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Title Promoting life cycle thinking for sustainability in the mining sector of the Philippines
ID_Doc 76147
Authors Balanay, RM; Halog, A
Title Promoting life cycle thinking for sustainability in the mining sector of the Philippines
Year 2017
Published International Journal Of Life Cycle Assessment, 22, 11
DOI 10.1007/s11367-016-1105-x
Abstract This paper aims to promote life cycle thinking for the mining sector in the Philippines in enhancing the interventions intended for mining as a catalyst of sustainable development in the country. The environmental ills of mining hinder the sector's acceptability as a catalyst, which is detrimental to its sustainability at the same time. Previous works on mining impacts and life cycle thinking and assessment in the country had been reviewed to glean insights on integrating life cycle thinking in mining. Why and how such thinking and approach should be accounted for in mining is examined from these works to figure out the strategies through which mining is helped in mitigating its environmental ills. Life cycle thinking helps establish a logical approach in analysing issues associated with mining processes and products. It is of great relevance in preparing for contingencies for the adverse environmental outcomes that arise at any point of mining's life cycle (exploration to mine closure) and the mining products' life cycles (extraction to recycling or to accumulation). With its associated assessment procedures, life cycle thinking provides a logical system in obtaining scientific evidence for forward planning particularly on the aspect of sustainable mitigation of mining's environmental outcomes. It is apt that life cycle thinking be seriously accounted for in mining to improve the current undertakings of troubleshooting and addressing the adverse environmental outcomes of mining. Important insights from it facilitate the identification of sustainable mitigation strategies and who could take the lead actions, such as in developing business linkages and new markets to capitalize on the wastes and emissions from mining operations. The insights can greatly help the mining sector build its capability to come in harmony with people and nature, and work as a catalyst of sustainable development in the country.
Author Keywords Life cycle assessment; Life cycle thinking; Mining; Philippines; Product life cycle; Sustainable development
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000412742100020
WoS Category Engineering, Environmental; Environmental Sciences
Research Area Engineering; Environmental Sciences & Ecology
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