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Mining and Climate Change

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Mining in the Asia-Pacific

Part of the book series: The Political Economy of the Asia Pacific ((PEAP))

Abstract

This chapter argues that the relationship between a changing natural environment and the mining industry remains strong, but is greatly undervalued. In the absence of robust localised climate modelling and experiential knowledge that can help devise strategic climate management plans, ongoing performance as well as future viability of the mining sector remain under a significant climate threat worldwide. More research is needed to better understand, not only the differentiated nature of impacts from varied climatic changes (from droughts to floods to bush fires) across various stages of the mining lifecycle, but also how these impacts may lead to different consequences across various geographical regions. To this end, I identify five key areas to strengthen the mining industry’s understanding of climate change. First, recognise the complexity and inter-linkages that underlie climate change. Second, recognise that climate is a relative, not an absolute risk. Three, leadership is important in order to promote a behavioural change in both employers and employees. Fourth, develop open and flexible institutions. Finally, begin to develop a repository of knowledge on climate change, its impact on the industry and successful mitigation strategies.

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Abbreviations

BNE:

Business and the Natural Environment

BoM:

Bureau of Meteorology

GDP:

Gross Domestic Product

GHG:

Greenhouse Gases

GSP:

Gross State Product

IPCC:

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

ICMM:

International Council on Mining and Metals

OT:

Oyu Tolgoi

QFCI:

Queensland Flood Commission of Inquiry

SO:

Southern Oscillation

SOI:

Southern Oscillation Index

UNEP:

United Nations Environment Programme

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia

    Vigya Sharma

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  1. Vigya Sharma
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Correspondence to Vigya Sharma .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for International Risk, School of Communication, International Studies and Languages, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

    Terry O’Callaghan

  2. Centre for International Risk, School of Communication, International Studies and Languages, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

    Geordan Graetz

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Sharma, V. (2017). Mining and Climate Change. In: O’Callaghan, T., Graetz, G. (eds) Mining in the Asia-Pacific. The Political Economy of the Asia Pacific. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61395-6_18

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