Helena Joyce
The mining industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 4-7% of worldwide emissions. This includes emissions from the use of fossil fuels, on-site electricity, and other sources such as CO2, methane, and NOx. Fugitive methane emissions from coal mining are a major source of greenhouse gases, with estimates ranging from 1.5 to 4.6 gigatons. Additionally, Scope 3 (indirect) emissions, which include coal combustion, account for a significant portion of global emissions, approximately 28%. The environmental costs of greenhouse gas emissions from mining are substantial, causing up to $3 trillion in damages worldwide each year. While the mining industry is critical to lowering global carbon emissions by providing the materials necessary for renewable energy production, it is also facing pressure from governments, investors, and society to reduce its own emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global GHG emissions contributed by mining sector | 4% to 7% |
| Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 emissions from mining operations and electricity consumption | 1% |
| Fugitive methane emissions from coal mining | 3% to 6% |
| Scope 3 emissions, which include coal combustion | 28% |
| Global environmental damage caused by mining emissions | £2.5tn ($3tn) per year |
| Global environmental costs generated by extraction industries | £0.3tn ($0.4tn) per year (low estimate), £4tn ($5tn) per year (including future effort costs) |
| Percentage of global environmental costs resulting from climate change | 64% |
| Environmental costs caused by extraction-related GHG emissions | £0.3tn ($0.3tn) to £3tn ($3tn) |
| Materials contributing most to environmental damage | Iron (23%), coal (18%), magnesium (13%), crude oil (10%), aluminium (8%), manganese (7%) |
| Percentage of total energy consumption in mining industry contributed by electricity | 25% to 35% |
| Percentage of mining equipment that is fully electric | 0.5% |
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What You'll Learn
Mining accounts for 4-7% of global GHG emissions
Mining accounts for 4-7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This figure includes Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, which are direct emissions from mining operations and indirect emissions from power consumption, respectively. Fugitive methane emissions from coal mining, a type of Scope 3 emission, are estimated to contribute an additional 3-6% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 3 emissions, which include coal combustion, account for a significant portion of global emissions, approximately 28%.
The mining industry is under pressure from governments, investors, and society to reduce its emissions. While the industry has only recently begun setting emission-reduction goals, some companies are taking steps to decarbonize their operations. For example, Codelco uses solar power for one of its copper mines in Chile, and Fortescue Metals is investing in renewable energy sources for its iron ore mines in Australia. Additionally, Newmont has started production at its all-electric Borden mine in Ontario, Canada.
The majority of emissions in the mining sector originate from fugitive coal-bed methane released during coal mining operations, particularly in underground mines. These emissions are estimated based on average methane-emission factors published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Power consumption in the mining industry also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with electricity consumption in copper mining increasing by 32% per unit of mined copper in Chile, and fuel consumption increasing by 130% from 2001 to 2017.
To address climate risk and meet emission-reduction goals, mining companies can focus on three key areas: identifying assets most at risk from physical climate change, understanding how decarbonization will impact demand for key minerals, and implementing decarbonization strategies within their operations. While the transition to renewable energy sources and electric equipment may be costly, it can also provide economic benefits and help reduce the environmental impacts of the mining industry, which currently result in up to £2.5 trillion ($3 trillion) in damages worldwide each year.
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Fugitive methane emissions from coal mining
The mining industry is responsible for 4 to 7% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Fugitive methane emissions from coal mining are estimated at 3 to 6% of global emissions. Coal mine methane (CMM) is a major source of methane emissions, and there are several opportunities to reduce these emissions. CMM is released from coal seams during or after mining operations, with deeper seams containing more methane than shallow seams. Underground coal mines tend to have higher methane emissions than surface mines.
CMM emissions sources include seepage from exposed coal seams in surface or open-pit mines, drainage systems used to reduce methane content in coal deposits, ventilation systems (where methane is extracted from underground mines as a safety measure), post-mining activities such as processing, storage, and transport, and abandoned mines. Ventilation air methane is the largest source of CMM in underground mines, while drainage systems are a major source in surface mines.
Reducing CMM emissions can be achieved through various methods. On-site recovery and use of ventilation air methane can provide heat to mine facilities or be used for coal drying. Thermal oxidation can also destroy ventilation air methane, but this method can be expensive and technically challenging. Efficiency improvements, such as maintaining high combustion efficiency at flares, gas engines, and related equipment, can help reduce emissions. Capturing fugitive emissions and routing them to abatement systems can reduce losses by monitoring, capturing, and sealing fugitive sources, such as closing unused mine entries or boreholes.
The combustion of coal also contributes significantly to Scope 3 (indirect) emissions, accounting for 28% of global emissions. Scope 3 emissions are not included in the industry target range set by mining companies, which currently ranges from 0 to 30% by 2030, far below the Paris Agreement goals. To fully decarbonize, mines can focus on operational efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy use, with some mines already transitioning to renewable sources of electricity.
