How the mining industry is adapting to climate change
GIZ Raw Materials and Climate Program: “Climate and environmental policy instruments to promote low-emission raw material extraction and resource-efficient use in developing and emerging countries”
Impression from a field visit
During a tour of Arisol’s production facility for construction sand, gravel and chippings, the general potential for efficiency in mining in Colombia quickly becomes clear. The solar panels, which can be used to partially cover the company’s own energy requirements, immediately catch the eye. Converting the transportation of raw sludge from the riverbed to the production site using tippers to an electric system of conveyor belts offers additional potential for reducing CO2 emissions and lowering energy costs. Furthermore, the proximity of many production sites to rivers is an increasing risk due to changing precipitation patterns. Targeted adaptation measures can significantly improve the resilience of companies here. During our visit to Arisol, the expansion of solar panel capacities and the structuring of a project to make the transportation of materials more efficient were among the measures agreed.
Mining sector in relation to climate change
The extraction of raw materials is an important driver of economic development for many emerging countries. In Colombia, a number of policy instruments have therefore been developed . They take an integral view of economic, social and environmental development and also relate to the mining and energy sectors, among others. GIZ is supporting the Ministries of Environment and Sustainable Development and of Mines and Energy in designing the legal framework and has commissioned us to advise the ministries on the elaboration of a low-carbon development strategy for the mining sector in the ferronickel and construction materials sub-sectors.
Client needs – Ministry & private sector
Climate policy and the development of the mining sector had previously been dealt with separately. Therefore, it was important to put together a multidisciplinary team that was both familiar with the specific production processes of the sub-sectors and experienced in the development of climate change mitigation and adaptation plans. On the other hand, a process had to be set up that took into account the different interests and practical experience of the companies in the formulation of the strategy. In this case, for example, typical project profiles were developed to show the mining companies concrete options for action.
Type of consultancy
Our local team quickly adapted to the dynamics and different needs of clients, ministries and the private sector. Against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, structuring the implementation in SCRUM sprints allowed for tailored contact. This meant that the ambitious products were developed step by step at a distance. This allowed clients and local partners to be regularly involved in the considerations and adjustments.
Implementation
During the 10-month consultancy, it was possible to (1) estimate the baseline scenario and the scenario for reducing greenhouse gas emissions at national level in the sub-sectors, (2) prepare a cost-benefit estimate of the measures in relation to the scenario for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, (3) formulate the low-carbon development strategy for the selected sub-sectors, (4) jointly with the companies, develop a portfolio of projects for implementing the measures to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and (5) suggest adaptation measures that increase the resilience of the companies to the effects of climate change.
