Mining companies are increasingly expanding mineral extraction operations at existing sites to meet rising global demand. This trend, highlighted in a study published on January 22, 2024, in the journal One Earth, indicates a shift towards brownfield mining over the development of new sites. As the need for minerals essential for clean energy infrastructure grows, the environmental and social risks associated with these expansions may be underestimated.
According to the study led by Deanna Kemp from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, the focus of current policies largely remains on approving new critical mineral mines. Kemp emphasizes the pressing need to pay attention to the ongoing expansion of existing mines, which can create long-term environmental and social challenges.
Global demand for minerals has surged over the past few decades, largely due to their critical roles in the renewable energy sector. Minerals such as copper, cobalt, and lithium are vital for electric vehicles, power grids, and battery production. Some forecasts suggest that the demand for these minerals could increase by as much as six times by 2040.
To address this growing need, mining companies are turning to brownfield mining, which involves extending the life and depth of existing operations. This approach often results in increased waste, land use, and overall impact on local environments. Unlike new mining projects, which can take up to 15 years to gain permits and develop, brownfield expansions tend to progress with considerably less public scrutiny.
Kemp and her research team analyzed global mineral production and investment data to better understand the trends and implications of brownfield mining. They identified 366 brownfield sites worldwide for in-depth analysis. By utilizing satellite imagery and data tracking social and environmental conditions, they discovered that over one-fifth of these sites lie within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of ecologically pristine or partially modified areas, such as Arctic tundra regions and high-altitude environments.
More than half of the identified sites are located within 20 kilometers (12 miles) of biodiversity hotspots or protected areas, raising concerns about potential threats to sensitive ecosystems. Additionally, many brownfield operations are situated in countries with high levels of structural inequality, where access to education and employment opportunities varies significantly among different groups. Notably, over a third of the brownfield sites are in nations affected by conflict or militarization.
The findings reveal that nearly 80% of the brownfield mines assessed are in areas facing multiple high-risk conditions, including water scarcity, weak governance, and limited press freedom. Kemp points out, “What stood out to us is that many of these mines are operating in contexts with layers of social and environmental complexity. These are conditions where regulatory oversight is harder while risks accumulate.”
Some brownfield expansions are taking place underground, making them difficult to detect and assess through satellite imagery. This limitation suggests that the extent of industrial expansion might be underestimated in the team’s findings.
Kemp argues that as the industry shifts towards larger, deeper, and longer-lived mines to facilitate the energy transition, regulatory frameworks must adapt accordingly. “Our regulatory frameworks should better reflect that practice. That means assessing mine expansion for cumulative and long-term effects rather than treating expansion as a routine decision compared to new projects,” she states.
The implications of this research underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to mining expansion, one that takes into account both environmental impacts and social equity. As the world grapples with the dual challenges of resource demand and sustainability, addressing the complexities of brownfield mining will be crucial for balancing economic growth with ecological and social responsibility.
