Karen Hudson-Edwards

The 'green' energy transition away from carbon-based fuels is driving a resurgence in mining because Earth materials are needed in renewable technologies such as battery-driven vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines. These technologies require specialist materials, many of which are known as Critical Raw Materials (CRMs). CRMs have high economic importance and a high supply risk. Variable CRM lists have been defined by different countries and regions (US, EU, Canada, Australia, etc.) but the lists often include metals such as Li, Co, REE and tungsten, and materials such as graphite and fluorspar. Globally, significant exploration and development of CRM deposits is in progress, with the aim of mining many of these to increase the supply of CRMs. To reduce the negative aspects of mining, and to respond to pressures from consumers, many companies have adopted a 'sustainable mining' policy to undertake mining that is profitable and maximises the flow of resources into circulation while protecting the environment and human rights and health. This presentation outlines opportunities and obstacles for geoscientists with respect to sustainable mining of CRMs. Opportunities include developing geomodels for previously understudied CRM orebodies and working in multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovation technologies and procedures along the whole mining value chain for the industry. Time constraints and integration of natural, engineering and social science research are some of the obstacles that will be discussed. Overall, geoscientists have a major leading role to play in the global sustainable mining of CRMs.