Latest news with #sustainablemining
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
WWF calls on G20 to prioritise sustainable mining for green future in Africa
The race to acquire the minerals needed for a low-carbon energy transition away from fossil fuels is on, but if this is to have a positive impact on both people and the environment, it needs to be carefully planned and monitored. Ahead of the G20 Summit from 22 to 23 November 2025 in Johannesburg, WWF is calling on the G20 to prioritise sustainable mining and has developed a discussion document titled 'An agenda for responsible mining of transition minerals in Africa'. At the outset, this document warns that we need to avoid 'past patterns of extractivism in Africa – the resource curse, rent-seeking by elites, illicit financial flows, exploitative jobs, displacement and disruption of local communities, plus water, land and biodiversity impacts'. Among these impacts are pollution and the loss of productive land, carbon sinks, biodiversity habitats, and freshwater systems. Transition minerals are sometimes referred to as green minerals or a sub-category of critical minerals. Their defining quality is that they are essential for the transition to low-carbon technologies. Smallest possible carbon footprint A World Bank estimate is that there will be a 500% increase in demand for minerals such as graphite, lithium and cobalt by 2050 to meet the needs of the global just transition to a new energy order. As many of these minerals are found in developing countries, among them South Africa, we must prepare to meet this growing demand with, as the World Bank puts it, 'the smallest possible carbon footprint, while safeguarding the environment and people'. The best way to do this is to minimise mining as far as possible by creating circular economy industries, which include reclaiming these minerals from tailings dams, slag heaps, stockpiles and mine-polluted water sources and from scrap metals and post-consumer waste. This is an opportunity for all countries, not just those with minerals in the ground. A South African government strategy document on the economic potential of 'critical minerals and metals' concedes that mineral exploitation is linked to 'environmental degradation, displacement of communities, negative health impacts, illegal mining, and the continuation of inequality'. The issue of the sustainable development of a transition minerals industry could not be more pertinent as South Africa prepares to host the G20 nations later this year, where many of the players in this new world order will be present. Six key recommendations The WWF discussion document outlines six key recommendations to ensure that we are able to both benefit from this emerging industry while avoiding the mistakes of the past. Implicit in most of these points are current failures in our mining industry, which urgently need to be addressed, along with the need to prioritise environmental sustainability. - Circular economies: Create circular economies for transition minerals to build out new industries and jobs, and minimise the need for destructive virgin mining. - Land-use planning: Mandate strategic land-use decision-making at a national level to establish relative benefits of different land uses and possibly 'no-go areas' for mining, before a mining project's conception and impact assessments. - Workers' rights: Adopt and implement legislation and action plans on work in mining, and strengthen institutions, including enforcement agencies, relating to the eradication of child labour, human trafficking and modern slavery; and to improve worker rights, in line with the decent work guidelines of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). - Sufficient funds for rehabilitation and offsets: Grant prospecting permits and mining licences only if the business case for the mine indicates sufficient funds for sustainability practices in operations, for both rehabilitation and offsets to compensate for residual negative impacts. - Sustainability best practices: Adopt and implement best practices for sustainability during preparation, mining and post-mining. To ensure this implementation happens, aspects of these best practices should be translated into regulations; otherwise, there is no guarantee they will be followed or the necessary benefits realised. - Global framework: Establish a global framework and mechanisms for traceability, transparency and accountability in the mining and processing of transition minerals.
National Post
12-08-2025
- Business
- National Post
Allonnia and Eagle Mine Partner to Deploy D-Solve™ Technology to Unlock More Nickel from Existing Operations
BOSTON — Allonnia, a bio-ingenuity company dedicated to extracting value where others see waste, today announces a strategic partnership with Eagle Mine to deploy its Allonnia D-Solve™ mobile unit on-site. The collaboration represents a significant step forward in sustainable mineral processing, as the two companies work to demonstrate the impact of Allonnia's D-Solve technology in a live-production environment. Beginning in Q4 2025, the deployment will focus on selectively removing impurities from nickel concentrates to enhance metal recovery and support Eagle Mine's commitment to innovation and responsible mining. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events. Unlimited online access to National Post. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events. Unlimited online access to National Post. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Eagle Mine, an underground, high-grade nickel and copper operation located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is the only active nickel producer in the United States. Since opening in 2014, Eagle has been an essential part of the U.S. critical minerals supply chain and the regional economy. The company is actively exploring innovative technologies to extend the life of the mine and support the local community with high-quality jobs. This pilot arrives at a pivotal moment for miners and manufacturers. Global demand for nickel is projected to grow by 3x by 2050 to power the energy transition, but the industry is grappling with 30–50% ore grade declines over the past 50 years, higher processing costs, and mounting sustainability expectations. 'Meeting the surging demand for critical minerals requires a fundamental shift in how we extract value from increasingly complex ores,' said Nicole Richards, CEO of Allonnia. 'D-Solve is engineered to unlock value from low-grade ores, improve concentrate quality, and reduce environmental impact. Allonnia's collaboration with Eagle Mine is a pivotal step in proving that bolt-on biological innovation can redefine how critical minerals are processed both economically and sustainably.' At Eagle Mine, current operations leave valuable nickel in tailings due to smelter specifications that penalize impurities like magnesium. D-Solve addresses this bottleneck by deploying Allonnia Biosolutions™, naturally derived solutions generated by microbes, that selectively dissolve gangue minerals from concentrate. Allonnia's technology will treat 1-2 tons of concentrate per day in a continuous operation designed to validate both the performance and scalability of the process. 