A roundtable discussion with experts at theUM on the issue of reopening mines in France

[Press Release] - Published on November 4, 2024 in Press Room, Science and Society

On Tuesday, November 12, experts will gather for a roundtable discussion on the environmental, economic, and societal issues surrounding mining—an industry that is essential to renewable energy but whose consequences are often controversial. The event is part of a series of small conferences organized by Oreme (the Montpellier Environmental Research Observatory) and will take place in the Panacée auditorium.

Free conference—no registration required—subject to availability

Mineral Resources and the Ecological Transition: Reconciling Energy and the Environment

OREME, the Montpellier-Based Environmental Observatory ( Research ), is organizing a public conference to address a key question: Should mines in France be reopened to support the energy transition? As the demand for critical mineral resources increases with the growth of renewable energy (wind turbines, electric batteries), the debate is ongoing: How can we meet these needs while limiting environmental impacts?

Experts will discuss the challenges of mining, the risks to soil, water, and biodiversity, as well as economic and societal dilemmas, such as energy independence and conflicts over local land use. The roundtable will explore solutions for a sustainable supply chain that balances economic development with respect for the ecosystem.

Oreme at a Glance

The Montpellier Environmental Research Observatory, an internal school of the University of Montpellier, is a research center dedicated to the sciences of the Earth. It focuses on natural hazards and the impact of global and anthropogenic changes on the living and non-living environments of the Mediterranean region, drawing on the expertise of its partners in geosciences, hydrosciences, biodiversity sciences, and ecology.