We need more mining

It is essential to understand that we need more mining to switch from fossil fuel energy sources to carbon-free renewables and electric vehicles (EVs). The clean energy transition will require up to 20 times more critical minerals, such as nickel, copper, cobalt, lithium, and others by 2040. That means more mining is required to achieve decarbonization goals. Fortunately, the provincial and federal governments are aiming to leverage Ontario’s supply of critical minerals to attract investment in electric vehicle production.

Early in March, the provincial government proposed changes to Ontario’s Mining Act that will speed up approvals for new mining projects in an effort to boost Ontario’s production of minerals essential to electric vehicle batteries and other technologies.

The changes would speed up permits for new mines to begin operations and make it easier for companies to get a permit to recover minerals from mine tailings and waste. The proposed changes will be posted on Ontario’s environmental registry for public feedback until mid-April.

The U.S. government acted one year earlier, in March 2022, when President Joe Biden ordered more federal resources directed toward mining metals and minerals essential for electric vehicle batteries, including nickel, cobalt, graphite, and lithium.

This issue features articles on battery electric vehicles (BEVs), battery metals, decarbonization, and more. You can learn more on the latest BEV manufacturers’ product releases by reading the round up article on page 13. Flip to page 24 to learn how American Lithium is working to develop a domestic supply of critical minerals in North America.

Arca, a company that was established in the backyard of the University of British Columbia, has developed a technology that significantly accelerates the all-natural process of carbon mineralization in mine tailings; learn more from my interview with Paul Needham, CEO of Arca, on page 30.

Finally, our May issue will be devoted to mining in the digital age with a feature report on Mining in Canada. Relevant, novel editorial contributions can be sent to the Editor in Chief until Apr. 7, 2023.

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