In collaboration with Earthworks, the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology Sydney has released a new report, "Minimizing Mining Impacts on the Road to Zero Emissions Transport".
While the impacts of mining related to the energy transition and EVs have become more widely understood, a large increase in new mining and harmful mining impacts is not inevitable. This report highlights five key strategies that minimise mineral demand and can mitigate these harmful impacts while decarbonising road transport:
- reducing car dependence through urban redesign and improved public transport
- promoting smaller, more efficient EVs
- intensively reusing and repurposing EV batteries
- enhancing recycling to ensure high recovery rates of minerals from used batteries
- and ensuring responsible sourcing practices that respect human rights and environmental standards.
This report includes detailed case studies, such as the TransMilenio Bus Rapid Transit System in Bogotá, Colombia and battery swapping systems in Taiwan, that demonstrate many of these solutions are proven and readily available, and are already being successfully implemented by cities, countries and industries across the globe. These solutions can also speed up the rate of decarbonisation, making it easier to meet climate targets, as relying on EVs alone is insufficient, and support social equity in the transition.
The report underscores the necessity of a just transition, ensuring benefits are equitably shared and do not disproportionately impact vulnerable communities.
RESEARCH OUTPUTS
Researchers
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Research Principal -
Research Principal -
Research Director
Year
- 2024
Client
- Earthworks
