Synthesis report from Swiss Minerals Observatory examines policy implications for sustainable mining

The report from the Swiss Minerals Observatory (SMO) found that metal production is a significant contributor to global coal-related greenhouse gas emissions and that metals' climate and particulate-matter health impact has almost doubled over the past two decades. Developing countries have seen a significant increase in the impact of metals, driven in part by infrastructure growth, as well as the rise in coal combustion to process metals, particularly in China.

The report outlines policy recommendations for sustainable extraction, supply chain regulations, and sustainable consumption. To reduce negative externalities, SMO's research found significant gaps in the professional capacity and infrastructure available at the regional level, such as certified and independent laboratory capacity to analyse environmental samples and human health indicators. The report also examined informal mining activities and found a global data gap that imposes major limitations on understanding the sector and preventing programs and policies from addressing negative externalities.

At the global level, SMO recommends more stringent regulations of international supply chains and a more holistic approach that considers the conflicting interests of universities, national geological surveys, international mining companies, and the trading industry.

Finally, the report considers the demand that drives metal production and how a change in consumer behaviour might be the most effective way to reduce the impact of material production. SMO's report is a major contribution to the understanding of the global impacts of mining for minerals and metals and the policy implications for reducing those impacts.