The mining sector is increasingly adopting sustainable strategies such as low-carbon smelting and advanced recycling programs to minimise its environmental footprint and enhance operational efficiency, according to a recent report by GlobalData.
These innovative approaches are optimising resource utilisation and lowering operational costs by improving metal recovery rates and reducing waste generation.
Despite the challenges of high initial investments, ongoing technological advancements are steering the industry towards more sustainable mining practices.
Likith Togita, Senior Analyst of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData, explains: “Advanced smelting technologies enhance metal recovery and produce higher purity materials, allowing mining companies to maximise the value of their ore while minimising waste.
“Meanwhile, recycling programs facilitate the recovery of metals from previously discarded materials, creating a more sustainable approach to resource management in the industry.”
Several major mining companies have recently announced initiatives aligned with this trend:
- Alcoa, a Pennsylvania-based mining company, plans to supply Nexans, a Paris-based cable and optical fibre company, with low-carbon aluminium rods produced using ELYSIS technology. This innovative process eliminates all direct greenhouse gas emissions from smelting and produces oxygen as a byproduct.
- Sumitomo Metal Mining revealed plans in April 2024 to establish recycling facilities at its Toyo Smelter & Refinery and Niihama Nickel Refinery in Japan. These facilities aim to recover copper, nickel, cobalt, and lithium from used lithium-ion batteries and other materials.
- Rio Tinto announced a US$1.1 billion investment plan in June 2023 to expand its AP60 aluminium smelter at Complexe Jonquière, Canada, which features low-carbon technology.
While the transition to sustainable mining practices faces challenges such as high initial investments and the need for skilled labour, ongoing innovations are expected to enhance accessibility and drive the sector towards greater sustainability.
As the mining industry continues to evolve, these sustainable practices are not only reducing environmental impact but also contributing to improved operational effectiveness and resource management in the long term.