Converting ‘MineLCA’ into a licensable software tool to enable predictive environmental performance data to be undertaken for mining projects.

The mining sector generates 11% of global greenhouse gases (GHG) directly. Include indirect impacts, such as impacts associated with electricity generation to power mines and this rises to \>35% \[OECD/IEA, 2018\].

The transition to a low-carbon economy is well underway and accelerating. But low-emission energy and transportation systems are more mineral-intensive compared to the fossil fuel equivalents. The transition means more mines will be required in Europe and around the world, allowing for a low-impact localised supply chain. For example, minerals used in low-carbon technologies are projected to rise by 965% for lithium, 585% for cobalt, 383% for graphite and 241% for indium by 2050 \[World Bank, 2019\].

New mines need to ensure they are extracting these critical minerals in an environmentally responsible way. Minviro has developed technology to assess the environmental impacts of different mining project configurations, which can support in reducing the carbon footprint of projects. The technology will be used: by mining and engineering companies to minimise the impact of their own projects; by investors to ensure that they are not putting money into a high-risk environmentally damaging assets; and by equipment manufacturers, such as electric car manufacturers, to ensure they are procuring metals from mines that have a good environmental performance.