When we talk about the concern to reduce the environmental impact on the planet, we inevitably think of the industrial sector. In particular mining, whose key activity faces a double challenge: maintaining its role as an engine of economic development and, at the same time, significantly reducing its carbon footprint, while continuing to provide the world with the much-needed supply of key minerals required for the global energy transition. According to McKinsey & Company, this industry is responsible for between 2% and 3% of global CO₂ emissions, which positions it as a key player in global efforts to address climate change.
Today, sustainability in mining is no longer limited to operating efficiently or complying with regulatory requirements. Pressure from regulators, investors and clients has led to the concept of "carbon footprint" gaining special relevance in this sector. This metric not only measures the environmental impact of a project, but has also become a determining factor for its technical, economic and social viability.
Reducing the carbon footprint from project design is a priority. This means making early decisions that optimize the use of materials, limit transportation, reduce energy consumption and reduce waste generation. A more compact design, for example, not only means lower emissions, but also less water consumption, a smaller physical footprint and a more efficient CAPEX. In other words, better environmental performance and better returns.
Added to this is the issue of financing. According to industry estimates, mining companies with poor ESG performance can face between 20% and 25% higher cost of capital. This means that being environmentally responsible is no longer just the right thing to do, but also the most competitive.
Reducing the carbon footprint is not only a concrete contribution to climate change, but also a commitment to the communities surrounding mining projects. Designing cleaner, more efficient operations with less environmental impact is a tangible way to respond to people's expectations and strengthen confidence in the sector.
It is urgent to look beyond financial indicators. The mining success of the future will be measured in tons of ore, yes, but also in tons of CO₂ avoided. Planning with this perspective not only helps the planet: it is the basis for more competitive and responsible mining.