A round table of experts at the UM on the question of reopening mines in France

[Press release] - Published on November 4, 2024 in Press Corner, Science-Society

On Tuesday, November 12, a panel of experts will discuss the environmental, economic and social challenges of mining, which is essential to renewable energies, but whose consequences are often controversial. A conference organized as part of the Oreme small conferences (Montpellier research observatory on the environment) at the Panacée auditorium.

Free conference without registration, subject to availability.

Mineral resources and ecological transition: reconciling energy and the environment

OREME, Observatoire de Research Montpellierrain de l'Environnement, is organizing a conference for the general public to address a key question: should mines be reopened in France to support the energy transition? As the need for critical mineral resources increases with the rise of renewable energies (wind turbines, electric batteries), the debate is open: how can we meet these needs while limiting environmental impacts?

Experts will discuss the challenges of mining, risks to soil, water and biodiversity, as well as economic and societal dilemmas such as energy independence and local use conflicts. The round table will explore solutions for sustainable supply, reconciling economic development and respect for the ecosystem.

Oreme in a nutshell

The Montpellier Environmental Research Observatory, an internal school of the University of Montpellier, is an observatory for the sciences of the universe. It focuses on natural hazards and the impact of global and anthropogenic changes on the living and inert Mediterranean space, thanks to the skills of its partners in geosciences, hydrosciences, biodiversity sciences and ecology.