Extractive industries struggle with sustainability paradox

Despite efforts to integrate environmental management, the extractive industries face inherent challenges in achieving true sustainability.

Timothy J. Killeen writes for Mongabay.

In short:

• Environmental impact assessments (EIA) are vital for identifying and mitigating environmental damage from extractive operations.
• Properly executed EIAs and consultation processes can improve profitability and reduce conflicts with local communities.
• Some companies adopt best practices for environmental management, but others view EIAs as mere formalities.

Why this matters:

As society shifts towards solar, wind, and other renewable sources, the demand for certain minerals—like lithium and cobalt, crucial for batteries—has surged. This shift paradoxically increases mining activities, raising new environmental and ethical concerns, such as the exploitation of resources in developing countries and the environmental degradation of pristine areas.