'Eagle Mine is excited to be the first nickel producer to pilot D-Solve in a live processing environment,' said Darby Stacey, Managing Director of Eagle Mine. 'We believe this innovation could unlock several critical efficiencies in our process that could lead to extending the life of the mine. As technology development in our industry accelerates, we are committed to working with companies on new processes that could improve our operations today while also paving the way for future operations that could benefit from the knowledge generated at Eagle Mine.' In December 2024, Allonnia demonstrated D-Solve at SGS Lakefield in Ontario, where a 5-day continuous operation achieved a 40% reduction in magnesium impurities and an 18% increase in nickel grade while maintaining stable recovery and recyclable biosolutions. With demonstrated potential across nickel, copper, molybdenum, lithium, and other critical minerals, D-Solve is uniquely positioned to support producers in key mining regions where rising demand, declining ore grades, and intensifying ESG expectations are converging. By enabling higher recoveries and cleaner concentrates, D-Solve offers a powerful lever for operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. To learn more about D-Solve, visit Allonnia is a bio-ingenuity company dedicated to extracting value where others see waste. We believe elegant solutions to the world's biggest problems will be found in the world's smallest organisms. We're pioneering novel approaches and imaginative combinations in biotechnology and engineering to solve waste challenges in nature, using nature. To learn more visit Eagle Mine is a modern underground nickel and copper mine located in western Marquette County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In operation since 2014, Eagle produces nickel and copper concentrates that support the materials needed for today's technology and infrastructure. The mine employs more than 470 people and is committed to safe operations, environmental responsibility, and contributing to the local community. View source version on Jill Harding VP, Command for Allonnia jill@
Sustainability Times
11-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'These Unbelievable Clay Membranes Are Pulling Lithium Fortunes Out of Thin Water,' Roars Shocked Scientist as Global Battery Race Goes Into Overdrive
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago have developed a new clay membrane technology to efficiently extract lithium from seawater. from seawater. 🌊 The membrane, made from vermiculite clay, is designed to filter lithium ions with high precision, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional mining methods. clay, is designed to filter lithium ions with high precision, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional mining methods. ⚡ Beyond lithium, this technology holds potential for recovering other critical minerals like nickel and cobalt , and removing contaminants from drinking water. and , and removing contaminants from drinking water. 🔋 This innovation could significantly reduce reliance on foreign lithium suppliers and unlock untapped reserves, contributing to the global shift towards green energy. In an era where the demand for sustainable and efficient energy sources is skyrocketing, the extraction of lithium from seawater stands as a groundbreaking development. This precious metal, essential for batteries in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, is often sourced through environmentally taxing mining processes. However, a new innovation from Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago might revolutionize how we harness this element. By employing a novel 2D clay membrane, scientists propose a more sustainable, cost-effective method to extract lithium directly from saltwater sources. Revolutionizing Lithium Extraction The traditional methods of lithium extraction have long been dominated by hard-rock mining and salt lake evaporation. These processes, concentrated in a few countries, not only pose environmental risks but also create vulnerabilities in the global supply chain. In stark contrast, the oceans and underground brines harbor vast amounts of dissolved lithium, yet extracting it has been deemed inefficient—until now. The breakthrough by the Argonne-UChicago team lies in their development of a membrane constructed from vermiculite, a naturally occurring and inexpensive clay. By peeling vermiculite into ultrathin sheets and restacking them, researchers have created a dense, layered filter. These sheets, mere billionths of a meter thick, are classified as two-dimensional materials, offering unprecedented efficiency in filtering lithium ions from saltwater. Despite initial challenges with the membrane's durability in water, the introduction of microscopic aluminum oxide pillars within the structure has fortified it, showcasing the potential to disrupt and transform the lithium extraction industry. 'We've Crushed the Range Barrier': Japanese Electric SUV Stuns Industry With 807-Mile Performance Using Only an LFP Battery The Science Behind the Membrane The innovation doesn't stop at the membrane's structure. By infusing the membrane with sodium cations, researchers were able to shift its surface charge from neutral to positive. This is crucial because both lithium and magnesium ions, prevalent in saltwater, carry a positive charge. However, magnesium ions have a higher charge, making them more challenging to filter. With a positively charged membrane, the stronger magnesium ions are repelled more effectively, allowing lithium ions to pass through unimpeded. Further enhancements were made by adding sodium ions, which tightened the membrane's pore structure, enhancing its selectivity and allowing smaller ions to pass through while capturing lithium with greater precision. The result is a scalable, low-cost filtration method capable of unlocking untapped reserves of lithium found abundantly in oceans, underground brines, and even wastewater. This advancement could significantly reduce the reliance on foreign lithium suppliers and open up new reserves previously deemed inaccessible. 