The dirty truth about why we need mining if we want a cleaner world

By Frank Giustra

The mining industry has had its share of abuse over the past few decades. And lately it feels like the world — especially the younger generation — has been convinced that we can all do without it.

I’ve heard it all; mining is dirty, it employs child labour, destroys the forests, et cetera. But the facts suggest otherwise.

Not to be confused with illegal and informal miners, industrialized formal mining is one of the most environmentally regulated industries, regardless of jurisdiction.