Introduction

The mining and quarrying n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) sector is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the sector accounted for 4% of global CO2 emissions in 2019. The sector's emissions primarily come from the use of fossil fuels for energy and transportation, as well as from the extraction and processing of minerals and metals. Decarbonisation of the mining and quarrying n.e.c. sector is therefore crucial for mitigating climate change and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This article explores the importance of decarbonisation in the sector, the main sources of carbon emissions, strategies for reducing emissions, challenges facing decarbonisation, and implications for the sector.

What is Decarbonisation in the Mining and Quarrying n.e.c. Sector and Why is it Important?

Decarbonisation refers to the process of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions from various sectors of the economy, including the mining and quarrying n.e.c. sector. The importance of decarbonisation in this sector stems from the significant contribution of the sector to global carbon emissions. The sector's emissions come from various sources, including energy use, transportation, and the extraction and processing of minerals and metals. Decarbonisation is essential for mitigating climate change and achieving global net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Moreover, decarbonisation of the mining and quarrying n.e.c. sector is crucial for the sector's sustainability and social license to operate. The sector's operations often have significant environmental and social impacts, including land degradation, water pollution, and human rights abuses. Decarbonisation can help reduce these impacts by promoting cleaner and more sustainable practices, such as renewable energy use and circular economy principles.

What are the Main Sources of Carbon Emissions in the Mining and Quarrying n.e.c. Sector?

The main sources of carbon emissions in the mining and quarrying n.e.c. sector include energy use, transportation, and the extraction and processing of minerals and metals. Energy use accounts for the largest share of emissions, as the sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, for power generation and heating. According to the IEA, energy use accounted for 74% of the sector's emissions in 2019.

Transportation is another significant source of emissions in the sector, as it involves the use of fossil-fuel-powered vehicles and equipment for moving materials and people. The IEA estimates that transportation accounted for 15% of the sector's emissions in 2019.

The extraction and processing of minerals and metals also contribute to carbon emissions, as they involve energy-intensive processes, such as blasting, crushing, grinding, and smelting. The IEA estimates that these processes accounted for 11% of the sector's emissions in 2019.

How Can We Reduce Carbon Emissions in the Mining and Quarrying n.e.c. Sector?

Reducing carbon emissions in the mining and quarrying n.e.c. sector requires a combination of strategies, including energy efficiency, renewable energy use, electrification, and circular economy principles.

Energy efficiency involves reducing energy consumption by improving the efficiency of equipment and processes. This can be achieved through measures such as retrofitting existing equipment with energy-efficient technologies, optimizing processes, and improving maintenance practices. Energy efficiency can help reduce emissions and lower operating costs.

Renewable energy use involves replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower. This can be achieved through the installation of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines, and the use of renewable energy sources for heating and cooling. Renewable energy use can help reduce emissions and promote energy independence.

Electrification involves replacing fossil-fuel-powered equipment and vehicles with electric alternatives. This can be achieved through the adoption of electric vehicles, such as battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and the electrification of mining equipment, such as loaders, haul trucks, and drills. Electrification can help reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Circular economy principles involve reducing waste and promoting the reuse and recycling of materials. This can be achieved through measures such as reducing overburden and tailings, promoting the use of recycled materials, and adopting closed-loop processes. Circular economy principles can help reduce emissions and promote resource efficiency.

What are the Challenges Facing Decarbonisation in the Mining and Quarrying n.e.c. Sector?

Decarbonisation of the mining and quarrying n.e.c. sector faces several challenges, including technological, economic, and social barriers.

Technological barriers include the lack of mature and cost-effective technologies for decarbonising the sector, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen fuel cells. CCS involves capturing carbon emissions from industrial processes and storing them underground, while hydrogen fuel cells involve using hydrogen as a fuel for vehicles and equipment. Both technologies are still in the early stages of development and face significant technical and economic challenges.

Economic barriers include the high capital costs of renewable energy systems and electrification, as well as the low prices of fossil fuels, which make them more attractive for the sector. The mining and quarrying n.e.c. sector is also highly competitive, with low profit margins, making it challenging to invest in decarbonisation measures.

Social barriers include the lack of awareness and understanding of the importance of decarbonisation among stakeholders, including investors, policymakers, and local communities. The sector's operations often have significant environmental and social impacts, which can create resistance to decarbonisation measures.

What are the Implications of Decarbonisation for the Mining and Quarrying n.e.c. Sector?

Decarbonisation of the mining and quarrying n.e.c. sector has several implications, including environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Environmental benefits include the reduction of carbon emissions, which can help mitigate climate change and reduce the sector's environmental impacts, such as land degradation and water pollution. Decarbonisation can also promote the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable practices, such as renewable energy use and circular economy principles.

Social benefits include the promotion of social license to operate, as decarbonisation can help reduce the sector's negative impacts on local communities and improve its reputation. Decarbonisation can also create new job opportunities in the renewable energy and electrification sectors.

Economic benefits include the reduction of operating costs through energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy sources. Decarbonisation can also create new business opportunities in the renewable energy and electrification sectors, as well as promote innovation and competitiveness.

Conclusion

Decarbonisation of the mining and quarrying n.e.c. sector is crucial for mitigating climate change, achieving global net-zero emissions by 2050, and promoting the sector's sustainability and social license to operate. The sector's emissions primarily come from energy use, transportation, and the extraction and processing of minerals and metals. Reducing emissions requires a combination of strategies, including energy efficiency, renewable energy use, electrification, and circular economy principles. However, decarbonisation faces several challenges, including technological, economic, and social barriers. Decarbonisation has several implications, including environmental, social, and economic benefits, such as the reduction of carbon emissions, the promotion of social license to operate, and the creation of new business opportunities.