Zero Emission Mining is an ambitious industry-wide goal and operational approach in which mining operations in bauxite, gold, iron ore, and diamond sectors seek to eliminate or fully offset all greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants, and other atmospheric releases arising from mining, processing, transportation, and energy generation activities. Driven by global climate change commitments, regulatory pressures, and investor expectations, zero emission mining encompasses the transition from diesel-powered mobile equipment to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the replacement of fossil fuel-based power generation with renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and pumped hydro storage, and the electrification of processing facilities and ventilation systems. In underground gold and diamond mines, eliminating diesel combustion also improves air quality and reduces ventilation energy costs. In iron ore operations, zero emission mining targets include the decarbonization of ore processing and the shift toward green hydrogen-based direct reduction steelmaking. In bauxite mining, it involves the electrification of haulage fleets and use of renewable energy for refinery operations. Zero emission mining strategies are typically supported by detailed emissions inventories, science-based targets, carbon offset programs, and transparent reporting aligned with frameworks such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
