A new poll released by the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) finds high levels of support for Canadian mining, and increased understanding of the role Canada’s mining industry must play in producing the green technologies essential to a low carbon future. The nationwide survey, conducted by Abacus Data, found that an overwhelming majority of Canadians believe mining is vital to our economy and our way of life.
The mining industry has already begun to change several aspects of operations that will help the transition. Some of them include:
Electric Vehicles and Equipment
When it comes to electric vehicles and equipment, mining is already a leader in the adoption and implementation of this technology. In fact, many of the world’s largest mining companies have set targets to transition their fleets to electric vehicles. These vehicles are used in all aspects of the mining process, from exploration and drilling to hauling and processing.
Renewable Energy
Mining operations are notoriously energy-intensive, so finding ways to reduce energy consumption is a top priority. One way miners are doing this is by turning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. These clean energy sources are more environmentally friendly and can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Technology
Mining is an industry that has always been at the forefront of adopting new technologies. From GPS and drones to autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence, miners are constantly finding ways to use technology to improve operations. This not only helps to improve safety and efficiency but can also lead to new discoveries and innovations.
The poll found that Canadians understand the essential role the mining sector will play in supplying the metals and minerals needed for a low-carbon future. One company making inroads in this respect is Honey Badger Silver(TSXV:TUF), a Canadian silver mining company. Honey Badger Silver invests in projects and deposits that have high-grade potential, existing deposits, or the potential for royalty and streaming.
Honey Badger Silver recently reaffirmed its commitment to ESG and is actively engaged in pursuing an environmental, social and governance (ESG) core strategy to create value for shareholders that is sustainable, responsible and future-oriented.
The company also recently entered into a non-binding term sheet to acquire a 100% interest in the Cachinal de la Sierra Silver-Gold Project in Chile. The project has an existing resource, which Honey Badger Silver can develop. The resource, prepared in 2020, includes among other highlights:
- Open-pit Indicated Resource of 15.03 Moz of silver grading 97 g/t of silver and 20.05Koz of gold grading 0.13 g/t gold;
- Open-pit Inferred Resource of 0.41 Moz of silver grading 73 g/t of silver and 0.43Koz of gold grading 0.07 g/t gold;
- Underground Indicated Resource of 1.29 Moz of silver grading 182 g/t of silver and 1.65Koz of gold grading 0.22 g/t gold;
The Canadian mining sector has proven that it is fully committed to a better future by first changing its current technologies and investing in the development of new ones – all in pursuit of a cleaner, net-zero future.
Highlights from the Mining Association of Canada survey are as follows:
- 84% give mining companies in Canada a good or acceptable performance in contributing new materials for use in greener and cleaner technologies.
- 83% say they would like to see more mining projects in Canada provided they have a plan to reduce GHG emissions.
- 81% say Canada should remain in the oil business provided our barrels are produced by companies that achieve a net zero emissions target.
- 80% say we need a strong mining sector for Canada’s economy to be healthy over the long term.
- 80% give Canadian mining companies good or acceptable ratings when it comes to the way they operate in other jurisdictions. This includes measures of how these companies help raise environmental standards and ensure that local communities benefit economically from their mining activities.
- 79% give mining companies operating in Canada a good or acceptable performance in their efforts to reduce environmental impact.
- Upon learning about Canada’s leadership in sustainable mining via the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) standard, 88% believe it is a good idea for government to support Canadian companies that adhere to such standards in their efforts to win in export markets and to attract investment to Canada.
