Understand
Source: Natural Diamond Council (NDC)
2022-02-09
Like all industries, natural diamond mining has an impact on the natural environment. The land, water and energy used in the mining process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Being ethical and socially responsible, the seven member companies of the Natural Diamond Council jointly committed to protect the nature and implemented sustainable management of precious natural resources. To achieve this goal, these companies initiated projects ,such as waste reduction, waste recycling, water conservation, and energy alternatives with local governments and communities to reduce their carbon footprint.
Reduce Energy Consumption
The natural diamond industry has developed a series of programs aimed at reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, and actively utilizes renewable energy.
In 2019, ALROSA invested more than US$150 million in programs to protect the environment and rationally use natural resources, ensuring that 85.5% of its energy is renewable. Over the past decade, ALROSA has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50%.
Research and Development
Natural diamond mining companies continually advancing in innovative technologies and investing in research and development to further reduce their carbon footprint. De Beers Group is working towards its 2030 carbon neutrality goal by improving operational efficiency to reduce energy intensity and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy wherever possible. They are also collaborating with a team of leading scientists on Project Carbon Vault, which converts kimberlites into carbides and gradually achieves carbon neutrality. There is no doubt that this groundbreaking research will advance a range of industries in the future.
Reduce Waste and Enhance RecyclingThe world's top natural diamond mining companies are controlling carbon emissions by reducing waste generation and recycling waste.
In the mining process, there is no need to use a lot of chemicals. Instead, the process relies on water resources and pressure. When natural diamonds are mined, most of the waste produced is rock and materials that are transported from the mine and placed in nearby storage areas.
And after mining is complete, the waste rock is recycled and made part of the natural landscape. For example, when the Ekati Mine in Canada's remote northwest was closed, the area excavated by mining was redeveloped to restore it to a previously hospitable environment for humans and wildlife.
Conserving Water Resources
Another important part of the natural diamond industry's commitment to the environment relies on the recycling and reuse of water resources. Through strategies to reduce usage and increase efficiency, Petra Diamonds recycles 72 percent of the water used in its operations.
Petra Diamonds supplies drinking water to local residents at the Williamson Mine in Tanzania. In 2016, Petra also refurbished an emergency water pipeline at the Koffiefontein Mine in South Africa, providing emergency water to local communities under prolonged drought conditions.
In 2020, Lucara Diamond doubled its water recycling rate compared to 2018 and launched a joint project with Debswana Diamonds to open and share Karowe Mine. The surplus water goes to nearby mines, thereby reducing direct groundwater abstraction, which in turn supplies the saved groundwater to local communities.
ALROSA has also increased the use of recycle water in its craft processes by 41% over the past three years. In Zimbabwe's arid climate, water is especially valuable to local farmers. RZM Murowa rebuilt local wells and supplied water to schools, clinics and other institutions. RZM Murowa has also successfully developed a water-saving system through the community micro-irrigation program, which brings additional water supply to the community and minimizes water waste.
The world's top natural diamond mining companies understand that the long-term development of the mining industry depends on their ability to minimize their impact on the environment. By building partnerships with local communities and local governments to reduce the impact of mining on the local environment, the natural diamond industry will continue to thrive in the years to come.