Research on the path of zero-carbon mine construction in China under the dual carbon goals

The mining industry is one of the key sectors for energy consumption and carbon emissions. Accelerating the exploration of pathways for constructing zero-carbon mines and promoting the transition of mining carbon emissions towards low-carbon, zero-carbon, or even negative-carbon represents a crucial approach for achieving the green, low-carbon transformation and high-quality development of China’s mining industry. It holds significant strategic importance for contributing to the dual carbon goals. The definition and connotation of zero-carbon mines are scientifically defined. It also sorts out the construction process of China’s zero-carbon mines from green, low-carbon to zero-carbon, and examines the problems and challenges currently faced in policy standards, technical equipment, economic costs, and other aspects. Zero-carbon mines are an advanced stage of green and low-carbon development for mines under the dual carbon goals, and currently, China’s zero-carbon mines are still in the initial stage of development. Based on this analysis, a “three-step” strategic goal for the construction of zero-carbon mines in China has been systematically proposed. Six improvement paths have been established, including increasing the proportion of green energy, improving energy efficiency in production, enhancing the level of circular utilization, improving carbon sequestration and utilization capabilities, enhancing energy and carbon management efficiency, and improving sustainable development capabilities. Furthermore, it establishes a technical system for zero-carbon mine construction covering carbon reduction at source, zero-carbon energy supply, energy conservation and efficiency enhancement, artificial carbon sinks, and digital energy-carbon management. Finally, policy recommendations have been put forward to promote the construction of zero-carbon mines in China, including formulating top-level plans for zero-carbon mine construction, establishing and improving standard systems, strengthening scientific and technological innovation support, enhancing financial support and empowerment, constructing key demonstration projects, and taking multiple measures to promote the construction of zero-carbon mines in China.