The Role of Cloud-Based Geological Ecosystems in Climate Change Mitigation
ESG and the environmental agenda for the mining industry are not just trends, but a pressing necessity. They can simultaneously enhance environmental impact and improve business efficiency. On this page, we delve into the influence of the mining sector on global climate change and focus in detail on the pivotal role of modern technologies in addressing this issue using the example of the DOLON ecosystem.
Impact of the Mining Industry on Climate Change
The first and second industrial revolutions permanently altered not only the quality of human life but also the face of our planet. Today, the influence of industry on the natural environment is undeniable, and global climate change is evident even to non-specialists, with the situation continuing to deteriorate.
The mining industry stands as one of the primary anthropogenic factors exerting long-term influence on climate change:
- Extraction and processing of natural resources constitute a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
- Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are a major contributor to the planet's rising average temperature.
- Climate change leads to more frequent droughts in some regions and floods in others.
According to a McKinsey report, the mining industry accounts for 4-7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. When considering the impact of the industry on nature, including carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel extraction, the situation appears even more dramatic.
Although there is a trend towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions after the UN Climate Change Conference and the 2015 Paris Agreement, over the past 30 years, annual GHG emissions have steadily increased by an average of 1.6%. Emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel extraction into the atmosphere have also risen by 1.9% annually.
Greenhouse gas emissions have a negative impact on air temperature. The increase in temperature in already hot regions, such as China, Australia, as well as in North and West African countries, may not only significantly reduce labor productivity in the coming decades but also affect the health of millions of people
Annually increasing emissions from the mining industry have a negative impact not only on air purity and temperature, but also on access to drinking water. The World Resources Institute forecasts that by 2040, due to the mining industry, the water access situation will worsen in various regions of the world:
Drought in certain regions combined with rising sea levels can cause damage to technological and transportation infrastructure worldwide. Moreover, the socio-economic consequences of climate change can also influence the political situation in industrially developed regions.
Despite the necessity of resource extraction, reducing negative environmental impact is a top priority of the 21st century. This is why environmental stewardship and efficient resource utilization have become key aspects of the global ESG agenda (Environment Social Governance) across the world.
To save the planet for future generations, representatives of the mining industry must take active measures today to combat climate change and demonstrate responsible attitudes toward nature. Through the use of modern technologies, it is possible not only to mitigate harmful effects on the environment but also to enhance efficiency in resource extraction.
ESG Agenda in the Mining Industry
The ESG agenda is not just about preserving nature; it also introduces new opportunities for the mining industry.
For instance, participants in the discussion on 'Ecology, ESG Agenda in Coal Mining, Resource Efficiency in the Coal Sector' highlighted that making coal mining more environmentally friendly can increase demand for coal or at least maintain it at current levels. Today, several countries are shifting from coal in favor of renewable sources, designating coal as a 'dirty resource.'
According to PWC, a number of significant international investment funds, such as BlackRock and Fidelity, are already divesting from some of the 'dirty' sectors of the mining industry.
A total of 1,809 mining company leaders (41% of those surveyed) believe that their business will not be economically viable in 10 years if their operations continue as they are. Representatives of the mining industry emphasize that caring for the environment and utilizing modern technologies in geological exploration and resource extraction are among the key components of success.
One solution for increasing efficiency in the mining sector with a responsible approach to nature is the DOLON ecosystem.
How DOLON Will Transform Environmental Approach in the Mining Sector
DOLON is a cloud-based geological ecosystem for the mining industry. DOLON enhances geological efficiency and provides access to modern technologies through an interface comprehensible to specialists at all levels, without the need for software installation.
The advantage of a cloud-based solution in the mining sector can be understood through an analogy with the banking sector. Just as the banking industry transformed with cloud technologies, the DOLON is revolutionizing geological exploration.
Cloud platforms have become the norm in banking, offering access to complex tools from any device for anyone. The use of cloud platforms allowed banks to reduce costs and increase efficiency. This is supported by Gartner research, where representatives of the fintech industry report up to 30% savings in infrastructure costs thanks to cloud technologies.
Similar savings in geology could result in annual savings of billions of dollars for the mining industry. According to data from the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), global expenditure on resource extraction in 2020 was about $1.5 trillion.
Thanks to the DOLON ecosystem, the benefits of cloud technologies are now available in geology. DOLON enables better results in key business parameters - reducing costs and increasing the efficiency of resource extraction.
With DOLON, it is possible to achieve high productivity and efficiency while considering and reducing the negative impact on the environment. The symbiosis between modern technologies and nature, represented by DOLON, opens up new opportunities for modern geology in the mining industry.
More Resources and Time for Environmental Care
Reducing costs and increasing efficiency with DOLON for the mining business means higher profitability and reduced specialist workload.
This allows for directing additional efforts toward environmental care, offering the possibility not only to rectify past damage but also actively participate in environmental projects and initiatives.
Ecological Sustainability
Thanks to precise geological data modeling and analysis, DOLON contributes to addressing the main challenges of ecological sustainability:
- Reducing human impact on the environment
- Diminishing ecological threats
DOLON allows for detailed modeling of ore bodies, constructing more reliable hypotheses about their locations, and evaluating their resource potential with high accuracy. All data is accessible from any device with internet access, including on-site, using a web browser.
The DOLON ecosystem includes an automated data verification system, with the ability to configure triggers for detecting inaccuracies and errors. This, combined with simple and accurate modeling, helps prevent incorrect assessments and irrational investments. Ultimately, this contributes to responsible resource utilization and ecological sustainability.
Implementation of Environmentally Friendly Technologies
The implementation of environmentally friendly technologies is the responsibility of each entity in the mining industry, a principle upheld by the DOLON team. The ecosystem encourages companies to adopt eco-friendly technologies and enhance extraction methods, contributing to sustainable development and responsible resource management.
Connecting to the DOLON ecosystem is a significant step towards preserving the environment and demonstrating a caring attitude towards nature, while providing companies the opportunity to make a positive contribution to ecological sustainability and the future of our planet.
DOLON is the best solution for modern operations in the mining industry with a focus on environmental responsibility. Learn more about DOLON's features for your business through a free consultation with an expert.
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