Mining doesn’t get a great reputation for sustainability efforts, but many global initiatives require an abundance of raw materials to produce solar and wind technologies as well as other sustainable infrastructure. This means the industry will play a greater role in achieving a sustainable future.
A recent article from the journal Earth Science Systems and Society outlines how mining practices can be better aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The authors make a case for “weak sustainability,” which acknowledges that mining non-renewable resources may never be fully eliminated and aims to set realistic, achievable goals to mitigate the impact.
Ultimately, improving governance of mining activities is a critical first step to mitigating the effects of mining activities. So many diverse stakeholders are invested in the mining process, from the individual companies to the local communities to financial institutions and international policymakers. Decisions and compromises must be made at every level to ensure a sustainable future.
This is where technology and data play a crucial role in decision-making by tracking inefficiencies in mining activities. Sensor technology has advanced to a point where key stakeholders can see data from all parts of the mining process, from mine planning to material movement and production. The insights made from this data can help build more sustainable practices