Uncharted risk measures for the management of sustainable mining

Abstract

<title xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">Abstract</title><p xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xml:lang="en">Governments commit to ensuring the welfare of their citizens by drafting and enforcing regulations that ultimately ensure the sustainability of mining. This study contributes to improving the sustainability of mining throughout the mine's lifecycle until the final destination of the mining products. We propose recommendations that address the sustainability of mining from a global perspective, framed around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), following waste hierarchy with Common Agricultural Policies, and policies from the Green Deal on climate, energy, transport, and taxation. Tailings are the most significant source of environmental impact in mining operations and, therefore, must comply with controlling regulations through Tailings Management Facilities (TMFs). However, there have been several mining accidents involving TMFs worldwide. The recommendations begin during planning, preconstruction, and construction with practices such as fair consultations, tax revenue fairness, and mandatory insurance. The operation and management support parallel industries to mining and supporting health and education. Emergency planning involves the surrounding communities in mock drills and environmental monitoring. In the closure and rehabilitation, remediation technologies such as phytoremediation, carbon sequestration incentives, and biomass valorization are recommended. Finally, supporting a circular economy by prioritizing ethical consumption, resource reduction, material recovery, and replacing toxic minerals and materials from the start with “benign by design” is recommended. The strategies involve stakeholders directly or indirectly related to the mining companies' contamination and demonstrate a commitment to the SDGs, offering a holistic perspective on scientific, social, and regulatory issues. <italic>Integr Environ Assess Manag</italic> 2023;19:949–960. © 2023 The Authors. <italic>Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management</italic> published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology &amp; Chemistry (SETAC).</p>

Key Points:This study addresses the sustainability of mining, to be implemented throughout the life cycle of a mine until the final destination of the products from mining. Policymakers should prioritize the implementation of sustainable mining practices that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, waste hierarchy, and policies from the Green Deal to ensure the long‐term viability of the industry and protect the environment and communities. We make recommendations that address the whole mining process, offering a holistic perspective on scientific, social, and regulatory issues.