BEYOND EXTRACTION: REIMAGINING THE METALS AND MINING ROLE IN A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW

As the world moves towards a low-carbon economy to arrest the increase in global warming, the mining and metals sector finds itself at the crossroads of green growth and transition.

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The metals and mining sector is poised to propel India's economy to become the third largest globally in the coming years. Per capita aluminium consumption in India, currently at 2.2 kg, is among the lowest globally compared to the world average of approximately 12 kg and the developed nations' benchmark of 22-25 kg. With transformative initiatives such as building high-speed rail networks, establishing mega solar parks and accelerating electric vehicle adoption, the demand for critical metals like copper and aluminium is set to witness unprecedented growth, driving the nation's economic ascent.

The journey of extracting earth's finite resources while ensuring their availability for generations to come presents a compelling paradox. Given its resource-intensive nature, the metals and mining sector has been pressured to focus more on green growth and sustainability. Mining companies must focus more on environmental issues while charting courses for future economic development and adopt practices that minimise resource depletion, reduce emissions and promote ecological balance.

Some key focus areas to drive green growth and the transition include net zero and nature positivity approach for each natural resource being consumed, improving ambient air quality, water stewardship (zero liquid discharge, water neutrality and water positivity), circular economy involving recycling end-of-life and zero waste to landfill (ZWTL), no net loss to biodiversity, sustainable mining, sustainable tailings management and adoption of new technologies and digital.

Sustainable Mining in India