How can mineral processing operations maintain biodiversity?

1 Assessing biodiversity risks and opportunities

Before starting or expanding a mineral processing operation, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the potential impacts and benefits of the project on biodiversity. This can help identify the most sensitive and valuable areas, the main threats and opportunities, and the best mitigation and enhancement measures. A biodiversity assessment should involve stakeholder consultation, baseline data collection, impact analysis, and management planning. It should also follow the mitigation hierarchy, which prioritizes avoiding, minimizing, restoring, and offsetting impacts.

2 Implementing best practices and standards

Another way to maintain biodiversity is to follow the best practices and standards for mineral processing that are recognized by the industry and the society. These include complying with the relevant laws and regulations, applying the principles of sustainable development, and adhering to the voluntary codes and guidelines. Some of the examples of best practices and standards are the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Framework for Responsible Mining, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 Environmental Management System.

3 Engaging with local communities and stakeholders

A third way to maintain biodiversity is to engage with the local communities and stakeholders that are affected by or interested in the mineral processing operation. This can help build trust, understanding, and collaboration, as well as address the social and economic aspects of biodiversity. Engagement can take various forms, such as information sharing, consultation, participation, partnership, and empowerment. It should be based on mutual respect, transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability. It should also aim to enhance the livelihoods, rights, and well-being of the local communities and stakeholders.

4 Monitoring and reporting on biodiversity performance

A fourth way to maintain biodiversity is to monitor and report on the biodiversity performance of the mineral processing operation. This can help measure the effectiveness of the management actions, identify the gaps and challenges, and communicate the results and progress. Monitoring and reporting should be based on clear and relevant indicators, methods, and targets. They should also be consistent, reliable, and verifiable. Moreover, they should involve feedback and adaptive management, which means adjusting the actions according to the changing conditions and needs.

5 Supporting biodiversity conservation and restoration initiatives

A fifth way to maintain biodiversity is to support the biodiversity conservation and restoration initiatives that are relevant to the mineral processing operation. This can help offset the residual impacts, enhance the positive contributions, and create shared value for the operation and the society. Support can take various forms, such as financial, technical, or in-kind contributions, partnerships, or collaborations. Some of the examples of biodiversity conservation and restoration initiatives are the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Bonn Challenge.

6 Promoting biodiversity awareness and education

A sixth way to maintain biodiversity is to promote the biodiversity awareness and education among the staff, contractors, suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders of the mineral processing operation. This can help increase the knowledge, appreciation, and responsibility for biodiversity, as well as foster a culture of sustainability and innovation. Promotion can take various forms, such as training, workshops, campaigns, publications, or events. It should also be tailored to the needs, interests, and expectations of the target audiences.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?