The Climate-Smart Mining (CSM) initiative aims to support mineral-rich developing countries and responsible mining companies cut emissions, manage climate risks, and use fewer resources in mining for clean energy minerals., It also ensures that local communities benefit fairly from the increasing demand for such minerals. By doing this, CSM helps countries and companies become competitive and responsible suppliers in the global market.
Since 2021, the CSM initiative has produced key research, engaged stakeholders, and built strong partnerships. It has also developed country and sub-regional roadmaps that help countries plan for low carbon and climate resistant mining. These roadmaps offer clear guidance for policy, capacity building, and sustainable growth.
Building on a strong foundation, the initiative will expand its programming to create a more comprehensive and effective approach, while addressing gaps identified in the prior phase.
OUR CURRENT FOCUS
The CSM Framework
PILLARS
The CSM window focuses on the upstream segment of mining and is guided by two key pillars:
PILLAR 1
Decarbonization
This pillar aims to minimize the carbon footprint of mining operations while enhancing the resilience and adaptation of host communities, ecosystems, and landscapes.
It promotes the adoption of renewable energy, improved energy efficiency, and innovative solutions such as afforestation and carbon capture technologies. Additionally, it focuses on ecological and community resilience, advocating for nature-based solutions and resilient infrastructure to create a climate-adaptive mining sector that benefits both the environment and local communities. This pillar is about crafting holistic roadmaps that guide national and regional policies, strategies for emission reduction, and voluntary decarbonization initiatives. It emphasizes the importance of regulatory compliance and transparent progress reporting in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
PILLAR 2
Critical Mineral Supply
This pillar helps mineral-rich developing countries produce critical minerals in a responsible and sustainable way.
It empowers governments and companies to effectively manage resources , attract investments, and ensure that the benefits are shared fairly. Key actions include improving laws and institutions, raising environmental and social standards, and making licensing and permitting faster and clearer. It also helps countries access better geological data and encourages recycling and reusing materials to reduce reliance on new mining.
HOW WE OPERATE
The CSM initiative implements focused actions led by the World Bank's Energy and Extractives and IFC's Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory teams. We offer tailored solutions to meet the needs of each region, country, and private sector partner, ensuring meaningful and lasting impact.
How We Work
Conducting Comprehensive Analytics
We analyze mining activities at global, regional, country, and corporate levels to inform decision-making, shape policies, and deliver actionable insights through in-depth market studies.
Delivering Advisory Services and Facilitating Investment
We provide customized technical assistance to resource-rich countries and responsible mining companies. Our support drives low-carbon, sustainable practices, improves operational efficiency, and attracts investment in climate-smart projects.
Building Institutional Capacity
We strengthen institutions in the upstream sector of the mineral supply chain with targeted training, workshops, and organizational reviews, equipping them to meet modern challenges.
Fostering Strategic Partnerships
We connect stakeholders across the mineral value chain, creating partnerships that promote sustainable outcomes in the mining sector.
Promoting Knowledge and Transparency
We share best practices, research, and lessons learned while advancing policy dialogue and advocacy to enhance transparency, accountability, and innovation.
Our Impact
The CSM initiative is expected to have a significant impact on resource-rich developing countries by focusing on three key areas:
Economic Competitiveness
We help developing countries become leading suppliers of critical minerals for clean energy, supporting their growth in the global market through sustainable development.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
We work to reduce environmental damage and social impact of mining, while supporting clean energy goals and improving the loves of local communities.
Equitable Sharing and Good Governance
We promote fair share of mining benefits, open decision-making, and the use of technology to support responsible and sustainable mining.
Together, these actions help countries grow their economies, while protecting people and the planet.