Table of Contents page

1.1. Introduction 1

1.2.Climate and mining industry 2-4

1.3.Positive impacts of climate change on the mining industry 5
1.4.Negative impacts of climate change on the mining industry 6
1.5.Conclusion 7
1.6.Reference 8

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1.1. INTRODUCTION
The mining industry is a significant contributor to global economic development, providing essential
raw materials for various industries. However, the extraction and processing of minerals can have a
substantial impact on the environment, including contributing to climate change. As the world
grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the mining industry is facing increasing
pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt more sustainable practices. This introduction will
explore the intersection of the mining industry and climate change, highlighting the challenges and
opportunities for the industry to transition towards a more environmentally responsible future.

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12. Climate and Mining Industry?
1.2. Climate and Mining Industry: Although the mining industry is not seriously
affected by the climate during the rains, the working of open-cast mines, quarries and transportation
of minerals can be hampered. Much of the equipment used by the industry is permanently exposed to
the weather, with all the related risk of rapid decay. In arid areas, dust may clog machinery and
thicken lubricants. Industries, generally, may be exposed to direct or indirect impacts of climate
change. Such potential impacts of climate change will depend on a number of factors, which include:

The geographic location of an industry : Industries located in the coastal zone will suffer the
negative impacts of sea-level rise and attendant coastal inundation and flooding. Significant sea-level
rise will, for example, virtually eradicate beach-based tourism and recreation industries, as well as
disrupt oil and gas exploration and extraction activities in the region. Industries located in the northern
dry belt will be exposed to the effects of warmer climate on water supplies that make process cooling
and environmental processes more difficult and unduly expensive. This belt is equally prone to
occasional devastating thunderstorms, floods and windstorms that can destroy industrial
infrastructure, giving rise to cessation of activities and incurring costs for expensive repairs to
damaged facilities.

The nature of resource inputs used by the industry: Industries that rely on inputs which are
climate-dependent (such as agro resources) become vulnerable when those inputs experience any
moderate or severe changes in production due to climate change. Harvest failure, for example, would
directly impact the fruit juice manufacturing and food-processing industries.

The dynamics of consumer behaviour: Consumers respond to changing atmospheric temperatures

in the clothing they choose to wear or buy. Industries that produce clothing may have to alter their
production profile by producing more or less of warm/cool weather clothing in response to changing
demands dictated by either rising or falling temperatures. Similarly, industries may have to design and
produce more wind/storm-resistant umbrellas in both the northern and southern eco zones in response
to rising incidence of severe windstorms. Other industries affected by climate change will have to
adapt or fold up. The telecommunications industry, for example, is affected by heavy storms that fall
cables. Sales slump under such circumstances and can seriously affect the industry as a result.

 These effects might favour or negatively influence future mining operations, equipment,
assurance, economic stability, and health and safety conditions inside and around the mine.
Thus, the effective elements of CC in the mining sector can be delineated through the
following perspectives:
 The processing operations: Because mining is frequently a “heavily water dependent”
sector, rising water scarcity is a major concern.
 The site geography (condition of the property): There is a chance that steep slopes in
permafrost overburden exposed for a long time will damage the stability of open-pit
mine walls. Permafrost thaw is a problem in all northern locations, especially when
containment buildings have not been built to endure the faster melting expected by
Climate Change or to allow for long-term maintenance.
 Challenges to environmental management: For instance, risks associated with
extreme rainfall and/or tailings dam collapse include polluted water flow into nearby
communities, associated remedial costs, increased environmental responsibility,

