We could need 6 times more of the minerals used for renewables and batteries. How can we avoid a huge increase in mining impacts?

Building the wind and solar farms, batteries and electricity networks we need to run our system on renewables will use a huge array of mined minerals, known as “transition minerals”.

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The ConversationThe Conversation
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https://theconversation.com/we-could-need-6-times-more-of-the-minerals-used-for-renewables-and-batteries-how-can-we-avoid-a-huge-increase-in-mining-impacts-206864https://theconversation.com/we-could-need-6-times-more-of-the-minerals-used-for-renewables-and-batteries-how-can-we-avoid-a-huge-increase-in-mining-impacts-206864
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Wednesday, June 28, 2023
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Summary
Key Points: 
  • Building the wind and solar farms, batteries and electricity networks we need to run our system on renewables will use a huge array of mined minerals, known as “transition minerals”.
  • The International Energy Agency estimates a sixfold increase in demand for these minerals by 2040 to meet climate targets of well below 2℃ of warming.
  • A key issue for the industry is how we can ensure the minerals needed for the energy transition are sourced responsibly.
  • Read more:
    More clean energy means more mines – we shouldn't sacrifice communities in the name of climate action

How can we manage demand?


    We can design energy and transport systems to minimise mineral demand. Strategies include:
    • For lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, estimated reductions are 25% for lithium, 35% for cobalt and nickel, and 55% for copper by 2040.
    • However, large volumes of lithium-ion batteries won’t start reaching the end of their lives for at least a decade.

Mining is unavoidable, so we must limit its impacts

    • Responsible sourcing minimises the environmental, social and governance impacts and risks of mining.
    • Key concerns include the use of child labour and forced labour, damage to the environment, impacts on Indigenous rights and cultural heritage, and corruption.
    • Historical and recent harmful impacts highlight the need for a fresh look at mining practices.

What does responsible sourcing involve?

    • An agreed standard will mean we have information that enables us to compare the good and bad apples.
    • The problem is there isn’t a common approach to measuring, managing and reporting environmental, social and governance performance.
    • Only then can traceability solutions, such as the Global Battery Alliance’s blockchain-enabled “battery passport”, produce trustworthy and comparable results.

Let’s set the bar high

    • This involves six stakeholder groups: mining companies, purchasers, NGOs, affected communities, labour organisations and the finance sector.
    • And how can regulatory reform help to steer mining operations in the right direction?
    • A focus on environmental, social and governance practices in the Australian Critical Minerals Strategy, released last week, is a welcome first step.
    • We can then help leave the planet in a shape that future generations will be proud to inherit.
    • Rusty Langdon receives funding from a range of government and non-government organisations.
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