Responsible mining – from a life cycle to a stewardship approach

Conventional life cycle approaches have enabled mining operations to under ‐ stand the inputs (e.g. water, energy) and outputs (e.g. waste, greenhouse gas emissions) of their processes in order to minimise impacts, manage costs, and meet regulatory requirements. With the growth in importance of broader sustainability issues, an approach based on eco-efficiency has nevertheless proven insufficient to insulate businesses from many risks. A more expansive stewardship approach is increasingly being applied. This chapter examines some of the trends, challenges, and opportunities associated with life cycle approaches in the mining sector. The examples provided largely have an environmental focus, but the authors recognise the imperative of including social and other dimensions in a stewardship approach.