Crucial to combine agricultural development with mining, Indaba hears
Crucial to combine agricultural development with mining, Indaba hears Creamer Media's Mining Weekly
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Africa’s Role in Addressing Climate Change: Ivanhoe Mines Executive Chairperson Highlights the Importance of Sustainable Development Goals
CAPE TOWN (miningweekly.com) – In his thirtieth address to the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, Robert Friedland, the executive chairperson of Toronto-listed Ivanhoe Mines, emphasized the significant role Africa has to play in solving the world’s climate change problems. Friedland has consistently highlighted the global need to combat climate change and the critical role of young Africans in saving the planet, despite Africa’s minimal contribution to its damage.
The Urgency of Climate Change
According to Friedland, humanity experienced record-breaking high temperatures last year, emphasizing the seriousness and permanence of the issue. He stressed that climate change is not a passing problem but a pressing concern that requires immediate action.
The Value of Water
Friedland highlighted that water, not copper, is currently the world’s most valuable commodity. With only 2.5% of water being fresh, humanity is facing an impending water crisis. Friedland’s mining company, Ivanhoe Mines, is actively involved in mine development and exploration projects in South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He emphasized the importance of combining mining with agricultural development to address water scarcity issues.
The Dilemma of Renewable Technologies
Friedland discussed the challenges associated with renewable technologies, particularly their high metal intensity. He cited examples such as electric cars and offshore wind farms, which require significant amounts of minerals, including copper. He highlighted the need for massive investments in the electrical grid to support the transition to renewable energy sources.
The Demand for Copper
Friedland expressed concerns about the future supply of copper, a critical raw material for renewable technologies. He emphasized the need for sustainable mining practices and questioned the current pricing system that does not differentiate between clean and dirty copper. Africa, with its abundant copper resources, plays a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for this metal.
The Role of Africa and the Sustainable Development Goals
Friedland reiterated that Africa holds 30% of the world’s metals, making it a continent of strategic importance. He emphasized the need for significant investments, estimated at $2.7 trillion per year, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and limit temperature rise to 1.5°C. Africa’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial, considering its vast mineral resources and potential for sustainable development.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
- SDG 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 6.4: Water-use efficiency across sectors and freshwater withdrawal rates.
- Indicator for SDG 7.2: Share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Indicator for SDG 9.4: Resource-use efficiency and adoption of clean technologies in industries.
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Integration of climate change measures in national policies and planning.
- Indicator for SDG 15.1: Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity. | Water-use efficiency across sectors and freshwater withdrawal rates. |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. | Resource-use efficiency and adoption of clean technologies in industries. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Integration of climate change measures in national policies and planning. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: miningweekly.com
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