Metals, non-ferrous metals, precious metals as well as rare earth metals are energy intensive in their exploitation as well as in their subsequent production. Beside the main driver energy intensity (combined with Greenhouse gas emissions) other environmental aspects are important:

• Mine rehabilitation after closure of the mines

• Waste production (e.g. slag, tailings)

• Process specific emissions

• Use of process materials

Main metal producing countries have committed themselves to the Kyoto protocol and therefore the energy intensive production of metals has to be improved to reduce the global warming emissions like carbon dioxide.

Rehabilitation of mining areas is dependent on the regional legislations. E.g. South Africa released the Environmental Management Program (EMP) and it takes care of the regional responsibility for the environment. The EMP was invented to assure the rehabilitation of closed mining operations to restore the environmental surroundings as it was before opening the mine.

So there are different drivers for companies depending on the regional directives or legislations regarding a sustainable and environmental sound production.