Guest Lecture: Dr R. Anthony Hodge – Mining in Transition
Anthony Hodge Profile
Join us for a captivating guest lecture titled "Mining in Transition" by Dr. R. Anthony Hodge, Adjunct Professor at the Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining Engineering, Queen's University. Hosted by the College of Engineering, Science, and Environment, this event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the evolving landscape of the mining industry.
This presentation begins with a brief review of mining, its role in contemporary society, and its links to sustainability and “ESG” (environment, social, governance) concepts. Mining’s overall goal of achieving a positive contribution to people and ecosystems emerges. In the context of this goal, the discussion then turns to examination of certain elements of engineering design philosophy as currently practiced.
Mining, as an engineering challenge, is characterized by spatial, temporal, societal and ecological boundary conditions that are different from that of many other human activities. These conditions stretch standard approaches into new territory. To achieve effective and efficient solution building requires fresh thinking. In some cases, such new thinking has been resisted by the multi-layered global mining community. It has been slow to adapt, triggering the continuing trust deficit that marks the relationship between mining and society. This, despite society’s growing need for mined commodities, particularly in support of the needed societal adjustment to a low-carbon economy.
The starkest demonstration of this phenomenon can be seen by exploring the closure and post-closure phases of the mine project life cycle and the societal and ecological transitions that a mine operation triggers through its project life cycle – as it also evolves through a radical transition.
A concrete example is provided by the Yukon’s Faro mine, a world class lead-zinc-silver facility which operated from 1969 to 1998 when the final owner entered receivership leaving a complex maze of technical, environmental social and economic issues. At this time, responsibility for the mine defaulted to the federal government. Today, proposed closure and post-closure activities (estimated to cost in the $billions), are now under regulatory review. Many countries around the world are now facing similar examples.
The presentation is drawn together with a return to comment on the use of certain “standard” engineering design practices and the identification of a set of generic lessons that apply regardless of site location.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.