Coal Age

AUG 2012

Coal Age Magazine - For nearly 100 years, Coal Age has been the magazine that readers can trust for guidance and insight on this important industry.

Issue link: https://coal.epubxp.com/i/82345

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 193 of 205

operating ideas The Growing Popularity of Sustainable Mine Reclamation BY WENDY SCHLETT social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations. Sustainability is important to making sure that we have and will continue to have, the water, materials and resources to protect human health and our envi- ronment." A new business model, commonly known as the Triple Bottom Line, has evolved from the sustainability efforts pursued by progressive companies that focus on technology, information and new forms of value creation. The Triple Bottom Line incorporates the three pil- lars of sustainability—financial prosperi- ty, environmental stewardship and social responsibility—and in this model these pillars work together to simultaneously influence business decisions. Afforestation or reforestation of a mining area are both specific types of carbon offset projects well-suited for sustainably reclaiming mined areas. The concept of sustainability continues to gain traction in every industry, includ- ing mining. Even though mining typically brings up ideas that conflict with the tenets of sustainability, specifically extracting non-renewable resources from the earth, it is becoming more and more possible to reconcile the two. Sustainable mine reclamation en- sures that the surface of the earth is not left to rejuvenate itself, thereby mitigat- ing potentially contaminated and unus- able land that previously lay fallow for ages by past mining reclamation prac- tices. Now, new uses for mined land are being considered before mining even commences, and more opportunities and emphases are being placed on think- ing about these future uses with sustain- ability in mind. Sustainable practices are growing in popularity, and not just for altruistic rea- sons. While these practices incorporate the pace of a growing population that is informed and active in ensuring a thoughtful and careful approach to natu- ral resources, they can also simply be more practical and fiscally sensible. Simple Principle This aspect of sustainability is often unrecognized, but in fact the definition of sustainability is much more pragmat- ic. The concept of sustainability is not based on uncompromising idealism that requires the land to be left untouched by humans. In fact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency de- scribes sustainability as "based on a sim- ple principle: Everything we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in produc- tive harmony, that permit fulfilling the By paying attention to the Triple Bottom Line, organizations can effect positive change that includes enhanced public support, increased profitability, reduced and better controlled risk, minimized environmental impact, in- creased brand value and reputation, and overall improved global standing to operate and grow. Given all of these pos- itive outcomes, it stands to reason that sustainable business models are growing in popularity. Once it is understood that sustainable practices work to meet several goals, it becomes easier to recommend and implement such practices. Mine recla- mation can and should be re-examined from a sustainability framework. Especially given the current economic climate that has effectively narrowed the possibilities for viable mine reclamation projects, incorporating sustainable prac- tices in mine reclamation will offer min- eral producers financial, environmental and social benefits. While not always possible, greater efficiencies can be realized if mine oper- ators think about the reclamation pro- cess before mining even begins. This 190 www.coalage.com 100th Anniversary Special Issue August 2012

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Coal Age - AUG 2012