By Kalyan Sarma, VP of Climate, Environment, and Sustainability Commercialisation at Ploughshare, and Ben Cole, Content Lead at Ardesey

As technology continues to play a large role in our world, so too will mining in some shape or form. It’s an industry that has had a significant global impact on economies and communities, and it will continue to in the coming years. But there are problems with that, and it’s a set of problems that need to be addressed if we are to hit our sometimes-legislated Net Zero goals. Those goals are also linked to mining in unlikely places.

Renewable energy and also new methods of transportation such as electric cars both require metal to function. With this increasing demand for both types of technologies (and they aren’t alone here) the demand for rare earth metals and copper continues to rise and rise – meaning mining isn’t going anywhere. So what can we actually do to help our climate, our environment, and ultimately make the trek towards sustainability – all while still supporting an industry that employs a vast amount of people?

Awareness is needed first and foremost, and it can’t be shied away from. Yield is decreasing – so how do we address this in a more sustainable way? How do we look at material processing efficiency? What new methods can we adopt to ensure it? How do we create new business models that can take the lessons learnt in mining and apply it to circular economy principles? What lengths are we willing to go to in order to ensure material security? How will new technologies help all of this?

Costs in the initial outlay in R&D and change management – which increases but remains arguably small. Processing capabilities that aren’t quite there yet but are being invested in. Regulation that will need to be changed and altered for the better based on lessons learnt. These all are going to be challenges that will need to be overcome, but it is possible.

Mining is an important industry that is, not unlike other industries, looking to become greener. The challenges to go greener, however, are potentially bigger than normal. So, looking for change, and adopting it is going to be critical in the very near future. We came together as colleagues with an interest in sustainability to explore what our experience has shown us in other areas, and applied it speculatively to the mining sector as we see it.

Software and Mining: the beginning of the journey

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

The mining industry, traditionally characterised by heavy machinery and manual labour, is rapidly transforming itself into a digital industry: optimising operations and reducing environmental impact through digital technology. Key in this transformation towards becoming a future-proofed industry is the implementation of AI-driven analytics, combined with real-time monitoring and optimisation of mining processes. By analysing vast amounts of data collected from sensors and equipment, AI has the potential to predict potential issues before they become critical – and in an industry where delays cost extortionate amounts – this is incredibly important. This predictive capability not only reduces downtime and equipment failure but can also extend the life of machinery; lowering operational costs and minimising waste.

Predictive maintenance software is another innovation that has revolutionised the industries, and mining stands to gain a lot from it. Unlike traditional maintenance schedules, which are based on fixed intervals, predictive maintenance uses data analytics to determine the optimal time for equipment servicing. This approach minimises unexpected breakdowns and ensures that machinery operates at peak efficiency, further contributing to sustainability goals by reducing the need for replacement parts and lowering the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new equipment.

In addition to enhancing machinery performance, software plays a critical role in streamlining supply chain management within the mining sector. Advanced logistics and planning tools enable companies to optimise the movement of materials, reduce transportation costs, and minimise the environmental impact associated with shipping. By integrating these tools into their operations, mining companies can ensure that resources are used more efficiently, reducing both costs and emissions.

Environmental Monitoring and Compliance

The environmental impact of mining has long been a concern for both the industry and the communities in which mining operations take place. To address these concerns, many mining companies are now deploying Environmental Management Systems (EMS) that utilise software to track and reduce emissions. These systems provide real-time data on air and water quality, allowing companies to quickly identify and mitigate potential environmental hazards – as well as using less water in their processes.

Geospatial software is another powerful tool that is helping mining companies minimise their environmental impact. By providing accurate mapping and impact assessments, geospatial software allows companies to plan their operations in a way that minimises disruption to local ecosystems. This technology is particularly valuable in the early stages of a project when decisions about where and how to mine can have long-lasting consequences for the environment.

