The mining industry is making strategic efforts to reduce its carbon footprints with a vision towards net-zero emissions in accordance with the requirements of the Kyoto, Paris, and Glasgow Accords, and several host nations requirements within the framework of these accords. The U.S. Environmental Protection ...
The mining industry is making strategic efforts to reduce its carbon footprints with a vision towards net-zero emissions in accordance with the requirements of the Kyoto, Paris, and Glasgow Accords, and several host nations requirements within the framework of these accords. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) released the sources of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions in May 2021, which primarily came from energy-related activities. CO2 emissions constituted the majority of about 77.5% of GHG emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels. About 33,300 million metric tons (MMT) of CO2 were released into the atmosphere globally from the combustion of fossil fuels in 2019, with about 15% from the US. GHG emissions impact Climate Change, which also causes global warming, and other environmental catastrophes, such as sea level rises and disturbances, melting of glacial ice bodies, frequency of destructive hurricanes, cyclones, tornadoes, bush fires, and extreme temperatures. Emissions from fossil fuels combustion by sector include electric power, industrial, transportation, residential, and commercial. In the USA, the industrial sector (comprising mining, construction, manufacturing, and agriculture) is a leading sector for GHG emissions, mainly from the combustion of fossil fuels. The mining industry contributes between 8% and 10% of GHG emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuel energy. Global mining giants, such as BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Freeport McMoRan, Barrick Gold, Glencore, Newmont Mining, Gold Fields, Vale, Anglo American, and Antofagasta Minerals have set strategic targets with initiatives to address their GHG challenges. These companies are examining strategies for transitioning into green energies and adopting carbon sequestration technologies to reduce their carbon footprints, with a vision of net-zero GHG emissions.
This Research Topic seeks to advance knowledge and frontiers associated with decarbonization, net-zero GHG emissions, and energy transitions to provide the mining industry with credible platforms for reducing its carbon footprints and GHG emissions.
The overarching goal of this Research Topic on decarbonization and net-zero emissions is to disseminate research results, novel research initiatives, case studies, and case histories focusing on renewable energy technology adaptations, carbon sequestration research and technologies, new materials and metals, energy storage and distribution systems, micro-grids and smart grid systems, smaller modular reactors, remote mines energy feed, and national policies and regulatory frameworks that could aid the mining industry in its march towards these Climate Change goals. Authors must focus on research results that advance knowledge and frontiers in these focus areas. Case studies and histories that demonstrate creative and strategic implementation of technologies for reducing the industry’s carbon footprints towards net-zero emission targets are appropriate. Contributions that demonstrate the mining industry's path towards decarbonization and net-zero GHG emissions targets are suitable. Contributions that outline national policies and the regulatory environments that enable and enhance the industry’s drive towards decarbonization and net-zero emissions are also appropriate for this Research Topic.
Professor and Robert H. Quenon Endowed Chair Samuel Frimpong is President at SAF Mining Consulting LCC. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.
Keywords:
Decarbonization, Net-Zero Emissions, Energy Transitions, Carbon Sequestration, Green Energy, Tax Incentives
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.