The Role of Mining in Modern Technology and Environmental Sustainability: Insights from a Mining Engineering Student

 

 As a mining engineering student, I have noticed that mining tends to be a heavily criticized field in the current era of environmental concerns and discussions about climate change. As someone who is personally invested in the industry, I feel it is important to share my perspective and shed light on the fact that the smartphones that many people use on a daily basis contain around 20-25 different elements that were also mined.

Mining has often been seen as a source of environmental degradation, with concerns ranging from the destruction of habitats and ecosystems, to the pollution of air and water. However, the truth is more complex. While it is true that mining can have negative impacts on the environment, it is also an essential industry that plays a vital role in our economy and in addressing some of the most pressing environmental and climate challenges of our time.

One of the key ways in which mining is crucial in addressing environmental and climate change problems is through the production of materials that are essential for the transition to a low-carbon economy. Many of the technologies and infrastructure that are necessary for the transition to renewable energy and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions rely on metals and minerals that are mined from the earth. For example, the production of solar panels and wind turbines requires the mining of rare earth elements, copper, and aluminum, while the construction of electric significantly rise the need of  mining of lithium and cobalt.

Here I must mention that despite the important role that mining plays in addressing environmental and climate change problems, it is important that the industry operates in a responsible and sustainable manner. This means taking steps to minimize the environmental impacts of mining, such as by reclaiming and rehabilitating land after mining operations have been completed, and by implementing best practices for waste management and water conservation.

What you can do?

But as individual and consumer you can also play an important role to make sure there is less need of mining by choosing products that have a smaller environmental footprint, such as those made from recycled materials or that are designed to be easily repaired or recycled. They can also support companies that are committed to sustainability. By making conscious choices that either you need the product or not. so before buying a new smartphone or any product just because of one new feature, or to flex in the society, just think, is that worth it.