The circular mining approach is discussed in this Green Carbon Webinar, which addresses the need to tackle hard-to-abate industries such as mining, metal refining, long-haul transportation and the building sector that are responsible for over 30% of emissions causing climate change. Biochar is suggested as a solution to remediate heavily toxic elements such as arsenic, co-mingled with mined ores and usually left on the ground, which may cause environmental and health risks. By using biochars and complementary technologies, the threat can be turned into an opportunity, and circular mining methodology can be employed. The webinar emphasizes the need for strategic partnerships to ensure meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and discussed funding the project through royalty streaming revenue, traditional project finance, and the EU climate bond.
00:00:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the hard-to-abate industries that need to be tackled to achieve climate restoration and repair. These industries, including mining, metal refining, long-haul transportation, and the building sector, are responsible for over 30% of emissions causing climate change. The presentation touches on the need for minerals to advance a circular economy, mine remediation through reforestation, and the transition to mine remediation using biochar. With a focus on circular gold and silver mining projects and funding through climate bonds, the presentation highlights the need for a transition towards a circular economy in the wake of the current climate crisis.
00:05:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the use of biochar for mine remediation, which is a transition from reforestation methods that were used before. Biochar is a highly stable form of carbon that is produced by heating organic material in the absence of oxygen using low temperature pyrolysis. It can be used as an adsorbent for solution phase metals and to filter borehole water so that it can be reused in mining and operations. Biochar can also be employed to restore soil to an environmentally sustainable condition at mining sites and to sequester carbon. The speaker presents examples of mines before and after the use of biochar in remediation.
00:10:00 In this section of the webinar, the speaker discussed the issue of heavily toxic elements, such as arsenic, that are co-mingled with mined ores and usually left on the ground, causing environmental and health risks to humans and other species. The proposed solution is the use of biochars and complementary technologies to turn this threat into an opportunity and employ circular mining methodology. The speaker highlighted traditional mining and the various types of mining operations, including artisanal and small-scale mining, which can benefit from the circular mining approach and the use of biochar. The approach not only addresses legacy issues but also leads to economic revitalization by creating job opportunities in the mining industry and lowering operating costs.
00:15:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the process of circular mining and mine remediation using biochar. The aim is to recycle and recover the materials used in the mine, which are usually put into tailings or water, using technologies such as pyrolysis systems. The pyrolysis systems can convert syngas into electricity and run through a low emission engine. They are also used to clean up water through biochar filters that can remediate and extract heavy metals and NPK found in biosoils. The water is oxygenated using an ultra-nano bubble generator and can even be made potable through the EPA-registered enviroprotect antimicrobial inserted into a sand filter. The goal is to implement this process during the mining process itself, incorporate the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals and their 119 plus protocols. The speaker also discussed funding the project through royalty streaming revenue, traditional project finance, and the EU climate bond. The taxonomies of these funding sources are science-based, unlike politically or financially based rules, to avoid greenwashing and ensure the abatement of danger to society while meeting the projected demand for critical Metals.
00:20:00 In this section, Marshall discusses the need for the mining industry to abate its contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, soil contamination, and water pollution, as the demand for metals projected to grow for renewable technologies. He mentions that carcinogenic substances like arsenic and toxic chemicals can be reprocessed using biochar, which in his opinion should be the tip of the spear in mine remediation. Marshall also invites individuals to be a part of this process, whether financially, as a mining operator, mine owner, or technology supplier, and emphasizes the need for all hands on deck. He then answers a question on how to recover top metals from spent biochar and explains that they recover all the materials using their paralysis system that can process 120 metric tons of the material a day.
00:25:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the internal rate of return of the mining project, explaining that the evaluation of the mines in Nevada is about 12.7 billion US dollars over 20 years. The return on investment is significant due to the high price of gold, which is currently over two thousand dollars a troy ounce. The speaker also explains how they acquire the needed amount of biochar by using their own technology and forming joint ventures with waste facilities that have high carbon char material. The speaker encourages collaboration among their so-called competitors to help supply for these projects. Finally, the speaker talks about the specifications of biochar needed for remediation, which they work with their partners to ensure they meet.
00:30:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of testing and ensuring the quality of biochar used in mining projects and remediation areas. They mention that biochars can change over time and can have different carbon content depending on their intended use. They emphasize the need for at least 80% carbon for mining projects and 60% carbon for post-remediation soil recovery. The pricing of biochar varies depending on various factors such as location and shipping, and the speaker states that for mining projects, biochar can range from around $500 to 500 euros per metric ton. The speaker also highlights the importance of strategic partnership to ensure meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
