Executive Summary
As part of the Mining Association of Canada’s (MAC’s) commitment to sustainable development, this document provides guidance on climate change adaptation for the mining sector. Climate change is already affecting the mining industry and projected changes to key climate variables such as temperature and rainfall have the potential to impact all aspects of the mining sector in the future. Mine Owners already have established processes in place to manage risks. Climate change acts as a modifier of these risks that could have physical, social, reputational, and economic impacts on the mining sector. Consistent with existing international guidance, this guidance provides tools that can be used by Owners to consider climate related risks and opportunities and incorporate climate change adaptation into their decision making.
This guidance describes a stepwise approach to:
- Increase the resilience of mines, reducing the potential for impacts and the need for more costly adaptation measures later in the life cycle.
- Take advantage of climate change opportunities for improved mine management, such as longer growing seasons that can help enhance revegetation and reclamation activities.
