as measured through reduced GHG emissions, water usage, footprint area, noise and dust levels.