Environmental Geology and Mining

Environmental geology is a wide field which applies geological and geochemical principles to environmental management. Even in the age of climate change awareness, the majority of the world's energy still comes from fossil fuels, the use of which presents many challenges, not only in exploration but also in the downstream environmental effects. In addition, green technology requires mining for precious metals which will continue or even increase. Electric vehicles require 3.6 times more copper than internal combustion engine cars. Other metals in demand include zinc, lithium, nickel and aluminium, among others. The downstream environmental effects, risks and consequences of mining for these resources should be understood and be part of managing anthropogenic effects on the environment. This course explores these fields largely in the context of mineral extraction activities.