Canada is a leading mining nation. Therefore, a chunk of the country’s economic power lies in the mining industry—including the exploration, processing, and manufacturing of mined products. The government also supports many citizens by providing them jobs that help sustain a living.
However, no matter how productive the mining industry is, it is still a practice in question for various reasons. As more companies invest in mining, it’s about time people realize the risks that come with the industry and change how we approach every opportunity. Let’s start by identifying the typical troubles related to environmental mining.
1. Environmental Risks
Resource conflicts have always been a part of the mining industry. In 2012, just two years after the landmark case in Colombia and the destruction of a small town along the River Caguán, the Environmental Rights Action – Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA-FoEN) and the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) revealed another case of environmental abuse in the country—the copper mine in Obot Akara, Ondo State.
The report is heavily based on the study of three communities surrounding the site. The communities were primarily concerned about the impacts of the company’s operations on their lives and the environment.
In particular, the report documented how a portion of the mine’s waste tailings flooded the communities and nearby farms. It was said that the flooding was not adequately dealt with, leading to the contamination of the water supply and the air.
2. Decarbonization
What is decarbonization? It’s a reduction of carbon emissions due to reducing the use of carbon-based energy sources. The practice is essential to combat global warming and climate change. However, mining is a sector that produces many greenhouse gas emissions while mining and processing minerals.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), mining is one of the highest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions globally. On the one hand, it is easy to blame mining companies that are the ones that create a high level of pollution to the environment.
3. Geopolitics
Mining is a complicated business. It takes a lot of time and effort to set up a mining company. However, it is not all about working hard. The industry also requires a considerable investment. You get the minerals you can use to obtain significant profits in exchange.
But investing in mining is a risky and complicated process because mining sites are a source of national wealth and natural resources. Due to the nature of mining, the government and local communities are the ones that gain a significant amount of benefits from mining companies.
4. Capital
Mining is a massive operation. Many miners rely on state-of-the-art technologies to mine minerals. But technology is expensive. It costs a lot of money. The lack of capital can often lead to a gamble in the mining industry. Companies that lack capital may opt to cut corners to cut costs. In the long run, they might not be able to take care of the environment.
Conclusion
There is no single approach to tackle all the risks associated with the industry when it comes to mining. You must follow the norms to build a sustainable mining company. You can also implement new technologies to minimize the impact on the environment.
The mining industry is responsible for extracting minerals from the earth and processing them. The industry needs to make a significant contribution to the economy of nations, but some risks come with it.
Group 11 Technologies believes in a safer and less risky approach to environmental mining. Through our mineral extraction technology, we can change the industry today and shape the future of mining tomorrow. Join our initiative by visiting our website today.
