Symposia

SYMPOSIUM and ROUND TABLE TOPICS

The metals mining and recycling industry has been and will continue to be an essential contributor to the economic and social development for generations to come. The demand for minerals and metals will grow to satisfy the needs of a growing world population which is anticipated to grow from 7.7 billion to 9.6 billion by 2050. In order to meet the challenge of declining ore grades, industry will have to focus on increasing productivity through automation, big data analytics and technological and business innovation. The industry will face challenges related to regulation, geopolitical risks and demands for increasing transparency from increased scrutiny from shareholders, investment community and the public. There will be pressures to transition to a low-carbon economy. Companies in order to succeed in this environment will have to skillfully navigate these challenges and seize on the opportunities. The Symposium will consist of papers, posters, panel discussions and case study presentations on the following topics:

1. Technical Aspects of Sustainability
   • Energy use and conservation
   • Water use, conservation and treatment
   • Mine Automation (safety, productivity, and environmental protection)
   • Transitioning from Open Pit to Underground Mining
   • Advances in Comminution
   • Innovative Mining, Mineral Processing, Metallurgical Processing and Recycling Technologies
   • Environmental and Sustainability Management Systems
   • Product Stewardship Opportunities
   • Resource Conservation Opportunities
2. Environmental Aspects of Sustainable Mining
   • Management of Large Volume Wastes: Tailings, Waste Rock and Smelter Slags
   • Innovative Reclamation Techniques (Use of Biosolids, Cattle and Plants)
   • Application of Green Chemistry
   • Management of chemicals
   • Small-scale and Artisanal Mining
   • Clean-up and repurposing of Legacy Mine Sites (orphaned and abandoned)
   • Novel methods of Environmental Monitoring and Pollution Mitigation (Fugitive dusts)
   • Environmental Assessment and Permitting
   • Acid Rock Drainage and Mitigation
   • Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Enhancement
3. Socio-Political Issues in Sustainable Mining
   • Regulation of Mining- Developed and Developing World
   • Obtaining and Maintaining Social-License-to-Operate (stakeholder engagement)
   • Cultural Context of Honesty, Transparency, and Integrity
   • Working with Aboriginal Peoples
   • Industry role in combatting Climate Change
   • Mine Closure and Post-closure
   • Enterprise Facilitation (fostering new businesses to sustain the community)