'We Did It With Sunlight and Urine': Canadian Scientists Split Water Into Hydrogen Using Urea and Weak Natural Light Beyond Lithium: Broader Implications The applications of this membrane technology extend beyond just lithium extraction. Researchers are optimistic about its potential to recover other critical minerals, such as nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, all of which are vital for modern technology and clean energy solutions. Moreover, the membrane could serve as a tool for removing harmful contaminants from drinking water, showcasing its versatility and far-reaching impact. Yining Liu, a Ph.D. candidate at UChicago and a member of the AMEWS team, highlights the potential of this technology to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and explore new lithium reserves. The membrane's ability to filter based on ion size and charge marks a significant advancement in resource recovery technologies. As the world continues to seek sustainable solutions for energy and resource management, innovations like these demonstrate how science and technology can pave the way for a cleaner, more efficient future. 'We Finally Made It Happen': World's Largest Stellarator Produces Historic Helium-3 in Unprecedented Nuclear Breakthrough Challenges and Future Prospects While the promise of this technology is substantial, challenges remain. Scaling the membrane for widespread use and integrating it into existing infrastructure will require further research and development. Additionally, ensuring the long-term stability and durability of the membrane in various environmental conditions is critical. Nevertheless, the potential benefits of this technology cannot be overstated. By providing a method to tap into the vast reserves of lithium in oceans, this membrane could transform the energy storage industry and contribute to the global shift towards greener technologies. As researchers continue to refine and explore the capabilities of this membrane, one can't help but wonder: How might this technology shape the future of resource extraction and energy sustainability? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (22)
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ghana's President Mahama to Deliver Keynote Address at Mining in Motion 2025
John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will deliver the keynote address at the official opening of the Mining in Motion conference, taking place from June 2-4 at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. His address will outline the country's strategy and efforts by Africa to drive economic development through the sustainable exploitation of mineral resources. As Africa's leading gold producer, Ghana – under the leadership of President Mahama - continues to set the standard in sustainable resource management, investment attraction and local content development. In 2024, the country's gold mining sector generated $11.6 billion, with small-scale gold mining ( alone contributing $5 billion in export revenue and employing over one million people. The President's participation underscores Ghana and Africa's commitment to fostering a responsible, high-growth mining industry that supports economic expansion and job creation. Under the theme, Sustainable Mining&Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Growth, Mining in Motion 2025 will convene Africa's top industry stakeholders, global investors and leading institutions – including the World Bank and the World Gold Council – to explore emerging trends, regulatory developments and technological advancements shaping the future of mining. The conference will highlight Ghana and Africa's strategic vision, emphasizing policies that enhance local benefits, promote sustainability and strengthen international partnerships. Organized by the Ashanti Green Initiative – led by Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of Ghana's Ashanti Kingdom – in collaboration with the World Bank and the World Gold Council, with the support of Ghana's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the summit offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with industry leaders and engage in critical discussions on artisanal, small-scale and large-scale mining. Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting ASGM and medium to large scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact Sales@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ghana's Environment Minister to Champion Innovation, Sustainability at Mining in Motion 2025
The Mining in Motion Summit ( is pleased to announce the participation of Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Ghana's Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, as a speaker. Hon. Muhammed's involvement underscores the government's commitment to environmentally responsible mining, technological innovation and scientific advancement in the extractive sector. As the head of the ministry leading innovation and sustainability, Hon. Muhammed is spearheading initiatives to align mining operations with national development goals and environmental stewardship. His efforts include forging partnerships with global public and private stakeholders to implement science-based solutions and sustainable practices. In April 2025, the Minister met with Park Kyongsig, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea ( to Ghana, to explore bilateral cooperation on climate change and environmental protection. Their discussions centered on leveraging Korean expertise to restore water bodies impacted by illegal mining and address the root causes of environmental degradation. In February 2025, Hon. Muhammed reiterated the government's commitment ( to leveraging local innovation as a driver of economic growth, particularly within key industries like mining, which continues to play a vital role in Ghana's economy. Gold exports reached $11.6 billion in 2024, accounting for 57% of the country's total export revenue, highlighting the sector's significance in national development. In line with modernization efforts, the government, through the Minerals Commission of Ghana ( is equipping the next generation of workers with skills in emerging technologies such as drones, which are being deployed to support automation and improve sector monitoring. Under the World Bank-funded Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project ( the country is actively addressing land degradation and promoting sustainable practices among artisanal and small-scale miners, ensuring mining sector contribution to economic growth and long-term environmental and social sustainability. At Mining in Motion, Hon. Muhammed will engage with key stakeholders from the mining industry, academia and civil society to exchange insights on policy, innovation and the future of mineral resource governance in Ghana. The summit, led by the Ashanti Green Initiative under the leadership of Oheneba Kwaku Duah, Prince of the Ashanti Kingdom, is hosted in partnership with the World Bank and the World Gold Council. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power. For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact: sales@ About Mining in Motion Summit: Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting small-scale miners and medium to large scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting
