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Solid Waste
Solid Waste
Mining is the world’s largest producer of solid waste, with output expected to reach 198.37 billion tons in 2026. Surface mining accounts for 72% of this waste. Falling ore grades force modern open-pit mines to discard 2–10 times more waste rock per ton of mineral recovered. Solid waste - including waste rock and toxic tailings - makes up 94.9% of the sector’s total waste.
Carbon Footprint
Carbon Footprint
The mining industry accounts for 4–7% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2026. While electrification is increasing, energy-intensive ore processing still depends on fossil fuels. Notably, nearly 80% of the sector’s direct emissions come from fugitive methane leaks in coal mining, making decarbonization especially challenging.
Water Pollution
Water Pollution
Mining poses a major threat to water quality, with over 60% of water bodies near active mines showing high levels of heavy metals and sediment. Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) from exposed minerals drives this pollution, affecting the freshwater security of around 320 million people by 2026.
Why It’s the Need of the Hour?
The mining industry is currently the "bottleneck" of the green energy transition. While minerals are vital for decarbonization, extracting them under current models is self-defeating: as of 2026, 80% of mining’s direct emissions remain fugitive methane, and toxic runoff threatens the water security of 320 million people. With ore grades plummeting, we now discard 10 times more waste rock than a decade ago to meet demand. This is no longer just an environmental concern; it is a catastrophic business risk. To ensure the "green" transition doesn't destroy the very ecosystems it aims to save, the shift to circularity and zero-emissions mining is not a choice - it is a race against time. The time for change is now.
Because in mining, every ton extracted carries responsibility beyond the ore. Our 360° Environmental Footprint quantifies your true impact - from carbon emissions and energy use to water management and waste. With our Green Strategy Roadmap, we turn these insights into actionable strategies that simplify permitting, enhance operational efficiency and strengthen your reputation. The era of estimation is over, the era of calculation starts now.
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