Q . HOW DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY EVOLVING OVER THE NEXT 12-18 MONTHS ?
» “ I have a particular focus on iron ore from mining to metal and see the biggest changes in 12-18 months as being the pursuit of more sustainable operations , in particular , fewer emissions .”
Q . WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS IN YOUR INDUSTRY ?
» “ Emissions reduction , grade engineering and ever more inclusive work practices . However , in the long run , I think we will see mining transformed . The mine of the future will be deep underground with almost no surface expressions . Minerals will be extracted in-place , primarily by leaching and either electrowon on the surface or underground . Already over 60 % of the world ’ s uranium is won this way and copper will be next , not just the relatively easy oxide or primary sulphide minerals but secondary sulphides , currently regarded as not practical to leach . So we end up with no overburden piles , no low grade or waste piles and no tailings .”
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