Mining often conjures up negative imagery: environmental damage, pollution, and disruption to local communities. Yet, as we’ve explored in previous episodes of Pardon My Planet, critical raw materials are essential to modern life. They power solar panels and wind turbines, are at the core of smartphones and electric vehicles, and even play a crucial role in medical technologies, from MRI machines to lithium batteries used in mental health treatments. And these are just a few examples.
So, how can we meet this growing demand while ensuring mineral exploration and mining are more responsible and sustainable?
To explore this question, we’re joined by Jamie Newall, CEO of Quest Critical Metals and involved in EIS, an EU-funded project focused on making mineral exploration more precise and less disruptive, and Stéphane Bourg, president of PROMETIA, an association promoting innovation in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy. Stéphane is also involved in SCRREEN3, a Horizon Europe project working to strengthen Europe’s critical raw materials strategy.
The conversation explores advancements in exploration technologies, responsible sourcing practices, and the challenges of reviving a sustainable mining industry in Europe. The episode emphasises the importance of balancing the growing demand for critical raw materials with the need to minimise environmental impact and promote sustainability in the mining industry.
EIS
The Exploration Information System (EIS) project is a Horizon Europe funded project (GA 101057357) that develops new geomodels and novel, fast and cost-effective spatial data analysis tools for mineral exploration. Learn more here.
PROMETIA
PROMETIA is an international non-profit association promoting innovation in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy for mining and recycling of raw materials since 10 years. Discover their work here.
View on Zencastr
transcript (This transcript was automatically generated by Zencastr from the podcast and may contain errors or incorrect parts.)
Mineral Exploration and Sustainable Mining: A New Approach for Europe
The latest episode of Pardon My Planet podcast, hosted by Angela, explores the complex world of mineral exploration and sustainable mining. Featuring insights from Jamie Newell (CEO, Quest Critical Metals) and Stéphane Bour (President, Promissure), the discussion focuses on how the mining industry can evolve to meet the demand for critical raw materials while minimizing environmental impact and supporting the twin transitions of the EU.
Why Critical Raw Materials Matter
Critical raw materials are essential for modern technology, from solar panels and wind turbines to smartphones, electric vehicles, and medical devices. The increasing demand for these resources highlights the need for more sustainable and responsible mining practices in Europe and beyond.
Changing Perceptions: Mining vs. Exploration
A key topic is the public perception of mining, often associated with environmental damage and negative social impacts. Both guests emphasize the difference between “mining” and “exploration.” Exploration involves detailed geological mapping, geochemistry, and geophysics—mostly non-invasive activities. The most invasive stage, drilling, now uses advanced software and AI tools (like the open-source EIS project) to reduce unnecessary disruption and target areas with the highest potential, minimizing overall impact.
Modern Technology for Sustainable Practices
Innovations such as 3D visualization, precise geochemical analysis, and AI-driven data analysis make exploration more efficient and less invasive. These tools help identify mineral-rich areas and avoid large-scale disturbance, supporting responsible mining. Importantly, only a tiny fraction of exploration projects actually become mines.
Challenges: Investment, Regulation, and Global Competition
The journey from exploration to actual mining can take more than 15 years and faces many regulatory, financial, and social hurdles. Metal price volatility often discourages investment, and sustainable practices can increase costs, creating challenges for European producers compared to less regulated global competitors. The podcast highlights the importance of the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, which sets targets for production, refining, and recycling, but notes that it’s just a starting point. Stronger collaboration between research, industry, and policy-makers is required.
The Role of Circular Economy and Recycling
While recycling and circular economy principles are crucial, they cannot meet the growing demand for critical materials alone. Modern products often contain metals in tiny quantities, making efficient recycling technically complex and energy-intensive. Therefore, sustainable primary extraction remains essential, especially during the transition to renewable technologies.
Engaging the Next Generation and Changing Mindsets
The episode calls for greater public education, industry openness, and collaboration across sectors. Initiatives connecting universities, research centers, and industry help bridge the gap and attract new talent. Re-shoring mining and exploration in Europe could create jobs, ensure better standards, and secure the EU’s strategic independence.
For more information and episodes, visit lgi.earth/podcast.
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