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Let’s decarbonise: A turning point for mining in Asia
Articles- Jun 27,25
Sustainability uncertainties in mining are well known. Encouragingly, mining is already undergoing a notable transformation—one that brings with it great potential to build a more resilient and sustainable future, says Kapil Agarwal and Dharamdev Rajwar.
The mining industry stands at a pivotal moment, where swift transformation is essential to align with global targets while maintaining profitability. With growing global consensus around climate change, sustainability goals have become inevitable across all industries. Within this landscape, the mining sector holds responsibility. The timeframe to drive meaningful progress may be limited, but the momentum for change is growing stronger.
From an Asia perspective, the mining industry faces a dual challenge. How does it continue to provide jobs, generate revenue, and supply critical minerals, while also meeting its environmental and social responsibility?
Though the sustainability uncertainties in mining are well known, they also pave the way for significant opportunities. With 2030 and beyond on the horizon, the industry is setting its sights on ambitious targets. Encouragingly, mining is already undergoing a notable transformation—one that brings with it great potential to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
For a recent ABB report, the team surveyed Asian mining executives to uncover the key trends and actions needed for a sustainable future, as well as how technology can enable transformation. With major shifts expected by 2030, the time for action is now.
A forward-looking industry
The research revealed that the mining industry in Asia is primed for change. 60% of the respondents said they anticipate major operational shifts by 2030, a higher number than the global average (53%) and outpacing regions like Australia (50%), Europe (56%), and North America (54%).
It seems Asian mining companies are also setting ambitious sustainability goals, from cutting greenhouse gas emissions to improving energy efficiency. Many are already implementing innovative technologies such as electrified mining equipment, renewable energy integration, and more efficient mineral processing techniques.
For example, 73% of the Asia respondents said they're confident they will meet their 2030 sustainability targets, surpassing the global average of 67%. Looking ahead to 2050, 80% express optimism, compared to 78% globally. And only 4% have doubts about long-term sustainability progress – half the global average of 8%.
These figures reveal more than a sense of positive optimism; they reflect a firm belief that Asia’s mining sector can drive meaningful, lasting change.
Step by step
The path to decarbonization is a marathon, not a sprint. Now, the industry seems to recognise that sustainable transformation requires careful planning and steady progress – with many Asian mining companies (42%) taking an incremental approach, focusing on individual assets and processes before scaling up ESG initiatives. This allows companies to test new technologies, minimise disruption, and ensure long-term success.
One Southeast Asian mining company has adopted an incremental approach, kicking off a study to implement an e-mine strategy at its plant. By using digital tools, digital systems, automation, renewable energy solutions, and electrification, the company hopes to reduce its environmental impact, cut down on energy usage, and make its mining operations more efficient.
This ambitious project in Southeast Asia isn’t just about using the latest technology. Instead, it’s a real commitment to setting a new standard for sustainable mining in the region.
Placing people, technology, and processes at the center of mining transformation journey is essential. In Asia, as elsewhere, companies are focusing on workforce development as a key enabler. Around 70% of respondents confirmed their business’s commitment to reskilling and upskilling existing employees to support decarbonization initiatives. This human-first strategy helps ensure the workforce evolves in tandem with emerging technologies. In parallel, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) is increasingly seen as a critical ESG enabler. With 46% recognizing its importance, companies across the region are acknowledging how a diverse, inclusive workforce can fuel innovation and contribute to long-term business resilience.
Collaboration is the key to success
There is growing consensus across the industry that meaningful transformation cannot be achieved in isolation. Collaborative partnerships—with OEMs, peer mining firms, governments, and regulatory authorities—are becoming the foundation for building a truly sustainable mining ecosystem.
Importantly, when it comes to complex challenges like decarbonization, companies need to embrace a spirit of collaboration.
Fortunately, our industry leaders acknowledge this reality. 66% of the respondents in Asia said that appointing an expert integrator or key technical supplier is crucial for managing multiple stakeholders and successfully implementing new mining technologies.
This stat highlights a growing recognition that partnerships are essential, not just for technological change but for achieving shared sustainability and decarbonization goals. Rather than tackling challenges alone, Asian mining companies are embracing collaboration and using it as a strategic advantage in their journey toward a sustainable future.
Digitalization and automation are also emerging as key enablers of progress. The report identifies ventilation solutions and haulage fleet electrification as major focus areas. 68% of respondents plan to electrify at least 25% of their fleet by 2030, and 74% are prioritizing innovation in ventilation, which is both energy-intensive and safety-critical. From AI-enabled energy monitoring to remotely operated robotics that keep people out of dangerous environments, these technologies aren’t just efficiency drivers, they’re game changers for ESG performance.
Asia’s mining industry is not only changing but it’s doing so with optimism and clear direction. Transformation is clearly already underway and if you are part of it – now is the time to act.
About the authors:
Kapil Agarwal is the SVP and Local Division Manager - Process Industries at ABB India.
Dharamdev Rajwar is the Sales Manager Mining for Southeast Asia – Process Industries at ABB Indonesia.
Decarbonization
Mining industry
Kapil Agarwal
Process Industries
ABB India
Dharamdev Rajwar
Sustainability
Digitalization
automation
climate change
ABB report
sustainable future
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