In 2021, the world’s top mining companies committed to a goal of net zero direct and indirect carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner. But experts agree that can be a difficult challenge to overcome, since the “green energy” needed to operate plants at net-zero levels is still far from within our grasp.

In fact, the raw materials needed to develop the green technologies that would power the plants must first be drawn from the earth using current mining technologies and heavy equipment – which means diesel, coal and lots of replacement metal parts needed to keep this machinery running.

So “how on earth” are they going to do that sustainably?

Digital Journal spoke with Rand Taylor, CEO of The Fuel Ox, which has developed the most technologically advanced and eco-friendly fuel treatments and lubricants on the market, about how better fuel efficiency and heavy equipment lubrication can make these industrial powerhouses more sustainable as they work to create a more sustainable world.

Digital Journal: What is sustainable mining and is that even possible?

Rand Taylor: Sustainable mining falls under the category of “simple but not easy.” What I mean is that it is simple to explain but not easy to execute. Sustainable Mining requires that removal of the desired element from the ground must be done by:

1. Disturbing the eco-system as little as possible,
2. Treating the indigenous peoples as fairly as possible,
3. Conducting the mining itself as safely as possible,
4. Using fuels, lubricants and chemicals in a safe way so as not to pollute the environment, and lastly,
5. To leave the mining area as close to “as it was” as possible – without pollutants and having been reforested, etc.

Unfortunately, this is not easy and adds cost to the operation. But, yes, it is possible.