Decarbonization of the Mining Sector

The report analyzes the mining sector's impact on greenhouse gas emissions and its essential role in providing minerals for energy transition technologies. It emphasizes the need for strategic management to reduce emissions and prevent biodiversity loss and pollution, while highlighting the specific challenge of fugitive methane emissions from coal mining. The study uses case studies from Chile, Indonesia, and South Africa to provide policy recommendations and explores the industry's use of voluntary disclosures and transparency initiatives to manage its carbon footprint.

• The mining sector is a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to its energy-intensive nature, requiring strategic management to avoid worsening pollution and biodiversity loss.
• Coal mining presents a disproportionate decarbonization challenge, as fugitive methane emissions from these mines account for nearly 80% of all mining-related GHG emissions.
• The report emphasizes a 'just transition' framework to ensure that the benefits of the shifting global demand for minerals and metals are distributed fairly and inclusively among producing countries.
• The mining industry is responding to decarbonization pressures through a mix of legal reporting requirements, international transparency initiatives, voluntary disclosures, and corporate communication strategies.

APA

Karamira,, F. S. (2024). Decarbonization of the Mining Sector. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/igf-decarbonization-mining-sector

Chicago

Karamira,, Famke Schaap,Astrid. Decarbonization of the Mining Sector. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2024. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/igf-decarbonization-mining-sector.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Karamira, |first1=Famke Schaap,Astrid |title=Decarbonization of the Mining Sector |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=7 August 2024 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/igf-decarbonization-mining-sector |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{karamira2024decarbonization, author = {Karamira,, Famke Schaap,Astrid}, title = {{Decarbonization of the Mining Sector}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2024}, month = aug, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/igf-decarbonization-mining-sector}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }