Mining is crying out for innovation in the transition to a socially just world
The heritage from the Mapungubwe Empire 800 years ago shows how long mining innovation has been flowing through SA’s veins. While we celebrate our heritage, minerals are necessary to build a future of which future generations can likewise be proud.
All 39 elements in technologies for a low-carbon economy such as solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles are mined or are by-products of mining. A total 28 of the 29 elements used in mobile phones need mining and 14 of these elements have a recycle rate of less than 1%, making mining essential. Yet it is imperative that we transition to a socially just world in which we keep within ecological limits: we need to think innovatively about the way we mine...
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