A technocultural pathway towards a new mineral coproduction paradigm: primary extraction of metal-rich minerals and ore-sands

This paper proposes a conceptual frame shift in how we think about mineral coproduction, and the conditions that can reorient the goals of the existing extractive paradigm. Mineral coproduction is the process of extracting multiple minerals from the same resource, minimising harmful impacts of creating a new hole in the ground and promoting resource efficiency. We investigate the concept of mineral coproduction through a technocultural lens using ore-sand as a case study, that views geologies of extraction through social science theories, particularly translation theory . Ore-sand is an emerging circular economy alternative to naturally occurring sand, extracted and processed as a companion product to metallic ore minerals, at a time when both bulk minerals and critical (and other) metals are in escalating demand for the energy transition. We ask whether the ore-sand subclassification of manufactured sand (crushed rock) might reduce negative socio-environmental impacts of sand extraction overall, by consideration of other forms of sand extraction, including from aqueous environments. Three systemic criteria are proposed to place sustainability agendas centrally in geotechnical discourse and thereby examine whether mineral coproduction (e.g. ore-sand) constitutes a paradigm shift. The criteria are: approaching socio-environmental revaluation; characterising geological cultures of extraction; and considering geo-anthropogenic limits to extraction. For each criterion, acts of translation are needed to embed care into paradigm reorientation. Socioecological care that is culturally bounded is critical to our future. We argue conceptualising a paradigm of care shifts how we act around future resource exploitation, differentiating between greenwashing and positive innovations.