The extraction of minerals wanted for the clear power transition is projected to increase globally in coming years, presenting a number of dangers to ecosystems and Indigenous Peoples, necessitating robust international tips.
However what are these minerals, what function do they play in our efforts to fight local weather change, and the way can we supply and use them in an environmentally sustainable method? Let’s have a look!
So, what are these key minerals?
Renewable power and electrical automobile (EV) applied sciences will play an essential function in combating local weather change. These applied sciences depend on key uncooked supplies, corresponding to lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, manganese, graphite and uncommon earth parts.
These supplies are sometimes called ‘crucial minerals’ attributable to their perceived significance for nationwide pursuits or ‘transition minerals’ attributable to their significance within the clear power transition.
The place are they discovered?
Whereas these minerals are discovered globally, some nations have larger reserves than others, based mostly on geology and the financial feasibility of their extraction. The nations listed under have the very best reserves, listed from first to 3rd.
Lithium: Chile, Australia, Argentina
Cobalt: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Australia, Indonesia
Nickel: Indonesia, Australia, Brazil
Copper: Chile, Peru, Australia
How is mining these minerals a threat to individuals and the atmosphere?
There are a number of impacts from mining minerals which can be thought of crucial. Listed here are a couple of of them:
So what can we do?
Some research projecting huge will increase to the demand for transition minerals in coming years are used to justify extra mining. Nevertheless, embracing much less mineral-intensive options can scale back the necessity for mining, whereas nonetheless making certain renewable power development.
We have to stress governments and industries to undertake insurance policies, practices and options that scale back demand whereas additionally minimising mining’s impacts.
These modifications require ambition to transcend local weather motion, focusing funding towards much less mineral-intensive options like EV public transportation, advancing know-how to make use of fewer minerals extra effectively, and increasing reuse and recycling.
What are the options to scale back the necessity for mining?
Given the issues related to the extraction and use of transition minerals, you will need to bear in mind 4 key options that may assist restrict the necessity for mining. They’re:
Sufficiency – prioritise a good dwelling normal for all whereas lowering the entire power and materials wanted throughout the financial system,
Effectivity – investments to assist applied sciences do the identical or higher with much less supplies
Substitution – take away or scale back the necessity for sure minerals in merchandise through the use of several types of know-how or power options,
Recycling – can considerably scale back environmental and social impacts in comparison with mining, and due to this fact needs to be maximised.
5 guiding rules on minerals for power transition
Greenpeace has developed 5 key rules important for making certain a simply and equitable power transition that may be tailored into native contexts.
The 1.5°C Guiding Star: We should obtain the Paris Settlement aim of limiting international warming to not more than 1.5°C. Any use of minerals should be prioritised for a quick and inexperienced power transition above non-essential makes use of, corresponding to for navy functions.
Simply and Equitable Options: Justice and fairness for individuals and the atmosphere should be embedded in each side of utilizing and sourcing supplies from lowering mineral demand, to recycling and mining.
Scale back Demand: Slowing mineral demand by adopting the ideas of sufficiency (ie. lowering the necessity for sources) and effectivity (ie. enhancing the effectiveness of useful resource use).
Prioritise ‘Above Floor’ Supplies: Recycling can considerably scale back environmental and social impacts in comparison with mining. Potential sources embrace spent batteries, manufacturing waste, family e-waste and industrial scrap piles.
Defend Delicate Areas and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Native Communities: Whereas there are various initiatives pushing for improved mining practices, the business continues to pose critical dangers to individuals and the atmosphere. Three necessities are proposed:
5.1 Defend ‘No-Go’ zones, areas the place mining shouldn’t happen
5.2 Respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples and native communities
5.3 Corporations should act responsibly, stopping and mitigating environmental injury and impacts, and respecting human rights.
Irène Wabiwa is a Biodiversity Programme Supervisor at Greenpeace Worldwide
