In recent years, we have witnessed a remarkable shift in the career choices of young professionals in the resource industry. Many of them are opting for careers in renewable energy, driven by a passion for sustainability and a desire to combat climate change. Naturally, this follows the global climate change shift. However, this topic also opens up the debate of ‘can the mining and resource industry survive climate change?’ This is something which I wanted to explore as it is essential to recognise the career drivers of the upcoming workforce and the global demand for green products all which play a pivotal role in the renewable energy sector. However, these products and choices too, rely heavily on the mining industry.

The Rise of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and hydropower, have gained unprecedented momentum in recent years. This also reflects the Government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, with an interim target to reduce emissions by 30% below 2005. Following the direction of the Government, graduates and emerging professionals are increasingly drawn to careers in this field due to opportunity for jobs, but more importantly, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the environment and society. The allure of working towards a sustainable future and reducing our carbon footprint is powerful.

However, as the renewable energy sector continues to grow, it’s important to remember that the production of green technologies and products heavily depends on a variety of minerals and metals. These critical raw materials, such as coal, copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, manganese, silicon, rare earth elements and iron ore, are essential components in the production of solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems, and the infrastructure to support them.

The chief executive of the Queensland Resources Council, Ian MacFarlane, said a collaborative approach from all sectors was needed to address climate change, “There’s no question that the resources sector is playing its part”, he said.

The Role of Mining Professionals

Mining professionals are the unsung heroes behind the scenes of the green energy revolution. Without their expertise, dedication and innovation, the transition to a sustainable future would be far more challenging. Here are some reasons why mining professionals are indispensable:

Sourcing Critical Minerals: Mining experts play a crucial role in responsibly sourcing and extracting the minerals necessary for clean energy technologies. Their knowledge ensures that these materials are obtained efficiently and sustainably.

Environmental Responsibility: Mining professionals are actively working to minimize the environmental impact of mining operations. Sustainable mining practices and reclamation efforts are essential for preserving natural habitats and mitigating ecological disruption. It’s important to note that Australia has signed on to the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance, which is an initiative led by Canada to promote sustainable, environmentally and socially responsible mining practices for the critical minerals sector.

“Australia is strongly committed to sustainability and the highest environmental and social governance standards, and we believe the development of new low-emissions technologies provides a great opportunity to promote those ESG standards across the world”, The Hon Madeleine King MP said in a statement last year.

Technological Advancements: The mining industry is embracing technology and innovation to reduce its carbon footprint and increase efficiency. This includes automation, electrification of equipment, and the use of renewable energy in mining operations.

Supply Chain Resilience: The availability of critical minerals is vital for the stability of the renewable energy supply chain. Mining professionals ensure a consistent supply of these resources, reducing the risk of shortages.

A Closer Look at Critical Minerals

Members of the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance have committed to working to developing and using critical minerals that:

• Support local and Indigenous communities by promoting safe working conditions
• Build a circular economy by accelerating the reuse and recycling of critical minerals
• Restore ecosystems by adopting requirements for reclamation and remediation to close and return mine sites to their natural state.

Let’s delve into some of the critical minerals and their roles in clean energy and sustainable products:

Coal: While coal has long been associated with conventional energy, it’s also a crucial element in steel production, a vital material for wind turbines, solar panel supports, and electric vehicle manufacturing.

Copper: Copper is a fundamental element in electrical wiring and renewable energy infrastructure. It is vital for transmitting electricity efficiently, making it essential for solar and wind energy systems.

Lithium: Lithium-ion batteries are the backbone of electric vehicles and energy storage systems, enabling us to harness renewable energy efficiently.

Nickel: Nickel plays a crucial role in battery cathodes, enhancing energy storage capacity and performance in electric vehicles.

Cobalt: Cobalt is another critical component in lithium-ion batteries, contributing to stability and longer lifespan.

Graphite: Graphite is essential for battery anodes, improving energy density in lithium-ion batteries.

Manganese: Manganese is used in battery cathodes and is integral to improving battery safety and performance.

Silicon: Silicon is a key material in solar panels, capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity.

Rare Earth Elements (REEs): REEs are crucial for manufacturing high-strength magnets used in wind turbines and electric vehicle motors. These elements are also integral to advanced battery technologies.

Iron Ore: Iron ore is a foundational material for steel production, which is vital for constructing renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicle manufacturing.

Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

The key to a successful green energy transition lies in collaboration between the renewable energy and mining sectors. Young professionals with a passion for sustainability can have a profound impact on both industries by considering careers in mining. Here are some ways we can encourage this collaboration:

• Education and Awareness: Raise awareness about the critical role of mining in the green energy sector through educational programs, industry events, and outreach efforts.
• Cross-Training Opportunities: Encourage cross-disciplinary training programs that allow young professionals to gain expertise in both renewable energy and mining-related fields.
• Sustainable Practices: Advocate for environmentally responsible mining practices and continuous improvement in resource extraction and processing methods.
• Innovation and Research: Support research and development initiatives that focus on finding alternative materials or improving the recycling and reuse of critical minerals.