VANCOUVER (minnweekly.com) – The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) has adopted 13 actions under the six policy areas proposed last year by an internal advisory body, which will help its members fight against climate change.
The MAC said on Monday that it had incorporated recommendations levelled by the association’s Community of Interest (COI) advisory panel – an independent, multi-stakeholder group that advises the association on the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative and on issues of mutual interest.
The MAC stated in a press release that, following Canada’s signing on to the Paris Agreement and MAC members’ climate change commitments, the COI panel issued an advisory statement to the MAC in November 2016. The statement identified potential opportunities to build on the industry’s progress over the past two decades on climate change.
It also acknowledged the MAC and its members for committing to be constructive partners in the global fight against climate change, pointing to MAC’s Principles for Climate Change Policy Design. The principles noted MAC and its members’ support for a broad-based price on carbon, one that protects emissions-intensive and trade-exposed sectors, reduces the compliance burden, and is sensitive to regional and geographical circumstances.
In the months following the release of the Panel’s advisory statement, the MAC worked in consultation with the panel and experts within its membership to determine how to best incorporate the recommendations.
The measures include:
• A review of the TSM programme to identify further opportunities to incorporate climate change-related action and guidance; and encourage performance improvement in GHG reductions.
• To look for opportunities to expand the use of low emissions technologies; advocate for government investment in mining innovation to expedite progress; conduct climate change risk assessments; and implement appropriate adaptation measures.
• Explore ways to assist communities in increasing access to and managing renewable energy technologies; and support community development of energy efficient, healthy and local sustainable food supplies.
• Encourage the mining supply chain to develop innovative and low energy technologies; communicate the role of mining products in the transition to a low carbon future; assess opportunities for the industry to work with others to recycle products containing minerals and metals.
• Share MAC members’ innovative initiatives related to climate change, energy and community development; enhance Canadians’ understanding of the link between minerals, metals and energy products in low carbon solutions; advocate for public policies that lead to an effective price on carbon and stimulate demand for low carbon infrastructure; and work alongside other organisations to achieve common goals.
• Continue to disclose climate-change related information, including greenhouse gas emissions data; and identify ways to further enhance data disclosure.