In an ambitious move towards sustainable copper mining, the New South Wales Minister for Finance and Natural Resources Courtney Houssos has unveiled a new minerals processing roadmap for the state.
The roadmap brings together several key industry stakeholders including the resources sector, the NSW Government, universities, the mining technology industry and the International Copper Association Australia (ICAA).
Notably, the minerals processing roadmap charts a comprehensive course toward achieving net-zero emissions in the copper mining sector.
What's more, the roadmap comes hot on the heels of the Federal Government's Critical Minerals Strategy, announced in June this year, further underscoring the commitment to sustainable mining practices.
“Vital resource”
"Copper is a vital resource for a greener, smarter world. However, it's crucial for the mining industry to embrace innovation to reduce its carbon emissions," remarked ICAA CEO John Fennell.
Recognising the challenging task ahead, the roadmap focuses on fostering widespread collaboration, promoting knowledge sharing and employing a systems thinking approach.
Fennell said: "The journey to decarbonisation will vary for each copper producer and operation.
“Nonetheless, our roadmap highlights the collective accomplishments we can achieve."
Key processing themes
The roadmap outlines five key mineral processing themes to facilitate the transition towards net-zero solutions.
These themes include developing novel processing solutions, digital and automation technologies and waste stream processes.
It also details ways each partner can collaborate with stakeholders to accelerate innovation, knowledge exchange and impacts, enabling a faster shift to net zero.
The initiative signifies a landmark shift in the copper mining industry, paving the way for sustainable and responsible resource extraction that aligns with global carbon reduction goals.