Mining Regions and Cities Case of Andalusia, Spain
Andalusia is the largest mining producer in Spain, the second-largest copper producer in the EU and a leader in marble and gypsum production. The region benefits from two distinct mining subsectors, each with a rich network of suppliers that are relevant for local development: the metallic mining sector (e.g. copper and zinc), which accounts for most of the regional mining production, and the non-metallic sector (ornamental rocks, aggregates and industrial minerals), which is highly dispersed across the territory. The regional mining value chain has the potential to leverage the increasing global and EU demand for sustainable raw materials and thus become a frontrunner in leading technologies and circular processes for environmentally sustainable mining. This study identifies how Andalusia can build on its strengths and address current and future challenges to improve regional productivity and well-being while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy and assisting EU climate goals.
Foreword
Mining regions can play an essential role in meeting climate goals and in accelerating the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Global environmental agendas have recognised the relevance of the mining sector to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Particularly, European Union (EU) priorities, driven by the Green Deal and the new Industrial Strategy, have made the environmental sustainability of mining extraction and transformation a priority to achieve the EU’s climate neutrality goal by 2050. While mining is a global industry, its geographic concentration is a critical factor in the design of policies for sustainable economic development. Promoting environmentally sustainable regional mining value chains can provide new business opportunities for local firms and high-value-added jobs for local communities, while advancing in meeting the climate goals.
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