What is Sustainable Mining?
For Australia’s future civil development, sustainable mining and corporate responsibility is crucial for long-term stability. As mining companies extract the materials that are relied upon for our society’s day-to-day lives, it is paramount that companies conduct their business with the best environmental, social, and economic interests in mind. Mining sustainability is more than guaranteeing worker safety onsite and following community and environmental regulations.
Conceptually, sustainable mining revolves around community engagement in efforts to promise beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders involved. This involves delivering, positive social outcomes, directly stemming from mining resources that are extracted in a safe and environmentally conscious manner, by a workforce that is economically supported throughout the regional community.
The United Nations’ World Commission of Environment and Development contends that any sustainable development “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Sustainable Mining in Australia
Fortunately for us, Australia’s mining industry is setting the standard for these practices across the globe, ensuring that commercial success is built on social responsibility and environmental accountability. Strongly enforced requirements have resulted in effective management and mitigation of potentially negative climate impacts at contemporary mines nationwide.
So, is the sustainability of mining possible in the future? The process of sustainable mining depends on optimising mine health and safety combined with resource efficiency regarding the extraction of minerals. Conscious of these processes, the Australian mining industry heavily invests in scientific research, training, and personnel to ensure that the highest standard of safety, environmental, and community guidelines are met.
KJ’s Mining & Engineering has Supervisors that ensure mining sites follow health and safety obligations for workers, and provide leadership in monitoring client demands and environmental measures. Get your project done right with our project supervisors
Australia's Sustainable Mining Practices
1. Community Development Focus
Mines that reside within a community must manage the impacts of a temporary workforce, subcontractors, and contractors to effectively plan the eventual closure of the mine. Australian companies continue to progress to gender-equal employment opportunities, providing fair working conditions and economic growth in operating regions. Also, they leverage and identify opportunities for indigenous contribution to the workforce, aiming to become part of a community and its educational aspirations, in more rural and low-funded areas.
2. Extends Economic Growth
To support communities, mining firms utilise the profits from mineral extraction and harness its expenditure through employees living in these areas to support local businesses and create jobs in the region. Australia’s mining exports are forecasted to reach $379 billion in 2022, this provides income and dividends, with tax revenue funding public facilities, schooling, and hospitals. Mining contributes to numerous industries, funds research, and supports infrastructure, through the provision of sustainable economic plans that aim to provide foundations for the communities they reside in.
3. Detailed Environmental Management
Another factor of community support stems from environmental protection. By conducting responsible extraction of resources, mining companies help ensure future generations can prosper on the land and oceans. Water management is the main focus of current sustainable mining measures, with companies regulating impacts of water abstraction, wastewater disposal and treatment, acid rock drainage, and more. Emissions on the surface are a factor in meteorological data, soil types, vegetation, and animal life, where sustainable mining strives to preserve natural environments and life.
4. Resource Innovation & Safety
Safety is crucial in mining, where safety-first mentalities have been adopted across Australian sites. Contractors and staff are instructed to create and follow regular assessments, ongoing training programs, and risk management programs. The inclusion of tailored safety programs has gained an industry-leading reputation, with Australia hosting international students from developing nations to learn these models and then incorporate them overseas. More methods to support sustainable mining include increased use of autonomous machinery, vehicles, and sensors to boost resource extraction efficiency. Furthermore, harnessing solar-powered energy to generate radio communications and minimising truck routes for mineral haulage both aid in resulting from innovations in mining across the country.
What is the Future Outlook for Sustainable Mining?
Consequently, Australia’s mining sector is innovating research and development efforts, with our knowledge being exported internationally for worldwide sustainable development goals. Australia remains at the pinnacle of sustainable mining, through procedures that carry out innovative mining extractions supporting community and economic growth. Despite the global economic downturn recently, the demand for mineral resources has remained strong and will continue as nations around the world become more industrialised.
Automation is starting to drive the industry, as vehicles, drilling, and ventilation are becoming automated, which will mitigate unnecessary risk and also reduce operational emissions. Moreover, as the world shifts towards a green economy, demand for minerals and metals that support ecological production will soar. Hence, maximising value and minimising waste will set a foundation for mining companies to invest in zero-footprint mines, select the best worksites, and leverage better business acumen to succeed.
Our next generation of engineers and engineering leaders will embrace sustainability, ensuring development will produce less waste, incorporate new technologies, and curb emissions. In accordance with this, solving critical environmental challenges will depend on increased investments in research and the development of new automated technologies down the line.
Using safer processes and improving environmental responsibility are going to be carried out by the workforce, therefore investments into reskilling and upskilling with new technologies are essential in keeping sustainable mining optimised now and for future generations. In terms of the international outlook, Australia’s environmental management, community focus, and technological innovation have ensured mining will remain sustainable for the future.
If you have any questions about mining techniques or have an upcoming mining project, call our friendly team today on 0447 005 708 for more information.
