Carbon Footprint Reduction in
Mining and Blasting operation
Author: Partha Das Sharma (B.Tech – Hons. In Mining Engg.)
(E.mail: sharmapd1@gmail.com)
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Carbon Footprint reduction in Mining and Blasting operation
Control of Greenhouse Gas emission is essential to promote Green
Environment
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Partha Das Sharma (B.Tech-Hons. In Mining Engg.)
E.mail - sharmapd1@rediffmail.com and sharmapd1@gmail.com .
Website: http://miningandblasting.wordpress.com/
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Introduction - The enormous threat posed by climate change is now widely recognized by
mainstream science and is increasingly gaining public acceptance. Mining is a significant emitter
of greenhouse gases and is the focus of increasing attention from green groups and regulators.
Mining companies need to know their own carbon emissions and how they compare with the rest
of the industry. Mining companies need to know where they fit in the emissions curve. Because
of that, many countries are now thinking of introducing ‘Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme’, in
order to control Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) emissions. Increased atmospheric concentrations of
GHGs are known to increase global temperatures by absorption of reflected infra-red radiation
and are believed to be contributing to the recently measured global warming. The threat of global
warming, and its increasingly prominent position in the public consciousness, demand that every
major industry takes stock of its contribution to the rising atmospheric concentration of
greenhouse gases (GHGs).
Therefore, for every industry, there is now a greater urgency placed on identifying and delivering
changes to reduce energy usage and GHGs emissions. Traditionally, mining and explosives
industries are not slow in responding the challenges of reduction of ‘Carbon Footprint’ as many
has been preparing itself for the change. The good news is, they have already started energy
efficiency initiatives. However, as expected, these have targeted