Climate and Mining
The increasing focus on climate change is transforming the mining industry, particularly with the heightened need for raw materials essential for low-carbon technologies. As the demand for these materials grows, so does the urgency to implement sustainable and climate-smart mining practices. This shift requires a holistic approach to the value chain, from extraction to end-use, emphasising both mitigation of environmental impacts and adaptation to changing climate conditions. The debate over Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) is central to these efforts, as these materials are pivotal in developing renewable energy systems and other technologies that tackle climate issues. Effective management of these challenges necessitates collaborative efforts across borders, fostering partnerships that align mining practices with global climate goals.
Projekt-Consult is at the forefront of addressing these challenges by connecting stakeholders across CRM-producing and consuming countries, enhancing supply chain resilience, and fostering responsible sourcing practices. Our efforts extend to enhancing environmental and climate monitoring, identifying specific value chains for decarbonisation opportunities, and implementing targeted adaptation and mitigation strategies. This comprehensive approach not only focuses on the direct demands of CRMs but also navigates the broader geopolitical, environmental, and climatic implications tied to their extraction and trade.
Projekt-Consult helps to:
- Bridge the gap between country partners and their strategic CRM bilateral agreements, aligning supply security and sustainability in the mineral sector.
- Integrate environmental stewardship and climate resilience approaches in the mining industry.
We are adapting to emerging challenges and expanding our scope, with our projects spanning multiple continents. These initiatives focus on innovative policy approaches and concrete technical solutions for responsible raw materials management, reflecting our global reach and commitment to sustainability. This includes:
Critical Raw Materials and their demand: Our approach addresses the growing demand for CRMs essential for the energy transition by analysing market dynamics and fostering relationships for responsible trade. Our work promotes CRM trade practices that adhere to broad Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, aligning with international standards and advancing global discourse on responsible sourcing of CRMs. Examples include advisory projects in Indonesia and the Philippines that examines how the countries’ CRM production can contribute to combatting climate change and at the same time align with sustainability goals.
Climate change and the value chain: Our projects are dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of value chains, particularly focusing on decarbonisation and aligning with broader climate change objectives. In the SADC region, we are actively working to promote environmentally and socially responsible practices across the mining sector and the emerging local value chains. By evaluating the environmental impact at each stage of the supply chain, we develop targeted strategies that reduce carbon and environmental footprints and promote sustainable industry practices.
Adaptation and mitigation: We have experience in equipping governments and stakeholders with the necessary skills to implement effective adaptation and mitigation measures, addressing environmental and climate challenges proactively. Relevant examples include the development of a Climate-Smart Mining Roadmap for Mauritania or water and energy efficiency audits and resulting recommendations for mining projects in Andean countries. Additionally, we provide capacity building and tailored trainings that enhance resilience and reduce environmental and climate impacts across the mineral sector.
Just transition: As the global community moves towards decarbonisation, it is essential for countries to consider not only the transition away from coal, but also the management of legacies from past and ongoing extraction activities. Projekt-Consult is supporting governments in the Global South to develop strategies for coal mine closure and remediation. Our experts assess regulatory frameworks, mining operations and abandoned mine sites and identify existing gaps and opportunities for action.
Contact
Projekt-Consult GmbH
Phone: +49 40 603 06 740
E-mail: info@projekt-consult.de
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