Biggest Global Producer of Copper Plans to Decrease Emissions by 70%
Codelco, located in Chile and the biggest producer of copper in the world, has developed sustainability plans in various areas of action for its projects and operations. The plans include the mine’s aim to reduce carbon emissions by 70%, recycle 65% of its industrial waste and decrease the consumption of inland water by 60% — all by the year 2030.
The plan, which focuses on five main points, aims to decrease nearly three-quarters of the carbon emissions generated by the mine by developing what it refers to as a 100% clean-energy matrix. This would mean replacing all the equipment used in production underground with electric machinery and vehicles. It would also require that the mine participate in the search for sources of clean energy such as green hydrogen.
The company is also committed to decreasing its water footprint by over half of its current usage levels. This important element has created controversy between a few other companies, especially producers of lithium and Codelco’s expansion plans.
Many of Chile’s mines are found in the Atacama Desert, which is already dry in itself. A now-abandoned practice of obtaining water from the salt flat has left this location almost depleted of water. With regard to the reduction of industrial waste, Codelco stated that it would begin by growing its recycling of nonhazardous solid industrial residuals, such as scrap metal, steel, organic waste, wood and packaging materials. Additionally, the company stated that it would recycle 100% of the tires it uses. The miner’s plan also includes the chemical and physical stability of its tailings deposits.
The state-owned mine also stated that it would be measuring progress towards the objectives outlined above using various performance indicators, which are linked to particular business cases that incorporate all operational areas.
In the statement released to the public, Codelco CEO Octavio Araneda stated that the company was taking charge of its purpose in a bid to vitalize the sustainable development of both the world and Chile in particular, through deadlines and defined goals.
Analysts say that this move may open up the way for more significant sustainability standards that influence the industry as a whole, given that the copper mining trade is historically known for being high polluting.
The company’s move to venture into sustainability comes at a time of growing pressure globally from environmental groups and governments on miners to become more sustainable. Additionally, consumers are also demanding commodities with a lower carbon footprint as more scientific evidence shows that emissions are the main contributors to climate change.
In addition to Codelco, GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF) appears to be having a great run in its operations. A clear indicator of this is its recent announcement that it was in the process of adding seven Chilean mineral-rich properties to its portfolio.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF) are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/GHVNF
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the MiningNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by MNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.MiningNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
Codelco, located in Chile and the biggest producer of copper in the world, has developed sustainability plans in various areas of action for its projects and operations. The plans include the mine’s aim to reduce carbon emissions by 70%, recycle 65% of its industrial waste and decrease the consumption of inland water by 60% — all by the year 2030.
The plan, which focuses on five main points, aims to decrease nearly three-quarters of the carbon emissions generated by the mine by developing what it refers to as a 100% clean-energy matrix. This would mean replacing all the equipment used in production underground with electric machinery and vehicles. It would also require that the mine participate in the search for sources of clean energy such as green hydrogen.
The company is also committed to decreasing its water footprint by over half of its current usage levels. This important element has created controversy between a few other companies, especially producers of lithium and Codelco’s expansion plans.
Many of Chile’s mines are found in the Atacama Desert, which is already dry in itself. A now-abandoned practice of obtaining water from the salt flat has left this location almost depleted of water. With regard to the reduction of industrial waste, Codelco stated that it would begin by growing its recycling of nonhazardous solid industrial residuals, such as scrap metal, steel, organic waste, wood and packaging materials. Additionally, the company stated that it would recycle 100% of the tires it uses. The miner’s plan also includes the chemical and physical stability of its tailings deposits.
The state-owned mine also stated that it would be measuring progress towards the objectives outlined above using various performance indicators, which are linked to particular business cases that incorporate all operational areas.
In the statement released to the public, Codelco CEO Octavio Araneda stated that the company was taking charge of its purpose in a bid to vitalize the sustainable development of both the world and Chile in particular, through deadlines and defined goals.
Analysts say that this move may open up the way for more significant sustainability standards that influence the industry as a whole, given that the copper mining trade is historically known for being high polluting.
The company’s move to venture into sustainability comes at a time of growing pressure globally from environmental groups and governments on miners to become more sustainable. Additionally, consumers are also demanding commodities with a lower carbon footprint as more scientific evidence shows that emissions are the main contributors to climate change.
In addition to Codelco, GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF) appears to be having a great run in its operations. A clear indicator of this is its recent announcement that it was in the process of adding seven Chilean mineral-rich properties to its portfolio.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF) are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/GHVNF
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the MiningNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by MNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.MiningNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