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Scope 3 emissions, including coal combustion
The mining industry is responsible for 4 to 7% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Scope 3 emissions, including coal combustion, are a significant contributor to these emissions. Scope 3 emissions are the indirect emissions that occur in the upstream and downstream activities of an organisation's value chain. They include emissions from assets not owned or controlled by the reporting organisation but that the organisation indirectly affects. For mining companies, Scope 3 emissions can include the combustion of coal and other fossil fuels used in their operations.
Scope 3 emissions from mining can come from various sources. One significant source is the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, used to generate electricity for mining operations. Mining companies can reduce these emissions by transitioning to renewable sources of electricity, such as solar power and renewable energy. Additionally, the electrification of mining equipment, such as diesel trucks, can help to reduce Scope 3 emissions from fuel combustion.
Another source of Scope 3 emissions is the release of fugitive methane during coal mining, especially in underground operations. Fugitive methane emissions can account for 3 to 6% of the mining sector's greenhouse gas emissions. To address these emissions, mining companies can focus on operational efficiency and the implementation of renewable energy sources.
Scope 3 emissions also include the emissions associated with the supply chain of mining companies. Mining companies can collaborate with suppliers to reduce emissions, such as by encouraging the use of renewable energy sources and alternative materials with lower carbon footprints. Additionally, Scope 3 emissions can come from business travel, commuting, waste, and water usage by employees.
Overall, Scope 3 emissions can contribute significantly to the mining sector's greenhouse gas pollution, particularly when including coal combustion. By addressing these emissions, mining companies can make substantial progress towards reducing their environmental impact and meeting their decarbonisation goals.
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Environmental costs of extraction industries
The extraction industries, including mining, are responsible for a significant proportion of global carbon emissions, with estimates ranging from 4% to 7% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. This equates to up to £2.5 trillion ($3 trillion) in environmental damages each year, according to a study published in the Journal for Cleaner Production. The mining sector, in particular, is a major contributor, with coal mining releasing fugitive coal-bed methane, which accounts for a significant portion of the industry's emissions.
The environmental costs of extraction industries go beyond carbon emissions. Land use change, primarily for agriculture, accounts for over 80% of biodiversity loss and 85% of water stress as natural habitats are cleared for cropland. Extraction industries are also responsible for the release of particulate matter, acidification, resource depletion, and toxicity. These impacts can have direct health consequences for miners, such as respiratory diseases and skin disorders, and they also contribute to the loss of biodiversity due to habitat degradation and destruction.
The countries most affected by the environmental costs of extraction industries include those that are vulnerable to climate change, such as Gabon, Madagascar, and Afghanistan, where the environmental costs may exceed economic gains. Additionally, countries with a high dependence on extraction industries, such as coal and steel-producing nations, may face challenges in transitioning to more sustainable practices.
To address these environmental concerns, extraction industries, particularly the mining sector, are exploring ways to reduce emissions and mitigate their impact on the environment. This includes a focus on renewable energy sources, such as solar power and electrification of mining equipment. Some companies have set emission-reduction goals, and organizations like the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) have committed to net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050.
While the transition to more sustainable practices is underway, it is crucial to recognize that the environmental costs of extraction industries are significant and have global implications. The transition to renewable energy sources and the implementation of circular economy principles can help reduce the environmental footprint of these industries and mitigate their impact on the planet.
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Energy sources for mining operations
The mining industry is one of the most energy-intensive sectors globally. It provides a crucial source of raw materials for the manufacturing, transportation, construction, and energy sectors. As the world population grows, the demand for raw materials is expected to increase, leading to a rise in the mining industry's energy requirements.
Traditionally, mining operations have been heavily reliant on fossil fuels such as diesel, heavy oils, and coal for on-site generation and haulage. This has resulted in significant greenhouse gas emissions, with the mining sector contributing about 4% to 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Fugitive methane emissions from coal mining are a major source of these emissions, accounting for an estimated 3% to 6%.
However, the mining industry is gradually transitioning towards renewable energy sources to reduce their environmental impact. Renewable energy technologies, such as wind, solar, and water power, are being integrated into mining operations to mitigate the effects of pollution and ensure the sustainable functioning of new technologies. By the end of 2019, nearly 5 GW of renewable energy projects were installed or planned for mine sites worldwide. Additionally, some mining companies are investing in the electrification of their equipment and infrastructure, moving away from diesel trucks and gas-consuming appliances.
Several large mining companies have committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. For example, Rio Tinto, a major GHG emitter, has set a target to decrease its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030. Similarly, Vale aims to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 33% by 2030 and Scope 3 net emissions by 15% by 2035. BHP has also signed contracts for renewable energy at its copper mines. These efforts demonstrate the mining industry's recognition of the need to decarbonize and contribute to global emission reduction goals.
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Frequently asked questions
The mining industry is responsible for 4% to 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The main sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the mining industry include fuel use, electricity consumption, and fugitive methane emissions from coal mining.
The energy used to extract and process minerals often comes from fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Additionally, electricity consumption in the mining industry has increased, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
The greenhouse gas emissions from the mining industry result in significant environmental damages, with global extraction industries causing up to £2.5 trillion ($3 trillion) in damages annually. These emissions contribute to climate change and have negative health impacts, such as respiratory diseases and skin disorders among miners.
