Mining's Contribution to the Green Transition

Mining's Contribution to Green Transition Istanbul Mining Exporters Association Board Chairman Aydın Dinçer: "Reforestation work in mining areas where operations have ceased makes a serious contribution to our country's green assets, agriculture, economy, and most importantly sustainability," he said. Dinçer stated regarding the matter that "The positive steps our country, which is extremely rich in mining diversity, has taken in this context will be our closest companion in securing our future and reducing our carbon footprint."

ISTANBUL (AA)

Istanbul Mining Exporters Association (İMİB) Board Chairman and TIM Mining Sector Council Chairman Aydın Dinçer stated: "Reforestation work in mining areas where operations have ceased makes a serious contribution to our country's green assets, agriculture, economy, and most importantly sustainability." According to an association statement, İMİB, which carries out activities aimed at promoting mining products in domestic and foreign existing and target markets as well as increasing export potential, continues its activities to demonstrate the importance of mining for a sustainable world. İMİB Chairman Aydın Dinçer, whose views are included in the statement, commented on the value of mining activities in green transition and sustainability: "Mining production processes play an important role in ensuring sustainability today. The positive steps our country, which is extremely rich in mining diversity, has taken in this context will be our closest companion in securing our future and reducing our carbon footprint."

"Mining also contributes to sustainability"

Noting that global warming and various ecological problems underscore the value of sustainability, Dinçer emphasized that mining activities provide significant contributions to achieving sustainability. Dinçer argued that many developed countries have taken serious steps in terms of sustainability thanks to mining, and regarding the role of natural stone in this process: "Today, the use of sustainable materials is important for countries. Scientific studies confirm that natural stone is the floor covering product with the lowest carbon emissions. The application of new technological advances to natural stone production processes enables greater resource savings, reduces pollution, minimizes waste, and makes natural stone environmentally friendly. At this point, natural stone use has positive effects on sustainability including reducing carbon dioxide emissions, reducing energy use by up to 50%, reducing water use by an average of 40%, and reducing solid waste by 70%." he said.

"Local and recycled materials should be used"

Emphasizing the need to use as many local and recycled materials as possible to reduce project costs and minimize environmental damage in green energy applications, Aydın Dinçer said: "Strategic mining activities are of great importance today for the implementation of green energy. As clean energy transition gains significance globally, the mining sector is also carrying out necessary work to ensure sustainability. The need for green energy in strategically conducted mining activities is also causing increased demand for certain minerals. The use of many minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, manganese, cobalt, zinc, and rare earth elements contributes to ensuring sustainability in green energy transition. It appears that demand for rare earth elements in a strategic position will increase significantly in the coming years in parallel with magnet production and electric vehicle demand. Six times more of these minerals will be needed compared to the past. Electronic waste and raw materials that can be separated through electronic waste recycling were worth approximately USD 57 billion in 2019. Considering that of Turkey's total 847 kilotons of e-waste, 125 kilotons have been recovered for recycling, it becomes important to utilize the approximately USD 1 billion recycling potential. Steps to be taken by countries in line with sustainable development goals also change their perspective on green transition. This means more electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar energy panels, and extensive electricity distribution channels. In order to contribute to green energy transition, emphasis should be placed on mining production."

"Reforestation in mining areas contributes to sustainability"

Referring to the importance of rehabilitation work carried out in mining areas for sustainable mining, İMİB Chairman Dinçer stated: "Reforestation work in mining areas where operations have ceased makes a serious contribution to our country's green assets, agriculture, economy, and most importantly sustainability. The conversion of mining production areas to agricultural land following production in this context once again demonstrates the value of mining in sustainability."