Mining’s role in the energy transition and its challenges

Exploring the environmental and strategic impact of mining in a modern economy.

Illustration by Olaser

By Adila Ghina and Hayu Andini

Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future, by Vince Beiser

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Mining, a fundamental driver of modern civilization, has taken center stage in discussions about energy, sustainability, and economic growth. Politicians, pundits, and journalists have turned their focus to the essential yet environmentally taxing role of extracting minerals. Mining’s contributions to advanced technology and renewable energy are undeniable, but the process remains inherently controversial.

In his book Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future, journalist Vince Beiser examines mining’s critical role in the transition to renewable energy. This transformation, which replaces traditional fuels with battery-powered systems driven by wind and solar energy, demands vast quantities of minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Beiser delves into the environmental and societal implications of this demand while chronicling mining’s influence on history and culture.

Rhenium, a relatively obscure element discovered just a century ago, exemplifies mining’s importance. It enables high-temperature alloys for jet engines and superconductors. Similarly, minerals power innovations ranging from MRI machines to lasers, semiconductors, and lithium-ion batteries that energize electric vehicles and smartphones.

These advancements would be impossible without the Bronze Age and Iron Age foundations that underscore humanity’s reliance on earth’s minerals. The strategic importance of mining has only grown since World War I, when nations realized their dependence on imported metals for military power. This awareness led to initiatives like the 1922 Congressional military board and subsequent laws to stockpile critical minerals, from tungsten to vanadium.

The U.S. government, recognizing the strategic vulnerability of relying on imports, introduced the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act in 1939. This legislation, updated multiple times through 2023, aimed to promote domestic mining and reduce dependency on foreign sources. Despite these efforts, domestic mining faces significant challenges, particularly environmental regulations that hinder growth.

Beiser tackles the inherent contradiction in the energy transition: while renewable energy promises a cleaner future, the mineral extraction required to achieve it is far from clean. The author aptly titles his book’s introduction, “There’s No Such Thing as Clean Energy.”

The scale of mineral extraction required for the transition is staggering. Beiser notes that global mining today moves quantities of rock equivalent to 7,000 Great Pyramids annually. Transitioning to renewable energy would require mining on a scale exceeding 50,000 pyramids each year. Such efforts come with profound environmental consequences, from habitat destruction to water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions.

While Beiser acknowledges the potential of recycling to mitigate mining’s impact, he emphasizes that it is insufficient to meet current and future demand. Urban mining and metal scavenging, though innovative, cannot replace the vast amounts of raw materials required for modern technology and infrastructure.

The book also explores the human dimension of mining, including its impact on communities and workers. Beiser chronicles his visits to global mine sites, highlighting the lives of those involved in the industry. From urban metal scavengers to traditional miners, the author reveals the complex choreography required to extract and process minerals.

Beiser critiques the growing detachment of modern society from the realities of mining. Many people, he observes, work in fields centered on intellectual products and abstract concepts, unaware of their dependence on physical resources. He calls this disconnect a “Faustian bargain,” though others might argue that it reflects humanity’s ingenuity in harnessing natural resources for progress.

The book’s concluding chapters advocate for a cultural shift in consumption and transportation. Beiser highlights the Netherlands as a model for reducing mineral and energy consumption, pointing to its cycling infrastructure as a sustainable alternative to car dependency. He joins voices calling for urban redesigns that prioritize people over automobiles.

However, Beiser’s vision of reducing car ownership faces significant challenges. Data suggests that younger generations, contrary to popular belief, are not abandoning cars. A study by MIT found that millennials show little difference in vehicle ownership preferences compared to previous generations. A global survey revealed that most people, particularly in countries like China, maintain a strong attachment to their cars.

Despite efforts to promote cycling and micromobility, such as New York City’s expansion of bike lanes and congestion tolls, cycling remains a niche mode of transportation. In the U.S., only 0.5% of commuters use bicycles, with the majority being young, white, college-educated males. This demographic disparity raises questions about the universality of cycling as a solution.

Beiser’s chronicle underscores the complexities of meeting humanity’s growing demand for minerals while minimizing environmental harm. The energy transition, though critical for addressing climate change, requires a delicate balance between technological innovation, resource extraction, and sustainable practices.

One key takeaway from Beiser’s work is the need to avoid subsidizing technologies that exacerbate mineral demand without addressing underlying issues. As he argues, the solution lies in reducing consumption and rethinking priorities rather than doubling down on unsustainable practices.

The challenges of mining in the 21st century highlight the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social systems. As nations and industries strive to navigate the energy transition, Beiser’s insights provide a timely reminder of the trade-offs and opportunities involved. Mining may be an inherently dirty business, but its role in shaping the future is undeniable.

By addressing these issues with transparency and innovation, society can work toward a more sustainable and equitable approach to resource management. Beiser’s Power Metal invites readers to engage with these critical questions, offering a thought-provoking exploration of mining’s past, present, and future.

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