Edward Welsh’s Post

An interesting article aluding to the complexities of the green energy transition, amidis mining legacy.

Section VII.A: Introduction Exploring the Nexus of Prospecting & Mining: Economic Significance & Environmental Implications Abstract The analysis investigates the intricate interplay between prospecting and mining activities, focusing on their economic significance and environmental implications. With a comprehensive review of literature, industry reports, and case studies, the study offers insights into the pivotal role of prospecting and mining in resource extraction and economic development. It examines the methodologies employed in prospecting, including geological surveys, remote sensing, and geochemical analysis, highlighting their contributions to identifying and assessing mineral deposits. Furthermore, the analysis delves into various mining techniques, ranging from traditional methods to advanced technologies, and their impacts on resource extraction efficiency and environmental sustainability. Moreover, the study scrutinizes the economic benefits derived from prospecting and mining, such as job creation, revenue generation, and infrastructure development, while also addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by mining communities. Additionally, it explores the environmental consequences of mining activities, including habitat destruction, water and air pollution, and soil degradation, and evaluates the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks and environmental mitigation measures. Through a multidimensional analysis, the study aims to provide policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental advocates with a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding prospecting and mining, facilitating informed decision-making and sustainable resource management strategies for the future. https://lnkd.in/gKAnv2UU

"Deep-sea mining aims to retrieve valuable mineral deposits found on the ocean’s floor, hundreds or even thousands of meters below its surface. Alongside a diverse array of marine life at these depths are significant reserves of copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, silver, gold and rare earth elements — materials that are essential to building zero-carbon energy components and other technologies but can be difficult to source. In the deep sea, these minerals are contained within slow-forming, potato-sized polymetallic nodules, as well as in polymetallic sulphides (large deposits made up of sulphur compounds and other metals that form around hydrothermal vents) and metal-rich crusts on underwater mountains (seamounts). While there has been commercial interest in these minerals for decades, recent advancements in technology have made it possible to mine these areas by sending vehicles down to harvest mineral deposits from the seafloor. Polymetallic nodules that look like small rocks on the floor of the deep sea. Mineral nodules on the seafloor in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a key area of interest for deep-sea mining. In the case of polymetallic nodules — which are currently the primary focus for deep-sea mining — mining vehicles would collect mineral deposits from the surface of the seabed, not unlike a tractor plowing a field, along with the top layers of sediment. The materials collected would then be piped up to a surface vessel for processing, and any waste, such as sediments and other organic materials, would be pumped back into the water column."

How can we mine smarter? It’s a question Grant Caffery asks in a piece for The Intelligent Miner - and it’s a question with real-world and real-time financial consequences. “AI and ML can typically achieve operational improvements of 10-30%, with potential enhancements, for example, in safety rates, consumable usage, utilisation and availability, ranging from 50% to 90% in specific use cases.” That’s an incredible achievement in continuous improvement, and in an era where mining is necessary to unlock the energy transition, it’s not an idea that should be passed over. Read more about smart, precision, efficient mining here.

The Importance of Mining: Unveiling the Backbone of Modern Society Introduction Mining, the extraction of valuable minerals and resources from the earth, has been a vital component of human progress since ancient times. Despite its significance, the importance of mining is often overlooked, with many people unaware of its far-reaching impact on our daily lives. This article aims to shed light on the crucial role mining plays in modern society, highlighting its economic, technological, and environmental significance. Section 1: Economic Importance * Job creation and contribution to GDP * Supply of raw materials for industries (manufacturing, construction, energy) * Resource extraction fuels economic growth and development Section 2: Technological Advancements * Mining enables innovation in fields like technology, medicine, and renewable energy * Access to rare earth elements and minerals for cutting-edge technologies * Research and development in mining techniques and equipment Section 3: Environmental Considerations * Responsible mining practices and regulations ensure minimal environmental impact * Reclamation and rehabilitation efforts restore mined lands * Mineral extraction supports clean energy solutions and sustainable technologies Conclusion Mining is the unsung hero of modern society, providing the foundation for our technological advancements, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the importance of mining and work towards responsible and innovative practices that balance resource extraction with environmental stewardship. By doing so, we can ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.

The head of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) believes that deep-sea mining is inevitable due to high industrial interest in producing minerals at lower costs. Despite concerns about its environmental impact, Norway recently authorized seabed mining exploration, becoming the first country to do so. The potential economic benefits are substantial, with estimated reserves worth trillions of dollars, and studies suggest that extracting battery metals from nodules could significantly reduce emissions and land use. However, the environmental impacts remain uncertain, with warnings of ecosystem destruction and species extinction. Chile could consider regulating deep-sea mining similarly to land mining, with strict environmental assessments, monitoring, and mitigation measures to minimize ecological harm. This could involve establishing comprehensive regulations that prioritize environmental conservation while allowing for responsible resource extraction. Additionally, international cooperation and research could help address uncertainties and develop sustainable practices for deep-sea mining.

