𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

…𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔

By Yeshey Lhadon

As Bhutan navigates the complexities of economic growth and environmental stewardship, a Bhutan Innovation Forum (BIF) spotlighted the critical role of sustainable mining practices in achieving a balance between resource extraction and long-term development. The discussion featured Robert Friedland, Founder of Ivanhoe Mines, who shared insights on the necessity of mining in modern society and the environmental implications of resource extraction.

Friedland began by acknowledging the skepticism many have towards mining, emphasizing its integral role in daily life. “Everything you touch, everything you’ve ever touched, we either mined it or grew it agriculturally,” he stated. He highlighted the often-overlooked environmental costs of the technology we rely on, particularly the energy demands associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet. “There’s nothing green about it,” he remarked, warning that if alternatives aren’t developed, reliance on fossil fuels could continue to increase as nations seek to support burgeoning technological infrastructures.

This urgent call to rethink mining practices highlighted the opportunity for Bhutan to leverage its unique attributes, and the country’s rich tradition of Mahayana Buddhism, its commitment to mindfulness, and its abundant renewable resources.

Friedland proposed that the nation could emerge as a leader in sustainable mining by aligning practices with its cultural values. “Mining has to be done where it can be done in a mindful way,” he noted, urging for a careful evaluation of where and how extraction occurs, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas.

Friedland emphasized that while Bhutan may not have vast mineral deposits, it possesses an ancient tradition of thought that could inform a sustainable approach to resource extraction. He pointed out that the country’s existing infrastructure, such as its hydroelectric power capabilities, provides a foundation for a more mindful approach to mining that considers both economic needs and environmental protection.

Friedland countered the notion that mines are non-renewable. He highlighted the importance of recycling and the need for innovations in technology to recover metals with reduced environmental impact. “Eventually, recycling can make a significant impact, but in the meantime, we need to mine another 1,000 million tons of copper if we even dream about having an energy transition,” he argued, calling for a holistic view of the resource lifecycle.

Friedland expressed hope that Bhutan could serve as a platform for international discussions on sustainable practices. “If we don’t start talking to each other the way the world is heading right now, we’re heading for global war, and that would be the ultimate environmental catastrophe,” he warned.

As Bhutan continues to explore the potential of its mineral resources, the forum served as a crucial reminder of the need for a balanced approach that respects the environment while seeking economic progress. The dialogue around sustainable mining practices is not only vital for Bhutan’s future but also holds implications for the global community as it grapples with the demands of modern society and the urgent need for environmental stewardship.

In a subsequent session, Robert Friedland emphasized Bhutan’s significance in the global shift towards renewable energy sources. The discussion spotlighted the importance of critical minerals in achieving net-zero emission targets while also highlighting Bhutan’s unique advantages and challenges in this landscape.

Friedland expressed admiration for Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to sustainability, noting that Bhutan, situated on the south slope of the Himalayas, is endowed with significant hydroelectric potential that currently generates 2.5 gigawatts and projected to reach 3.5 gigawatts in the near future. This capacity, he explained, is equivalent to that produced by three and a half nuclear power plants, making Bhutan a crucial player in the renewable energy arena.

“Bhutan is nominally a carbon-negative country,” Friedland remarked, while also acknowledging the complexities the nation faces in maintaining its hydroelectric potential. He highlighted the seasonal variability in water flow that forces Bhutan to import power from India during the winter months, which could hinder its transition to a fully sustainable energy economy.

The session also addressed the cultural significance of Mahayana Buddhism in Bhutan. Friedland suggested that the country’s deep spiritual roots could foster a unique approach to global energy challenges. He noted that with over a billion Buddhists worldwide, Bhutan has the opportunity to leverage this goodwill while positioning itself as a beacon of peace in a world facing increasing geopolitical tensions.

Friedland highlighted the global energy consumption challenge, with the world burning approximately 103 million barrels of crude oil daily which is an all-time high. He emphasized the pressing need for a paradigm shift in energy sources, especially as nations grapple with climate change impacts. “We need to transition from fossil fuels to renewables, and that includes critical minerals like copper, which will play a pivotal role in this transformation,” he asserted.

With global demand for copper skyrocketing at an estimated 700 million metric tons needed in the next 18 years, Friedland warned of the environmental repercussions associated with mining. He underscored the importance of a mindful approach to resource extraction, advocating for Bhutan’s potential as a model of sustainability without extensive mining.

“Bhutan can teach the world about mindfulness and sustainability,” Friedland declared. “Instead of focusing solely on mining, Bhutan can emphasize its hydroelectric capabilities and develop a green economy that is both prosperous and environmentally conscious.” He proposed that Bhutan could emerge as a global centre for clean energy innovation, drawing parallels with Singapore’s development model.

Friedland’s insights leave a lasting impression on the future of Bhutan and its role in the energy transition. As the country grapples with the dual challenges of harnessing its hydroelectric resources and addressing seasonal power shortages, the vision outlined by Friedland offers a pathway toward a sustainable and prosperous future, the one where Bhutan not only contributes to global energy solutions but also retains its rich cultural identity.

The session concluded with a call to action for Bhutan’s leaders and youth, emphasizing the importance of education, innovation, and collaboration in shaping a sustainable future for the nation and the world.

The combination of Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage and its commitment to sustainability positions it uniquely to lead the charge for responsible mining practices that not only benefit the nation but also serve as a model for others around the globe. By fostering a culture of mindfulness in resource extraction, Bhutan can redefine its role in the global mining landscape, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.