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 effects on community health and safety, and a large potential for reputational harm
can be considered as some of the managerial challenges that need to be considered.
Flooding and intense precipitation also run the risk of exposing sinkholes and causing
or escalating acid rock drainage, all of which might have negative effects on water
supplies.
 Dryer conditions could decrease water intake capacity and expose tailings to sub
aerial weathering, underscoring the urgent need for new technologies to combat the
effects of climate change. This is due to the limited amount of climate modelling data
and continued reliance on permafrost in the design of retention facilities.
 It is essential that the planning for new mines and the closure and reclamation of
existing ones consider the possible repercussions of climate change as its effects
become increasingly obvious.
 Increasing sea levels by more precipitation, altering storm patterns, and temperature
changes in some places will be made possible or hindered access to distribution and
supply chains (Transportation services to ports for export).
 Changes in temperature, precipitation, and wind may all directly affect mines. For
example, strong winds can damage electrical lines and high temperatures can lead to
heat exhaustion in workers, and low precipitation can restrict water availability.
These climatic factors also affect the intensity and frequency of natural hazards such
as forest fires, avalanches, flooding, landslides, drought, and landslides.
 Surface mining and climate change are potential threats to Environmental systems.
For instance, mining and climate change’s effects harm delicate ecosystems like
wetlands.
 The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA) highlights the potential impacts of
permafrost thawing on transportation, infrastructure, and economic development.
 Climate change significantly impacts the water management infrastructure, wastes
containment systems, and hydrological, hydrogeological, and geochemical conditions
influencing water flow and contaminant levels at mining sites. These changes can
increase the risk of acid rock drainage and metal leaching, posing serious
environmental threats.
 Lack of guidance and misunderstanding about how to respond among employees;
conflicting emergency response guidelines; a lack of contingency plans for worst case
scenarios; poor communication within and across organizations and departments; and
limited awareness of sensitivity to climatic stresses are some of the issues that need to
be addressed.
 The mining industry faces mounting pressure to explore strategies to reduce its
carbon footprint, including integrating renewable energy sources, owing to
heightened scrutiny of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions and advancements in
climate discourse.
 The life cycle costs associated with climate change consequences: This is an
important concern due to the long-lasting environmental consequences following
mining activities and in the lifespan of mines. It may take hundreds of years,
especially for large-scale mines, which disturb the physical balance of the land in the
mining area and produce all kinds of waste (or Tailings).
 The uncertain and long-term nature of the effects of climate change can create doubt
among miners regarding their investment horizons.

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  Large-scale mining operations, which are often significant sources of pollution, may
be subject to more climate change-related regulations. As a result, investors may want
to avoid investing in these mines.
 The mining industry risks being negatively affected by climate change legislation that
may be created without sufficient participation and awareness from all stakeholders
involved in the mining chain.
 Managerial challenges, including cost management, organizational cultural attitudes
to learning and change, and inflexible company policies and government regulations,
can hinder adaptation and mitigation efforts.
 Effective land management strategies (Post-mining land use) that address the impacts
of climate change are crucial for successful mine reclamation operations.
 Climate change will multiply the mining supply chain risks by increasing the
complexity of systems, particularly in newly industrialized and developed nations.
 Climate can have a significant impact on the mining industry in several ways:

One potential positive impact of climate change on the mining industry is the opening up of new
mining opportunities in previously inaccessible regions. As ice caps and permafrost melt due to rising
temperatures, mineral deposits that were previously buried or frozen may become more accessible for
extraction. This could lead to the discovery of new mineral resources and the expansion of mining
operations into untapped areas, potentially boosting production and economic growth for the industry.

Additionally, as the demand for renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, and
electric vehicles continues to grow, there may be an increased demand for certain minerals used in
their production, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. This could create new market
opportunities for mining companies that specialize in these minerals, leading to increased investment
and job creation within the industry.

Furthermore, climate change mitigation efforts, such as the transition to a low-carbon economy and
the adoption of sustainable mining practices, may drive innovation and technological advancements
within the mining sector. Companies that proactively address environmental concerns and reduce their
carbon footprint may gain a competitive edge in the market and attract socially responsible investors.

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 1.3. Positive impacts
 Overall, climate poses significant to the mining industry; there may also be some potential
positive impacts in terms of new opportunities, increased demand for certain minerals, and
incentivizing innovation towards more sustainable practices.

Some of the positive impacts of climate change on the mining industry include:

 "Green mining: How climate change is driving innovation in the industry" - This article
explores how the mining industry is leveraging climate change challenges to drive innovation
and adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving
energy efficiency, and implementing water conservation measures.
 "Opportunities for growth: Climate change and the expansion of mining operations" - This
article discusses how climate change is creating new opportunities for mining companies to
expand their operations into previously inaccessible regions, such as the Arctic, due to
melting ice caps and thawing permafrost.
 "Renewable energy integration in mining: Harnessing climate change benefits" - This
article highlights how mining companies are integrating renewable energy sources, such as
solar and wind power, into their operations to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs,
and enhance operational resilience in the face of climate-related disruptions.
 "Sustainable mineral sourcing: Climate change driving responsible mining practices" - This
article examines how climate change concerns are driving mining companies to adopt
responsible sourcing practices, such as traceability and transparency in supply chains, to meet
growing consumer demand for ethically and environmentally sourced minerals.
 "Climate-smart mining: Building a resilient industry for the future" - This article explores
the concept of climate-smart mining, which involves adopting sustainable practices, investing
in innovation, and collaborating with stakeholders to build a resilient and environmentally
conscious mining industry that can thrive in a changing climate.
 Overall, the negative impacts of climate change on the mining industry underscore the need
for companies to proactively manage these risks, adapt their operations to changing
environmental conditions, and transition towards more sustainable practices to ensure long-
term resilience and competitiveness.

