Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Reports & Indices
Why in News?
Nearly two-thirds of the world’s mining and metals facilities are exposed to at least one significant physical water risk.
- It was the new report by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).
- The study analysed more than 12,000 facilities across 148 countries and regions.
- Baseline water stress is the most common threat, affecting 38% of facilities, while drought risk affects 27% globally.
- The report identifies compound water-risk hotspots in Chile, Peru, southern Africa, northern China, central India, western Australia and the western United States.
- It was the first comprehensive cross-commodity analysis of water risks across the mining and metals sector.
- The assessment looks at 5 physical water risk indicators –
- Floods,
- Droughts,
- Baseline water stress,
- Baseline water depletion and
- Interannual variability.
- Baseline water stress is the most common risk facing the mining and metals sector.
- Drought is the 2nd most widespread water risk.
- Flood exposure is particularly pronounced for alumina, aluminum, steel and molybdenum production facilities.
The International Council on Mining and Metals was founded in 2001, as a CEO-led leadership organisation on the premise of improving sustainable development in the mining and metals industry.
Reference
Down to Earth | Global Mining and Metals Water Dataset
