By now it is a foregone conclusion that in order for net-zero to be achieved, the increased adoption of low carbon technologies is essential, with mining propelling the current seismic energy transition. Electric cars cannot exist without lithium, nickel and cobalt, nuclear energy without uranium, wind turbines and solar panels without copper, zinc, iron and steel making coal.
The enhanced understanding that mining has a significant role to play in the green tech revolution has led Canadians to show greater enthusiasm than ever before for the industry. In fact, in polling recently completed by Abacus Data, support was found to be at an all time high, with 80% reporting that they have a positive feeling about producers of minerals and metals in Canada and 84% giving mining companies in Canada a good or acceptable performance in contributing new materials for use in clean technologies. This broad public support may surprise many, but in reality Canada’s mining sector is widely considered to be a global leader in its commitment to strong ESG standards and community engagement, with made-in-Canada standards like Towards Sustainable Mining being adopted by mining chambers around the world.
In times of growing international uncertainty, the world needs more Canadian mining and strides forward must be made to ensure the sector has the ability to provide a secure and stable supply of the minerals and metals essential to Canadians, our allies and businesses around the world.