Responsible minerals sourcing for renewable energy

CSA Global, an ERM Group Company, has a vital role to play in helping the international minerals industry find and sustainably source the materials needed for the technologies we will deploy as we transform our energy system.

With the recent surge from the electric vehicle market for lithium-ion batteries, manufacturers across Europe, North America and Southeast Asia are committed to decarbonizing the global energy and transportation sectors.

Recently, specialists from CSA Global and others within ERM worked together on a significant battery minerals project with the Australian company, AVZ Minerals Limited. AVZ proposes to mine its Manono Lithium and Tin Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Currently, Manono is one of Africa’s largest undeveloped lithium pegmatite deposits and could significantly help to transform the economy of the DRC and help to drive the low carbon economy transition in Africa by using hydropower for the mine activities.

CSA Global played a role in the definitive feasibility study to develop the Manono Project and incorporated ERM’s expertise to prepare the mine closure plan for the end-of-life of the Manono project – as part of a responsible approach to mining.

The work carried out to date has demonstrated the mine is technically achievable and economically viable. The project will consist of an open pit mine, a spodumene concentrate and lithium sulfate plant, tin and tantalum recovery circuit, tailings storage facility, waste rock dump, water storage dams, stores, and associated infrastructure. Manono is a robust project with strong financial metrics and a substantial ore body capable of extending the life of the mine well past the current 20 years.

With a significant proportion of production of technology minerals coming from artisanal mining activity, particularly in the DRC and other parts of Africa, companies like AVZ Minerals have an opportunity to improve conditions in the mining industry while accelerating the transition to a low carbon economy future via sustainable and responsible mine development (encompassing training and skills development of a local workforce).

There is increasing pressure globally on all companies to manage supply chains responsibly, and technology companies are joining associations such as the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) and the London Metals Exchange (LME) to encourage and demand conformance to sustainable business practices within the minerals industry.

CSA Global, along with the rest of ERM, helps companies implement these business practices, to reduce negative impacts on the environment and improve the lives of stakeholders.