IEF Explores the 'Paradox' of Mining's Role in Clean Energy
The International Energy Forum (IEF) describes the drive towards renewable energy and electrification as a 'paradox', with mining sitting squarely at its core.
According to the body, while renewable technologies are essential for meeting net-zero objectives, their production is largely dependent on mining for critical minerals — an industry not without its environmental and social downsides.
It adds that, while these technologies are critical for achieving net-zero targets, their production relies heavily on mining for critical minerals — “an industry that can have harmful environmental and social impacts”.
It continues: “Mining operations are widely recognised for their significant resource demands and substantial environmental footprint but by its very nature, mining disrupts the natural environment.
“Poorly regulated, large-scale operations can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, soil degradation, resource depletion, toxic waste, and community disruption.”
The IEF says that the mining industry “acknowledges the imperative for change” and recognises it is “proactively pursuing more environmentally responsible and ethically sound operational frameworks”.
It also emphasises that global recognition of eco-friendly mining practices has “been evident at major international gatherings,” citing key events in the sustainability timeline, including the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development.
It adds that the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) “continues to champion sustainability initiatives across the sector, with support from 79 member nations”.
Working toward sustainable operational practices
The industry has taken innovative steps in tailings management, focusing on reusing residual metals from prior mining activities to minimise waste and reduce environmental harm.
After minerals are extracted from mined ore, the residual waste, or 'tailings', has been historically mishandled, causing severe disasters, such as the infamous 2015 collapse at the Vale and BHP Billiton's Fundão iron-ore tailings dam in Brazil.
The incident resulted in vast environmental damage over 668 kilometres, killed 19 individuals and displaced hundreds.
Vale's involvement in the even more devastating Brumadinho dam disaster of 2019, which led to 270 deaths, underlined the critical need for stringent waste management protocols to prevent such catastrophic failures.
The new leadership at Vale indicates a shift towards bridging gaps with stakeholders and communities.
Post-mining environmental recovery
Strategies for land rehabilitation, focusing on reforestation and waste cleanup, aim to restore the ecological balance following mining operations.
Engaging more closely with local communities can help mitigate the adverse impacts and potentially create beneficial outcomes.
Adoption of renewable energy in mining
Transitioning to renewable energy sources is becoming more prevalent in mining, showing a significant reduction in carbon footprints.
Nations like Chile, Mauritius and South Africa lead the way in incorporating renewable energy solutions at mining sites.
The sector has already integrated 1GW of renewable capacity with another 1GW in the pipeline, showcasing a committed move towards greener alternatives.
Technological advancements continue to drive sustainability in mining. These technologies improve the efficiency of mineral transport, reduce waste production and enhance emergency responses
Optimised drilling techniques, for instance, enable more precise extractions causing less environmental disruption.
The Forum asserts: “As global demand for minerals and metals continues to rise, the methods employed in their extraction will play a pivotal role in environmental conservation efforts.
“Fostering sustainability in the mining sector through progressive policies, enhanced operational practices, and technological innovation will be instrumental in facilitating a successful transition to a low-carbon future.”
About the International Energy Forum
The International Energy Forum (IEF) stands as the world's largest organisation of energy ministers, representing 72 countries that include both energy producers and consumers.
Its biennial Ministerial Meetings are unparalleled in scale, bringing together the largest gathering of Energy Ministers globally.
The IEF's mandate is comprehensive, encompassing a wide range of energy-related issues.
These include:
- Oil and gas
- Clean and renewable energy
- Sustainability
- Energy transitions
- New technologies
- Data transparency
- Energy poverty
Founded three decades ago, the IEF was initially established to facilitate dialogue between OPEC and IEA member countries.
Today, it has expanded significantly, boasting more member countries than OPEC and IEA combined, with representation from all global regions. The IEF's membership is notable for including several major non-aligned nations, such as China, Russia, India, South Africa and Argentina.
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