Minerals and Mining in a Sustainable World from edX

What is the role of mining in a sustainable world? What challenges lie ahead, and how is the mining industry responding to meet our demand for minerals as well as our expectations of a sustainable future?

This course explores the risks, challenges and opportunities facing the mining industry in the 21st century. You will learn some of the history of the role of minerals in society, and the tension between increasing demand for minerals and a continually evolving global context. This is driving the industry to look beyond the technical challenges of extracting ore, and to consider its broader role in contributing to sustainable development.

We follow the sustainability journey of the mining industry, from an historical perspective to the emergence of the Global Mining Initiative, and discuss the roles and responses of industry, government and civil society. The course also highlights the sustainable development aspects of mineral production in both the day to day operation of a mine, as well as more complex longer-term challenges. We explore the future demand for minerals, and the role of policy and governance on the future direction of the mining industry including the impacts of responsible investors and supply chains.

You will learn about scenario planning and how to use this approach as a strategic tool to consider a range of possible futures for the minerals sector, against the backdrop of uncertain future environments.

This interactive course incorporates videos, expert insights, simulations, discussions and scenarios to deepen your current understanding of the sector, and to encourage you to develop you own ideas about possible future directions.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explore the role of minerals in society and their contribution to sustainable development.
Investigate the current issues and challenges confronting the sector.
Understand the importance of environmental social and governance (esg) aspects of mining operations.

Find out about new frameworks and policies for resource developments in the 21st century.
Students who complete this course will be able to:

Explore the role of minerals in society and their contribution to sustainable development.
Investigate the current issues and challenges confronting the sector.
Understand the importance of environmental social and governance (esg) aspects of mining operations.
Find out about new frameworks and policies for resource developments in the 21st century.
Students who complete this course will be able to:

Syllabus

Getting started

Mineral resources in modern society

Breaking new ground

Sustainable development at the site level

Strategic challenges

Resourcing the future

An agenda for change

Future scenarios (assessment)

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the role of minerals in society and their ethical implications for sustainable development

Examines the complexities of sustainability in the context of mining, with a focus on historical and current challenges

Leverages case studies to showcase the industry's response to societal and environmental expectations

Features expert insights from Elaine Wightman, an established professional in the mining industry

Utilizes a multi-modal learning approach with videos, simulations, and discussions to engage learners

Applicable to professionals in the mining industry, sustainability practitioners, and those interested in responsible resource management

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Minerals and Mining in a Sustainable World with these activities:

Review Core Concepts in Environmental Science

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Review the major themes, concepts, and methodologies covered in introductory Environmental Science courses, strengthening your understanding of the field.

Browse courses on Environmental Science

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Review textbooks and lecture notes from previous coursework.
Access online resources and articles to refresh your knowledge.
Take practice quizzes or complete review exercises.
Discuss key concepts with peers or a tutor.

Attend a mining industry conference or event

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Attending a mining industry conference or event will help you network with professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends and developments in the industry.

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Identify a mining industry conference or event that is relevant to your interests.
Register for the conference or event.
Attend the conference or event and participate in the activities and discussions.

Develop a presentation on the role of minerals in sustainable development

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Creating a presentation on the role of minerals in sustainable development will help you understand the importance of minerals in our society and the challenges of mining them in a sustainable way.

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Identify the key role that minerals play in modern society.
Research the challenges of mining minerals in a sustainable way.
Develop a presentation that outlines the role of minerals in sustainable development.

One other activity

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Practice scenario planning for the future of the mining industry

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Practicing scenario planning for the future of the mining industry will help you develop your critical thinking skills and learn how to make informed decisions about the future of the industry.

Browse courses on Scenario Planning

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Identify the key drivers of change in the mining industry.
Develop a range of possible scenarios for the future of the industry.
Evaluate the implications of each scenario for the mining industry.

Career center

Learners who complete Minerals and Mining in a Sustainable World will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mining Engineer

Given your interest in mining, this course will help you develop a strong foundation for a successful career as a Mining Engineer. It covers the role of minerals in society, the challenges facing the sector, and the importance of sustainable development in mining operations. You will also learn about new frameworks and policies for resource developments in the 21st century.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mining Engineer

Sustainability Manager

The course is well-suited for individuals aspiring to become Sustainability Managers. It covers the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects of mining operations, which is a critical topic for sustainability professionals. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities facing the mining industry in the 21st century and develop your own ideas about possible future directions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Environmental Engineer

This course is a great asset for anyone who wants to enter or advance their career as an Environmental Engineer. It covers the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects of mining operations, which is a critical topic for environmental professionals. The course will also help you understand the challenges and opportunities facing the mining industry in the 21st century and develop your own ideas about possible future directions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Sustainability Consultant

This course is an excellent choice for individuals who want to pursue a career as a Sustainability Consultant. It covers the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects of mining operations, which is a critical topic for sustainability professionals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Resource Geologist

This course is an excellent choice if you are interested in becoming a Resource Geologist. It covers the role of minerals in society, the challenges facing the sector, and the importance of sustainable development in mining operations. You will also learn about new frameworks and policies for resource developments in the 21st century.

See salaries and explore the career path for Resource Geologist

Environmental Scientist

This course may be useful for individuals who want to pursue a career as an Environmental Scientist. It covers the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects of mining operations, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the mining industry in the 21st century.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Environmental Consultant

Individuals interested in a career as an Environmental Consultant may find this course helpful. It covers the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects of mining operations, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the mining industry in the 21st century.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Hydrogeologist

This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as a Hydrogeologist. It covers the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects of mining operations, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the mining industry in the 21st century.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydrogeologist

Mining Lawyer

This course is an excellent choice for individuals who want to pursue a career as a Mining Lawyer. It covers the challenges and opportunities facing the mining industry in the 21st century, as well as the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects of mining operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mining Lawyer

Geologist

If you are interested in a career as a Geologist, then this course may be helpful. It covers the role of minerals in society, the challenges facing the sector, and the importance of sustainable development in mining operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Materials Scientist

This course may be useful for individuals who want to pursue a career as a Materials Scientist. It covers the role of minerals in society, the challenges facing the sector, and the importance of sustainable development in mining operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Mining Analyst

This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Mining Analyst. It covers the challenges and opportunities facing the mining industry in the 21st century, as well as the importance of sustainable development in mining operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mining Analyst

Geochemist

This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Geochemist. It covers the role of minerals in society, the challenges facing the sector, and the importance of sustainable development in mining operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geochemist

Mining Technician

This course may be useful for individuals who want to pursue a career as a Mining Technician. It covers the challenges and opportunities facing the mining industry in the 21st century, as well as the importance of sustainable development in mining operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mining Technician

Geophysicist

This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as a Geophysicist. It covers the role of minerals in society, the challenges facing the sector, and the importance of sustainable development in mining operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist