The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), an international body dedicated to safe, fair and sustainable mining, was represented at the Energy and Mines World Congress by innovation and climate change manager Verónica Martinez.
Martinez said on November 9 that while miners would be responsible for the global supply of many materials critical to the energy transition, they also must source and produce these in a climate-friendly manner.
ICMM has accordingly set responsible mining principles for its 28 mining and metals members and 35 commodities association members to adhere to, and in particular, the pathways to net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050 or sooner.
Martinez revealed that Scope 1 emissions were responsible for about 60% of ICMM members’ emissions, while Scope 2 accounted for the balance. ICMM has therefore outlined the short and medium-term targets for its members to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050.
ICMM has a three-pronged strategy in this regard, Martinez said, focusing on mitigation of emissions, adaptation, and disclosure of climate information in a transparent and standardised format.
The Council also recommends that members use ‘circular economy’ principles to achieve sustainablity, for example, avoiding unnecessary use of resources and keeping materials in service for longer.
On Scope 3 emissions, Martinez said ICMM would set reduction targets latest by the end of 2023.
Source: Mining Weekly
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