US CONGRESS TO FUND A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON DEEP SEA MINING: The United States is taking new steps to bolster its supply of critical minerals. In its latest move, Congress will fund a feasibility study on deep-sea mining by the Department of Defense, the Wall Street Journal reports. The documents seen by the WSJ state that under the $2 million effort, the Pentagon will work with “an entity experienced in refining critical minerals and producing battery-grade” metals. The project will explore the possibility of processing raw materials from the ocean floor in the U.S. However, the study will only begin once the annual defense budget has been passed later this year. U.S. lawmakers already pushed to ramp up deep-sea mining activities in a new bill earlier this year. The proposal would provide financial, diplomatic, and infrastructure support for the industry but has not yet been passed. ALTHOUGH CONTROVERSIAL - NORWAY FORGES AHEAD: Deep-sea mining involves the collection of rocks, or so-called nodules, sitting on the ocean floor. These nodules contain minerals and metals, for example, manganese, nickel, or cobalt. It is controversial even in the mining industry, as the environmental impacts are yet to be fully understood. Multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, have previously announced support for a moratorium on granting deep-sea mining permits. The country pushing ahead of concerns, however, is Norway. The Nordic country’s parliament approved a proposal to open an area in the North Atlantic for exploration and extraction efforts earlier this year, making it the only country worldwide to give the go-ahead to commercial deep-sea mining. The Norwegian branch of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has sued Norway for its plans this week, citing insufficient impact assessments. Source:partner -rawmaterials.net

Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos are backing a $150M AI-driven copper mining revolution in Zambia. Here's how. KoBold Metals has committed $150 million to the Mingomba copper-cobalt mine in Zambia. Using advanced AI and data-crunching algorithms, the company aims to revolutionize mineral exploration and boost Zambia’s copper production dramatically. The Mingomba deposit contains 247 million tonnes of ore with an average grade of 3.64% copper, making it one of the highest-grade undeveloped large copper deposits globally. This discovery surpasses the copper grades found in top producers like Chile. The AI technology employed by KoBold Metals, often described as "Google Maps for the Earth's crust," leverages data from drilling results and satellite imagery to identify and optimize resource locations. This tech is pivotal in locating new deposits missed by traditional methods. Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema has set a target to increase the national copper output to three million tonnes by 2031. The Mingomba project could significantly contribute to this goal, potentially producing 500,000 to 600,000 metric tons annually when fully operational. KoBold's shareholders include prominent entities like Breakthrough Energy Ventures, T. Rowe Price, Bond Capital, Andreesen Horowitz, and Equinor ASA. The project’s implications extend beyond mining, addressing the global demand for copper in renewable energy and electric vehicles. KoBold Metals does not plan to operate the mine directly but focuses on using its AI tools to enhance exploration efficiency. This strategic partnership model is expected to drive significant advancements in the mining industry and set new standards for mineral discovery and extraction.

As I was reading several articles and news pieces about deep-sea mining, I found it to be a fascinating and relevant topic for ongoing discussion. Deep-sea mining primarily aims to extract minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and other metals that could facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources. While these minerals are often difficult to obtain on land—where mining can pose hazards to communities and workers—they are found in abundance on the ocean floor. This raises an important question: Is deep-sea mining necessary for a greener future? Studies indicate that collecting data on the ocean floor is essential for conducting environmental impact assessments. However, the challenge lies in the fact that the ocean environment is not uniform; it consists of its own mountains, valleys, and unique ecosystems, with many areas still unexplored. These unexplored regions are where the minerals are located. As we confront the effects of climate change on the ocean, we must consider the potential consequences of allowing deep-sea mining. What impact will it have on the continental shelf? How can we address the upcoming challenges? This underscores the importance of gathering comprehensive data about the ocean and thoroughly evaluating the potential outcomes of mining projects. It is crucial to adopt a holistic perspective that goes beyond economic development. We must also consider the long-term implications for the environment and societal well-being.

------ Towards a Greener Future: Kazakhstan's Commitment to Eco-Friendly Mining I truly feel that my country, Kazakhstan, a nation-rich in natural resources, is called to play a major role among sustainable mining nations.  We are lucky to have rich reserves of hydrocarbons and minerals, or natural assets, that lay the foundation of our economy and industrial landscape. According to the World Bank, Kazakhstan has over 5,000 unexplored mineral reserves, potentially worth more than $46 trillion. Around 220,000 people are currently employed in the mining industry, and 1.5 million square kilometers of land are open for geological exploration. To make a reference, I want to applaud Minister of Industry and Construction Kanat Sharlapayev, who led the Kazakh delegation at the Toronto PDAC conference, for stating Kazakhstan's role in the global mining industry and showing that we are operating on a significant scale. Let’s break it down, we are: -World's largest uranium producer (33% of global output in 2021),   -3rd in global titanium production,   -7th in zinc production,   -8th in lead production,   -11th in gold production,   -8th largest iron ore reserves (5 billion tons),   -2nd in manganese ore reserves (600 million tons),  we have: -copper reserves estimated at 36 million tons,   -30% of global chromite ore reserves and 95% of chromium reserves, -lithium reserves of around 75,600 tons. As demand surges for the metal, Kazakhstan is seen as a global supplier of high-quality lithium.  Nowadays, we all see a rapid increase in the electric vehicle industry. As an investor, I am a big supporter of sustainable mining. Products made from lithium, like batteries, support clean energy use that improves sustainability. But to make lithium mining sustainable, we must adopt practices that reduce water usage, minimize habitat disruption, and support recycling. We must continue to believe in our potential and work towards a greener future. By learning from our experience, we help these industries grow and ensure mining remains aligned with the global shift toward sustainability. As many of you already know, and as I’ve often said, the future of mining is in using what we've learned over the years in areas like nickel, cobalt, and lithium. These materials are key to electric vehicles and the green economy. Together, we should use our resources to drive growth for Kazakhstan and the Kazakh people.