Society for Mining Metallurgy & Exploration Responsible Mining: Case Studies in Managing Social & Environmental Risks in the Developed World

Mining Can Be Environmentally and Socially Responsible―and Still Profitable. Even in this regulated, environmentally aware world, running a mine can be done safely, with combined goals of maximizing both the return on investment from extraction and the positive environmental and social impact that a well-run, responsible mine can offer. Responsible Mining is your comprehensive guide to addressing social and environmental risks at mines in the developed world. This book gathers case studies of best practices across the full range of issues. With examples from four continents, you can learn from both your home territory and around the world. Seventy-two leading mine engineers, forestry scientists, conservationists, environmental consultants, sustainability professionals, and geologists from prominent universities, extraction businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and governments have come together within these pages to lead you safely and profitably toward socially, environmentally, and economically beneficial mining practices. Organized around ten sustainability principles required of International Council on Mining and Metals members (including some of the largest extraction businesses in the world), the book addresses nearly every environmental and social consequence of mining in developed countries, including: Protecting biodiversity Minimizing negative impacts on climate change Interacting appropriately with indigenous peoples Enhancing the local community and reducing poverty Reusing and recycling materials Recovering energy Recapturing and reusing water Managing proper storage, reclamation, and disposal of tailings Restoring the land after ceasing mining operations. You will want to make this book required reading for all members of your team who are responsible for environmental compliance, resource recovery, sustainability, energy management, and marketing/public relations to facilitate cross-departmental discussions about how to incorporate best practices into your business plans.