Session 5

Technological risks and solutions to move towards “Greener” mining

Decarbonisation of the global economy and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals drive changes in the Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance in the mining and metallurgical industry. The difficulty in delivering minerals to satisfy consumption growth while decreasing the environmental footprint is compounded by declining ore grades. This has direct implications for the amounts of water and energy needed for production while increasing the environmental footprint of mining. Many mining companies in Europe are reviewing their sustainability strategies and are actively implementing technologies and projects that help to minimise their environmental footprint, reduce CO2 emissions and waste, and use energy and water more efficiently.

Discussion themes

• Sustainable innovative solutions for mineral exploration
• Challenges surrounding the exploration of mineral resources
• New geo-models to explore for 'hi-tech' raw materials
• Improving and developing interpretation of geophysical and downhole data
• Examples of Environmental and Health Concerns which could be identified during the exploration
• Geological Methods
• Drilling Technologies