Climate change and mining in Canada

Tristan Pearce; J Ford; J Prno; F Duerden; J Pittman; M Beaumier; L Berrang-Ford; B Smit

doi:10.1007/s11027-010-9269-3

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Journal article

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Climate change and mining in Canada

Tristan Pearce, J Ford, J Prno, F Duerden, J Pittman, M Beaumier, L Berrang-Ford and B Smit

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Vol.16(3), pp.347-368

2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-010-9269-3

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Abstract

adaptation

Canada

climate change

hazards

industry

mining

planning

resource management

vulnerability

Climate is an important component of the operating environment for the Canadian mining sector. However, in recent years mines across Canada have been affected by significant climatic hazards, several which are regarded to be symptomatic of climate change. For the mining sector, climate change is a pressing environmental threat and a significant business risk. The extent to which the mining sector is able to mitigate its own impact and adapt to climate change will affect its long-term success and prosperity, and have profound economic consequences for host communities. This paper draws upon case studies conducted with mining operations in Canada involving in-depth interviews with mining professionals and analysis of secondary sources to characterize the vulnerability of the Canadian mining industry to climate change. Five key findings are discussed: i) mines in the case studies are affected by climate events that are indicative of climate change, with examples of negative impacts over the past decade; ii) most mine infrastructure has been designed assuming that the climate is not changing; iii) most industry stakeholders interviewed view climate change as a minor concern; iv) limited adaption planning for future climate change is underway; v) significant vulnerabilities exist in the post-operational phase of mines. This paper argues for greater collaboration among mining companies, regulators, scientists and other industry stakeholders to develop practical adaptation strategies that can be integrated into existing and new mine operations, including in the post-operational phase

Details

Title: Climate change and mining in Canada
Authors: Tristan Pearce (Author) - University of Guelph, Canada
J Ford (Author) - McGill University, Canada
J Prno (Author) - Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada
F Duerden (Author) - Ryerson University, Canada
J Pittman (Author) - University of Regina, Canada
M Beaumier (Author) - McGill University, Canada
L Berrang-Ford (Author) - McGill University, Canada
B Smit (Author) - University of Guelph, Canada
Publication details: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Vol.16(3), pp.347-368
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Date published: 2011
DOI: 10.1007/s11027-010-9269-3
ISSN: 1381-2386
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450378902621
Output Type: Journal article

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