New clean mining association is formed

Artillery Peak in Arizona, site of American Manganese's deposit. The company is a member of the new Clean Mining Alliance. — Photo courtesy American Manganese

Founding members of the new Clean Mining Alliance are focused on greening one of the last bastions of old, dirty technology, said the group’s executive director, Dallas Kachan. The nonprofit industry association is aimed at supporting and advocating for technological advancements to make the mining industry cleaner and more environmentally responsible.

“Frameworks exist to increase social responsibility in mining, but despite advancements in exploration, extraction, production and reclamation technology, the industry has struggled to present itself as having grown beyond the mining days of old,” said Kachan. “The Clean Mining Alliance exists to help promote new and emerging technology developments that are making mining more environmentally responsible.”

The five-member group launched its mandate with an invitation for companies doing interesting new things in processing and core technologies to join them in the quest for a cleaner future in Canadian mining.

“Historically the mining industry uses a lot of power and water and creates toxicity issues,” said Kachan. “Today there are companies that are working to reduce power needed in ore processing and crushing and developing closed-loop remediation for existing tailings with bio processes.”

Members of the Clean Mining Alliance include companies on the forefront of innovative breakthroughs in the mining industry, as well as leading research organizations. Ideally, new charter members will be companies doing something of magnitude aimed at changing current, less eco-friendly practices or technology. Supporting members are also welcome and comprise any company that plays an important role in helping to connect companies doing important new technology in mining.

Founding members of the Clean Mining Alliance include American Manganese, CERM³ at the University of British Columbia, Kemetco Research and Nevada Clean Magnesium. Clean technologies or “cleantech” employed by member organizations include membrane-based water filtration, hydrometallurgical processes, biologic remediation, carbon capture, near-zero emissions processes, closed-loop systems and other innovation.

“When people realize the cost savings and efficiency gained by clean mining they will realize we are standing on the edge of big, important changes courtesy of clean technology,” said Kachan.

Follow the alliance, its members and clean mining industry developments at the association’s website or via Twitter @CleanMining.