The BIORECOVER project recently investigated the opportunity of recovering platinum group metals, rare earths, and magnesium from mining waste streams through sustainable biotechnological processes. Leveraging our expertise in the realm of critical raw materials, LGI conducted a preliminary perception study focused on France. Concurrently, our partner, ENSO, extended this investigation to Spain and Greece, capturing a first European perspective.
Part of the investigation involved confronting the NIMBY (Not In My BackYard) syndrome, exploring societal resistance against the idea of residing close to mining areas. Therefore, our preliminary perception study sought to gauge whether a sample of the populations in France, Spain and Greece are prepared to embrace these initiatives.
LGI surveyed 290 individuals living in France. The questionnaire was distributed via email to LGI’s network and shared through LinkedIn posts. Street interviews were also conducted in Paris. Valuable support came from several associations within the mining and sustainability sectors, extending the reach of our study by sharing the questionnaire with their members. The questionnaire was also sent to universities and associations gathering retired and unemployed people.
The survey provided first insights into the perception of mining, its environmental implications, and the potential reopening of mines among other elements.
- For respondents living in France, knowledge about mining varied, with 85% admitting they had limited or no understanding of the sector; however, most respondents were conscious of mining’s environmental impact.
- There was a strong consensus that both mining and the extractive sector in general are high-polluting industries, with half of respondents expressing reluctance to reside within 10km of a mine or quarry.
- Concerns about water withdrawal, waste generation and biodiversity loss, all attributable to mining consequences, were prevalent.
- On the prospect of reopening mines in France, opinions were divided. Approximately 54% of respondents were supportive, primarily aiming to lessen environmental impacts and improve miners' working conditions. However, 31% of the participants remained uncertain.
- The findings suggest a gap in mining knowledge, yet a keen understanding of its environmental implications and a tentative openness to the idea of reopening mines within France.
While these preliminary findings offer a starting point, they also highlight a need for broader participation and a larger sample. Certain demographics and regions, such as Normandy, Pays de la Loire, and respondents with a monthly household income below 2000 EUR, remain underrepresented. Moreover, engaging more participants in the age bracket of 45-54 years could provide a more balanced picture.
To compare the preliminary perceptions in France with those in Spain and Greece, we invite you to explore the full perception study here.
LGI also embarked on an in-depth impact study on BIORECOVER that you can discover here.