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1.4. Negative impact

Some of the negative impacts of climate change on the mining industry include:

 Increased operational costs: Climate-related events such as extreme weather, water scarcity,
and temperature extremes can lead to higher operational costs for mining companies. This can
include expenses related to repairing damaged infrastructure, implementing new water
management strategies, and ensuring worker safety in challenging environmental conditions.
 Disruption of supply chains: Climate-related disruptions such as storms, floods, and
wildfires can disrupt the transportation of raw materials and finished products, leading to
delays in production and increased costs for mining companies. These disruptions can also
impact the availability of key inputs and supplies needed for mining operations.
 "Water scarcity and climate change: Challenges for the mining sector" - This article
explores how climate change-induced water scarcity is posing significant challenges for the
mining industry, leading to competition for water resources, regulatory constraints, and
operational disruptions that can impact production and profitability.
 Regulatory uncertainty: The changing regulatory landscape in response to climate change
can create uncertainty for mining companies. New regulations and policies aimed at reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices may require companies to
invest in new technologies, adopt cleaner production methods, and comply with stricter
environmental standards.
 "Wildfires and air quality: Impacts of climate change on mining operations" - This article
examines how increasing wildfire activity, fuelled by climate change-induced drought and
heat waves, can pose health and safety risks for mining workers, disrupt supply chains, and
lead to air quality issues that may require operational adjustments and regulatory compliance
measures.
 "Melting ice caps and permafrost thaw : Climate change threats to mining infrastructure" -
This article highlights the risks posed by melting ice caps and thawing permafrost in Arctic
regions, which can destabilize mining infrastructure, such as roads, pipelines, and tailings
dams, leading to safety hazards and costly repairs for companies operating in these areas
 Legal liabilities: Mining companies may face legal liabilities related to climate change, such
as lawsuits alleging environmental damage, health impacts on communities, or violations of
environmental regulations. Companies that fail to adequately address climate-related risks in
their operations and supply chains may be exposed to legal challenges and financial penalties.
 "Regulatory pressures and climate-related liabilities: Legal challenges for the mining
industry" - This article discusses how regulatory pressures related to climate change
mitigation and adaptation, such as carbon pricing schemes, emissions reporting requirements,
and liability for environmental damages, are adding complexity and costs to mining
operations, affecting profitability and investment decisions in the sector

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1.5. Conclusion
In conclusion, the intersection of climate change and the mining industry presents both challenges and
opportunities for the sector. While mining plays a crucial role in supplying essential raw materials for
economic development, its environmental impact, particularly in terms of contributing to climate
change, cannot be ignored. As the world transitions towards a more sustainable future, the mining
industry must proactively address its carbon footprint and adopt greener practices to mitigate its
impact on the environment.

By embracing innovation, investing in cleaner technologies, and implementing stringent

environmental regulations, the mining industry can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and
contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. Collaboration between governments, industry
stakeholders, and communities is essential to drive this transition towards a more sustainable and
responsible mining sector.

Ultimately, the mining industry has the potential to be a key player in the fight against climate change
by prioritizing sustainability, promoting responsible resource extraction, and minimizing its
environmental footprint. By taking proactive steps to address climate change, the mining industry can
not only safeguard the environment but also ensure its long-term viability and contribute to a more
sustainable future for all.

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1.6. Reference
 Pearce, T. D., Ford, J. D., Prno, J., Duerden, F., Pittman, J., Beaumier, M., … Smit, B.
(2011).
 Phillips, J. (2016). Climate change and surface mining
 Pearce, T. D., Ford, J. D., Prno, J., Duerden, F., Pittman, J., Beaumier, M., … Smit, B.
(2011).
 Climate change and mining in Canada
 Leichenko, R. M., & O’Brien, K. L. (2008). Environmental change and globalization: Double
exposures. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.

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