In the past century, the world has gone through a significant transition. The materials we rely upon once were sourced from tens of millions of small to medium-sized mines spread throughout the world. Nowadays, the majority of formal mining operations are massive open pits, deep underground mines, or other forms of mass extraction. But is this the most efficient way for society to extract it’s mineral resources? That is a critical question as we enter a phase where demand far outpaces supply and efficient supply of mined materials will be a high priority. Dr. Kathryn Moore, from the University of Exeter, has helped to develop a novel system for mining called switch-on and switch-off mining that may advance our ability to efficiently mine. This new model uses small, high grade, ore bodies paired with innovative mining technology to allow minerals to be extracted and concentrated without the enormity of many other mining operations. Instead of decades of lead time followed by massive disruption and centuries of land rehabilitation, this new way of extracting minerals may provide us with essential materials without the large and ugly footprint. These ideas are discussed during the episode and what they mean for mining and our society. After conducting two case studies in Eastern Europe, Dr. Moore and her team have analyzed this subject from many angles, including the ethics of the potential paradigm, to provide insight into how these technologies can be optimized. It presents a new way to think about how we will be able to meet the challenges of future resource demand without sacrificing well-being.
As always, thank you to the listeners of the podcast! I hope that it is enriching and provides valuable insight!
Here are citations for some of her papers:
Moore, Kathryn. "IMPaCT, Integrated Modular Plant and Containerised Tools for Selective, Low-impact Mining of Small High-grade Deposits, Horizon 2020." Impact 2018.8 (2018): 27-29.
Beylot, Antoine, et al. "Switch on-switch off small-scale mining: Environmental performance in a life cycle perspective." Journal of Cleaner Production 312 (2021): 127647.
Moore, K. R., et al. "Sustainability of switch on-switch off (SOSO) mining: Human resource development tailored to technological solutions." Resources Policy 73 (2021): 102167.
Paneri, Anshul, et al. "Renewable energy can make small-scale mining in Europe more feasible." Resources, Conservation and Recycling 172 (2021): 105674.
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