Green energy is seeing unprecedented growth worldwide. That’s a promising trend, but it comes with some challenges that must be addressed before too long. Most notably, renewable growth could mean a surge in environmentally destructive mining processes.
The transition to renewable energy is an essential part of the fight against climate change. However, it’s important to ensure that pursuing this goal doesn’t create other environmental issues. If renewables are to deliver on their full potential, we must address the mining processes they rely on.
How Mining Threatens Renewables’ Sustainability
The mining industry affects roughly 50 million square kilometres, with 8% overlapping protected areas and 7% key biodiversity regions. Renewable power today is inseparable from these mines, as 82% of them extract materials needed in green technology production. That includes metals like lithium, copper, aluminium, iron, and rare earth minerals.
As renewable energy grows, so will the demand for these mines, most of which involve destructive processes. Mining relies on energy-intensive tools, generators and other equipment that use fossil fuels for power.
Many extraction processes also release toxins into the environment, with polluted runoff contaminating nearby bodies of water and endangering wildlife. Similarly, mining can lead to soil degradation and erosion, affecting the surrounding ecosystem.
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Possible Ways Forward
The renewable energy sector must consider how its mined materials affect the environment as it grows. Thankfully, several steps can mitigate this impact. Here are some of the most promising.
Addressing Mining’s Energy Consumption
One of the key areas to address is the mining industry’s reliance on fossil fuel-derived power. The first step is investing in electric rather than diesel-powered equipment. Electric mining machines aren't as common today, but it’s a growing field.
Next, renewable energy itself can help. Instead of using diesel or gasoline-powered generators for on-site electricity, mines can use portable renewables. That includes pop-up solar panels and wind turbines, as well as hydrogen fuel cell generators, which are becoming increasingly common in heavy industries.
These systems may be less efficient or reliable than fossil fuel alternatives, at least for now, so mines should also embrace energy efficiency. Power audits can highlight areas of waste, revealing how mines can conserve electricity. Renewables will become a more viable energy source as they become more efficient.
Reducing Reliance on Some Mined Materials
Renewable energy companies should also think long term about their reliance on mined materials. Addressing mining’s energy consumption is an important step, but these processes can still be damaging, so renewables should move away from them if possible.
Companies should research ways to redesign solar panels and similar technologies to minimise their raw material consumption. Recent breakthroughs already show promise in this area. Technology company 24M has found a way to make lithium-ion batteries with 80% fewer inactive materials, reducing the need for metals like copper and aluminium.
These changes will likely take considerable research and development, so they’re longer-term goals rather than quick fixes. However, pursuing them while implementing other, faster changes will help minimise renewables' ecological footprint as the field grows.
Recycling and Rehabilitation
Renewable-supporting mining operations can also emphasise recycling and rehabilitation. These steps will help mitigate their impact on surrounding environments, preventing habitat loss and harm to wildlife.
Collecting runoff instead of storing it on-site or letting it leach into the environment can open up recycling and reuse opportunities. Waste rocks and minerals can go toward recycled construction materials, and water can go through purification processes to support future mining or agriculture. Recycling metals for renewables will also help reduce overall mining demand.
Rehabilitation after a mining operation shuts down is important, too. Companies can use biosolids to replenish damaged topsoil in inactive mines, ensuring erosion and soil degradation don’t continue after miners leave the area.
The Renewable Industry Must Address Mining Concerns
Renewable energy is an essential industry, but it’s important to address its shortcomings. If its reliance on harmful mining practices goes unnoticed or unchanged, it may not produce a net gain for the environment. However, if the industry recognises these challenges and adapts, it can ensure green power is truly green.
by Jane Marsh
