From Open Pit to Nature Reserve: A Sustainable Mining Future

The topic of sustainable mining is not new, but when reflecting on the future we want for the regions currently hosting major mining projects, what legacy are we leaving for our descendants? As I ponder this question while looking at my young children, the term sustainability takes on a different meaning.

Mines are not eternal, but we can transform them into parks or conservation centers — places of inspiration and growth, rather than abandonment. This should be the true legacy of mining, an industry whose demand is not only sustained but continues to grow alongside technological development.

Technological solutions require inputs derived from minerals, linking them closely to the mining industry, as technology is key to improving mining practices.

New Zealand has a mining history that spans over 200 years, and its mining industry operates under Māori values, or Kaitiakitanga, which emphasizes caring for people and the environment for current and future generations, and Manaakitanga, which focuses on care and respect for others, not just within our community or country, but globally.

With these values at its core, New Zealand’s mining industry has numerous examples of sustainable mining. Among the most notable is OceanaGold’s Reefton Restoration Project, which is transforming an open-pit mine into part of Victoria National Park. This internationally recognized project was mentioned in the World Gold Council’s documentary, Gold: A Journey With Idris Elba.

New Zealand acknowledges that the modern economy is built on the use of minerals, and we understand there are barriers and challenges that must be addressed and solved through Kiwi technology and innovation.

Today, it’s not just about analyzing the options for mines that are nearing closure, it’s crucial to envision the future of mining beyond its operational life from the very beginning. A great example of this in New Zealand is the Waihi mine.

The Waihi Case

With a projected mine life until 2037 and a long-term economic investment committed to the region, OceanaGold is renewing its focus on sustainable community development in Waihi, located on New Zealand's North Island. But first, the External Affairs and Social Performance Superintendent of the Operation, Kyle Welten, and his team needed to pause and reflect on the region’s future. What will Waihi look like after mining? And until that moment arrives, how can the local community benefit from the company's presence?

The sustainability team at OceanaGold’s Waihi operation is currently asking tough questions. For a town that has known gold since it was first discovered in the 19th century and that depends on its continued success, the community expects the company to make a significant contribution and help secure its future.

Over the past year, the team has developed a “Life of Mine Sustainability Strategy Framework,” which outlines how the company will align its operational performance with local aspirations, values, and culture.

The Framework adopts a shared value approach and outlines how OceanaGold will strive to be a trusted partner by contributing to the well-being of Waihi through partnerships that deliver sustainable outcomes throughout the life of the mine and beyond.

The Importance of Long-Term Planning in Sustainable Mining

In the case of Waihi and many other mining regions, the key to success lies in long-term planning. It’s not just about managing resources efficiently while minerals are being extracted, but also about considering what will happen after the mine closes. Mining projects that integrate sustainability at their core must ensure they leave behind a positive legacy that goes beyond resource extraction, fostering community development and environmental preservation.

Technology is essential in making mining operations cleaner, safer, and more efficient. Innovations like automation, real-time data analysis, and artificial intelligence have enabled mining companies to optimize processes and minimize environmental impacts. A prime example is New Zealand-based Seequent, a world leader in earth modeling, data analysis, management, and collaboration software. Seequent empowers geologists and mining companies to better understand the subsurface, enabling more informed decisions on critical Earth, environmental, and energy challenges.

Another significant innovation is the use of advanced underground mining technology, which not only improves worker safety but also minimizes surface impacts and reduces the need for new open-pit mines. These advancements allow for more efficient resource extraction with a smaller ecological footprint.

Additionally, innovations in renewable energy are helping to transform the mining industry. Many mining operations, especially in remote areas, rely on fossil fuels to generate the energy they need. However, by incorporating solar and wind energy into their processes, many mining companies are significantly reducing their carbon emissions and ensuring a more sustainable future.

Partnerships for Greener Mining

For sustainable mining to become a reality, collaboration between companies, governments, and local communities is essential. In New Zealand, this collaboration is reflected in the integration of Māori values into the management of mining resources.

This collaborative approach also extends internationally, where New Zealand has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable mining by working with other nations and international organizations to promote best practices and share knowledge. Participation in forums such as the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and the implementation of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals are examples of how mining companies are collaborating to build a greener future.

Sustainable mining is not only about technology but also about culture and values. In New Zealand, the values guiding the mining industry serve as an example of how mining can and should integrate harmoniously with the needs of society and the environment. It’s a call to rethink how we interact with natural resources and to act proactively to protect the future.

Shared Challenges in Mexican and New Zealand Mining

Mexico and New Zealand, though geographically distant, share similar challenges regarding mining and the need to implement sustainable practices. Both countries have a rich mining history that has been vital to the economic development of their regions, but they have also faced the environmental and social consequences of exploiting their natural resources. The reflection on the future of these activities now focuses on how to transform this industry to be more responsible and leave a positive legacy.

Technology plays a key role in this change. Innovations like those developed by Geo40, which extracts minerals from geothermal fluids, and Aquafortus, with its system to convert wastewater into clean water and dry salt, are examples of how technology can contribute to greener mining. These solutions, already in operation in New Zealand, can serve as inspiration for mining in Mexico, allowing mineral extraction and energy production to be cleaner and more efficient, while ensuring that local communities also benefit from these innovations.

In both countries, sustainability has started to take a leading role in mining decisions. In Mexico, as in New Zealand, the importance of technology and innovation in minimizing environmental impact and ensuring community development has been recognized.

In both Mexico and New Zealand, the key to the success of sustainable mining lies in collaboration with local communities. The values of respect for the land and people, as promoted in Māori culture, also resonate in many indigenous communities in Mexico, where the concept of harmony with nature is fundamental. This shared approach to care and social responsibility highlights that, beyond economic benefits, mining should be an activity that promotes collective well-being and long-term environmental balance.