‘Green’ revolution will bolster mining industry

Commodity prices may be low
but the world of mining is far
from being defeated according
to Robert Friedland, executive
chairman and founder of Ivanhoe
Mines.
As the world continues to
consume, metals like platinum,
copper and zinc will become
increasingly important in the
green economy.
“Governments across the world
are focusing on cleaner air. The
platinum group metals (PGM) will
be critical in delivering on this.
As the move towards electric
cars increases we will need more
copper for example,” he said. “We
will continue to need minerals
and metals. This is not going to
change anytime soon.”
He said proof of this was
the intention of the Chinese
state grid to boost its power
transmission network to a
greener network. They were also
building 20 000 car charging
stations in a move towards
electric cars and cleaner air.
Plans indicate spending of
around $350 billion dollars in
the next few years.
“This is a very responsible
programme to clean the air
and will ultimately see China
becoming the world’s biggest
copper consumer to achieve the
plans.”
He said metals like zinc, for
instance, would also continue to
be in demand in the future.
“Zinc is an incredibly powerful
fertiliser and will be used
increasingly in the agricultural
sector in the future.”
INSERT
As the move towards
electric cars increases we
will need more copper for
example.
– Robert Friedland