Compliance with regulatory standards is a critical aspect of sustainable mining practices. Compliance management software helps companies navigate the complex web of environmental regulations, ensuring that they meet all necessary requirements and avoid costly fines – all driven by organisational learnings. By integrating these systems into their operations, mining companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and build trust with stakeholders.

Data-Driven Decision Making

The vast amounts of data generated by modern mining operations provide a valuable resource for making informed decisions about sustainability. Big data analytics allow companies to identify opportunities for reducing their environmental impact and adopting best practices. For example, by analysing data on resource usage, companies can identify areas where they can reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Lifecycle analysis (LCA) is another powerful tool that mining companies can use to understand and minimise their environmental impacts. LCA software provides a comprehensive view of the environmental footprint of a product or process, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. By using LCA to guide their decision-making, mining companies can make more sustainable choices and reduce their overall impact on the environment.

But what about the zeitgeist of our time: AI? Well, it’s not quite there yet, we can all agree, but what is having an impact is the more developed technology of machine learning (ML). Machine learning is also playing an increasingly important role in sustainable mining practices. By applying ML algorithms to data on resource deposits, companies can improve the accuracy of their resource estimation, reducing the need for exploratory drilling and minimising environmental disruption. Machine learning is also helping companies optimise their extraction processes, further reducing waste and emissions – all useful for the march to NetZero.

Material Sovereignty through Innovative Processes

Localising Supply Chains

The concept of material sovereignty has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly as global supply chains have been disrupted by geopolitical tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. For the mining industry, ensuring material sovereignty means reducing dependency on international markets by localising supply chains. This approach not only enhances supply chain resilience but also contributes to sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.

Investing in local processing facilities is a key strategy for achieving material sovereignty. By processing raw materials close to the source, mining companies can reduce their reliance on foreign processing capabilities. Local processing also allows companies to retain more value within the domestic economy, supporting local communities and creating jobs.

Partnerships with domestic technology providers are another important aspect of localising supply chains. By collaborating with local companies, mining firms can access cutting-edge technologies that enhance their operations and reduce environmental impact. For example, traceability software developed by local tech companies can help ensure that materials are sourced and processed responsibly, providing transparency and building trust with consumers and regulators.

Adopting Advanced Extraction Technologies

As the mining industry seeks to meet the growing demand for critical minerals while minimising environmental impact, advanced extraction technologies are becoming increasingly important. Automated drilling and blasting techniques, for example, offer significant advantages in terms of resource efficiency. By precisely controlling the drilling process, these technologies reduce waste and increase the yield of valuable minerals.

In-situ leaching is another innovative extraction method that is gaining popularity in the mining industry. Unlike traditional mining methods, which involve removing large volumes of rock and soil, in-situ leaching extracts minerals directly from the ore body by injecting a solution into the ground. This method is less invasive and generates less waste, making it a more sustainable option for mineral extraction. A further consideration, however, will be the sulphur that is a byproduct of the oil and gas industry that is used in the leaching process – more eco-friendly and innovative methods are going to be needed in the future, which will mean less reliance on another industry.

Mineral processing software is also playing a critical role in improving the efficiency and sustainability of mining operations. By optimising the processing of extracted materials, this software can increase the purity and recovery rates of valuable minerals, reducing the need for additional extraction and minimising waste. This not only enhances the economic viability of mining projects but also reduces their environmental impact.

Promoting Circular Economy Practices

The concept of a circular economy, in which resources are reused and recycled rather than discarded, may seem incompatible with a primary industry like mining but it’s surprising how many parallels can be seen to be advantageous to the mining industry. By adopting circular economy practices, mining companies can reduce their reliance on virgin materials and minimise waste. The Royal Mint is exploring this in the form of Urban Mining – and the outcomes are both beneficial for the environment and for the workforce.

Recycling and reprocessing technologies are central to this approach. By using these technologies to recover valuable materials from mining waste, companies can reduce the need for new extraction and extend the life of existing resources. For example, tailings, which are the waste materials left over after the extraction of valuable minerals, can often be reprocessed to recover additional minerals or repurposed for other industrial uses.

Software systems that track and manage recyclable materials are also critical to promoting a circular economy within the mining industry. These systems provide real-time data on the availability and location of recyclable materials, allowing companies to efficiently allocate resources and minimise waste. By integrating these systems into their operations, mining companies can reduce their environmental impact and support the transition to a more sustainable economy.

Partnerships with other industries are another important aspect of promoting a circular economy. By collaborating with industries that can repurpose mining by-products, such as construction or manufacturing, mining companies can reduce waste and create new revenue streams. Equally, learning lessons from organisations such as Uplift360 would be an avenue to explore. These partnerships also contribute to a more sustainable economy by reducing the need for new raw materials and promoting the reuse of existing resources.

Mining’s Role in the Race to Net Zero

Reducing Carbon Emissions

As the world moves towards net zero emissions, mining faces significant pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by adopting renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to power mining operations. By transitioning to renewable energy, mining companies can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies also hold great potential for reducing emissions within the mining industry. CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and storing them underground to prevent them from entering the atmosphere. By implementing CCS technologies at mining sites, companies can mitigate the environmental impact of their operations and move closer to achieving net zero emissions.

Software plays a critical role in monitoring and optimising energy consumption within the mining industry. By providing real-time data on energy use, software tools can help companies identify inefficiencies and implement measures to reduce their energy consumption. This not only lowers operational costs but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Innovating Sustainable Practices

Innovation is key to the mining industry’s ability to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Investing in research and development for new, eco-friendly mining technologies is essential for reducing the environmental impact of mining operations and ensuring long-term sustainability. This includes developing new methods for extracting and processing minerals that minimise waste and reduce energy consumption.

Sustainable land rehabilitation and reforestation projects are another important aspect of the mining industry’s sustainability efforts. After mining activities are completed, these projects restore the land to its natural state, helping to preserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems. By using advanced software tools to design and manage these projects, mining companies can ensure that their land rehabilitation efforts are effective and sustainable.

Low-impact mining operations, designed with sustainability in mind from the outset, represent the future of the mining industry. This isn’t an industry that will disappear overnight – it is too big and too impactful to livelihoods. But by implementing sustainability practices before breaking ground, it can ensure the minimal environmental harm that we all want. By using software tools to plan and manage these operations, companies can minimise their environmental impact and reduce the need for remediation efforts after mining activities are completed. This proactive approach not only benefits the environment but also has the chance to enhance the responsible practice reputation that mining often doesn’t have with the wider public and put them on a path to being recognised as responsible and forward-thinking organisations.

Collaborating for a Sustainable Future

Collaboration is essential to achieving the mining industry’s sustainability goals. By partnering with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders, mining companies can promote sustainable mining practices and contribute to the development of industry-wide standards – creating new strands of employment at the same time. These partnerships are particularly important in areas where mining activities have significant social and environmental impacts, as they ensure that all stakeholders are engaged in finding solutions.

Participation in industry-wide initiatives and standards is another important aspect of the mining industry’s sustainability efforts. By aligning with global best practices and adhering to rigorous standards, mining companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and build trust with stakeholders.

Engaging with local communities is also critical to ensuring that mining activities support social and environmental objectives. By working closely with communities, mining companies can address concerns, provide economic opportunities, and ensure that their operations benefit the areas in which they operate.

Some mines essentially have their own micro-climates – they’re almost like small islands within a wider ecosystem. However, resource companies and organisations, along with governments, are going to need to realise that this isn’t a sustainable method of existence. There needs to be a wholesale embrace of teamwork, as well as innovative, sustainable, and technological practices to ensure the continued survival of an industry that is critical for not only communities across the world, but also for hitting our Net Zero goals, and our continued progress forwards.

Let’s hope we can get going on them all and strike gold.