The mining sector is at a crossroads, and the recent panel discussion highlights the urgent need for companies to embrace sustainability or risk losing their social and political support. Panelists from various companies shared innovative strategies that could enhance the sustainability credentials of mining projects, emphasizing that the industry can no longer afford to ignore these pressing issues.
Brent Johnson, vice-president of environment at Dundee Sustainable Technologies, introduced his company’s non-cyanide gold extraction process, CLEVR, as a game-changer for safety in mining. He pointed out the potential chaos that could ensue if cyanide were banned overnight, predicting that “80% to 90% of mines would face immediate disruption.” Johnson’s assertion underscores a critical point: alternatives like CLEVR not only mitigate risks but also significantly reduce long-term liabilities associated with tailings management. By eliminating the need for massive tailings dams, his approach is transforming waste management in mining, making it both safer and more sustainable.
While technological innovation is a key part of the solution, it comes with its own set of challenges. Thomas Mumford, vice-president for exploration at Scottie Resources, highlighted the potential of electrification and automation in enhancing sustainability and efficiency. However, he also pointed out the barriers to adoption, such as high capital costs and the slow pace of industry uptake. “New technologies require rigorous testing, often by large companies with the resources to run pilot projects,” he explained, emphasizing how this slows down the integration of innovative solutions. He cited the Borden mine in Ontario, Newmont’s all-electric underground operation, as a rare example of successful electrification in the industry.
The discussion also delved into the complexities of artisanal mining, which accounts for a staggering 85% of gold production in regions like Colombia. Giovanna Romero, senior vice-president for corporate affairs and sustainability at Aris Mining, shared her company’s initiative to formalize artisanal miners at their Segovia operations. By integrating these miners as contract partners, Aris has not only secured local buy-in but has also seen a significant portion of its gold production—44%—come from these collaborations. Romero emphasized the importance of this partnership in reducing environmental harm while fostering community trust, stating, “By integrating artisanal miners into our supply chain and sharing geological and technical knowledge, we’ve transformed them into legal, productive partners.”
Innovative mine closure strategies also emerged as a focal point of the conversation. Romero showcased Aris’s reclamation project at Segovia, which transformed a tailings site into a community park complete with football fields and recreational domes. The second phase includes a photovoltaic plant, enhancing the site’s utility long after mining operations cease. “This project, managed by the local municipality, illustrates how closures can benefit communities long after mining operations end,” she remarked.
The panelists unanimously agreed that sustainability is no longer just a goal; it’s an imperative for ethical and business reasons. Mumford urged for early planning to ensure that reclaimed mine sites can contribute meaningfully to communities post-closure. Johnson echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of integrating sustainability into financial risk management. He referenced the catastrophic Vale dam collapse in Brazil, which resulted in significant loss of life and massive financial repercussions. “Spending extra money upfront on sustainable technologies isn’t just ethical—it’s a no-brainer when you consider the long-term savings on liabilities and the avoidance of catastrophic failures,” he asserted.
As mining communities become more informed and technically savvy, the stakes continue to rise. Johnson warned that a mine could enjoy accolades one year and face ruin the next due to ESG failures. The message is clear: the mining industry must adapt or face dire consequences. Embracing sustainability is not just a matter of compliance; it’s essential for the future viability of mining operations.
