Inspenet, June 26, 2023.
Sustainable mining is fundamental in the search for a balance between economic development and environmental protection. This practice focuses on minimizing the negative impacts of mining activity, thus promoting the conservation of natural resources, the protection of ecosystems, and the reduction of pollution.
Both Latin American countries with long experience in mining and those that are just entering this sector recognize the potential they have to extract minerals related to the energy transition and develop this activity in a sustainable manner. This was evidenced in the panel on Sustainable Mining Practices in the Latin American Private Sector held in April of this year as part of the Latin American Mining Meeting.
Regarding the importing countries, Nicolas Maennling, director of the Regional Cooperation Program for the Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources in the Andean Region of the German Cooperation Agency, GIZ, points out that investments in mining are increasingly required not to affect human rights and mitigate their environmental impacts.
During the same meeting, Juan Camilo Nariño, president of the Colombian Mining Association, stated that mining companies are adopting sustainable practices and the challenge lies in how to integrate these practices with local stakeholders. Nariño pointed out that the countries present at the event are committed to a solid approach that demonstrates the will of the mining industry in its objective of advancing the conversation on the convergence of standards.
The executive urged “exceeding commitments and translating them into the unification of GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards to communicate them to stakeholders. The mining industry needs less subjectivity and the standards not only provide objectivity, but also mark a path to move towards that common goal.
Sustainable mining: key to the energy transition
The transition to renewable energy requires the extraction of minerals such as graphite, lithium and cobalt, which generates a debate due to its environmental impact. To meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement, sustainable and integrated mining is sought as a solution to this paradox by the year 2030.
This activity with high energy consumption represents between 10% and 40% of operating expenses depending on the mine where the work is carried out. In addition, it is estimated that greenhouse gas emissions due to the use of fossil energy in this sector can reach 3.5% of global energy, according to a Weir Group report based on more than 40 sector studies.
In turn, and thanks to the support of Azimut Energía, an expert company in energy efficiency In different industrial sectors, Colombia is also advancing in this purpose, to which companies such as Prominerales, Argos, Arisol, Avensa, Aggregates, Conasfaltos, Mineros SA, Pavimentar, Carbones San Fernando, among others, have joined.
It is important to highlight that sustainable mining seeks to guarantee the well-being of local communities, respecting their rights and encouraging active participation in decisions related to said activity.
In Colombia, this activity is an important part of its development. That is why the implementation of clean technologies, proper waste management and the active participation of local communities are key aspects in this approach. Sustainable mining not only preserves Colombia’s natural wealth, such as its forests and water sources, but also promotes social inclusion, generates employment, and contributes to long-term economic growth, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
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