Glossary for responsible exploration and mining

Critical Raw Materials Act

The EU's Critical Raw Materials Act is designed to secure essential raw material supplies vital for the EU's economy and strategic sectors. It aims to reduce dependency on imports by boosting domestic production, recycling, and sustainable sourcing. The act is a key part of the EU's strategy to reinforce its industrial base and ensure stable supply chains for sectors like renewable energy and digital technologies.
Strategic Minerals

Strategic minerals are essential resources critical for economic and defence sectors, i.e. products like military equipment and consumer electronics. Their importance lies in their limited supply and geographical concentration, leading to potential supply chain vulnerabilities. Governments prioritize securing these minerals, resulting in policies for their sustainable exploration, production, and recycling.
Strategic Mineral Projects

Strategic mineral projects involve exploration, extraction, and processing of key minerals vital for defence, technology, and renewable energy sectors. They require significant investment, advanced technology, and often receive government support. These projects are also subject to strict environmental and regulatory oversight due to their importance.
Twin Transition

The EU's twin transition is a strategy combining digitalization with green transformation to foster sustainable economic growth. It integrates advanced digital technologies to achieve environmental and climate objectives. This approach is central to the EU's vision for a resilient, competitive, and sustainable economy, aligning with initiatives like the European Green Deal.
Mining

Mining is the process of extracting valuable minerals or other materials from the Earth, usually from an orebody, lode, vein, seam, or placer deposit. These materials include precious metals, coal, diamonds, and various minerals used in industry and construction. The mining process involves exploration, extraction, processing, and often environmental restoration post-extraction.
Geology

Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, its materials, and the processes by which they are formed, moved, and changed over time encompassing minerals, rocks, fossils, and the various natural processes shaping the planet's surface and interior. In the raw materials sector, geologists use this knowledge to locate natural resources.
Exploration

Mineral exploration is the methodical process of locating commercially viable mineral deposits using geological, geochemical, and geophysical surveys. The aim is to identify mining areas where the size, grade, and accessibility of minerals make extraction economically feasible. This process is critical in uncovering new sources of minerals essential for various industries.
Processing

Mineral processing involves separating and enriching valuable minerals from raw ore using physical and chemical techniques like crushing, grinding, and separation methods including flotation and magnetic separation. The objective is to produce a refined material for industrial use, with a focus on efficiency and environmental sustainability. This process is essential for transforming raw ore into usable products.
Primary Mining

Primary mining is the extraction of minerals from natural deposits using methods like underground or open-pit mining. It's the initial step in metal and mineral production, supplying raw materials for diverse industries. This process is crucial for obtaining essential resources from the earth.
Secondary Mining

Secondary mining is the extraction of minerals from sources like waste byproducts and recycled materials. It recovers valuable elements from what was previously considered waste, reducing environmental impact and promoting resource sustainability through recycling. This process plays a crucial role in responsible resource management.
Recycling

Recycling is the process of converting used or discarded materials into new products, reducing the need for fresh raw materials. It helps conserve resources, minimize waste, and reduce environmental impact by reusing materials in an environmentally responsible manner.
End of Waste (EoW)

This is a regulatory status indicating that certain materials are no longer considered waste and can be safely used as products or materials. It signifies that these materials have been recycled or recovered to meet quality and safety standards, contributing to resource efficiency.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

ESG assesses an organisation's sustainability and ethical practices, including environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance standards. These criteria gauge an organization's ethical and societal performance.
Social Licence to Explore (SLE)

SLE refers to the level of acceptance and support from local communities and stakeholders for resource exploration. It signifies that a company or project has gained the trust and approval of the community, which is crucial for conducting exploration activities with social and environmental responsibility.
Social Licence to Operate

In mining, SLO signifies the essential approval and trust from local communities and stakeholders, allowing the company to conduct its activities responsibly and sustainably. It's a crucial factor in ensuring the continued operation and success of mining projects.
Social Perception of Mining

Social perception of mining is how society views the industry, considering its environmental, social, and economic impacts, which can influence policies, regulations, and the industry's social license to operate.
United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC)

UNFC is an international classification system for Earth's energy and mineral resources, fostering collaboration and resource assessment. It promotes transparency and sustainability by standardizing resource classification and reporting.
United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS)

UNRMS is a UN-developed software platform aiding member states in natural resource management. It helps countries effectively monitor, assess, and optimize their resource management practices, contributing to sustainable development and accountability.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs)

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are 17 global objectives adopted in 2015 to promote sustainability globally. The mining industry plays a critical role in achieving several UNSDGs, including Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and Goal 15 (Life on Land), but it must also work towards minimizing its negative impact on goals related to the environment, local communities, and sustainable development.
Greenfield

In the context of mining, a "greenfield" project refers to the development of a new mining operation in an area that has not been previously mined or developed for resource extraction. It typically involves starting from scratch, including the exploration, permitting, and construction phases.
Brownfield

Brownfield projects, in contrast to Greenfield projects, involve the expansion or redevelopment of existing mining operations or infrastructure.
Green Mining

Green mining refers to environmentally sustainable and responsible mining practices that prioritize minimizing the ecological footprint and reducing the environmental impact of mining activities. Using advanced technologies, efficient resource utilization, and environmental management strategies, it minimizes harm to ecosystems and communities.