A SUPERB and IN-DEPTH analysis of realities of Green Energy products used in Green Energy projects: Electric Vehicle productions, Wind Vanes, et al, is the report: “The Dirty Truth About Clean Technologies [Mining The Planet To Death]” by “Spiegel International”. This typical “Spiegel International ” quality “holds no punches and tells it as it is” [which is reflective of attitudes of ‘Miners in the real world’].
Our having been involved, in one way or another, in various mining operations on various continents, in projects seeking different minerals, has allowed us insight into ‘mining realities’. One reality that stands out is “There is NO FREE LUNCH in mining.“ Every aspect of this activity is costly. One easy element to present to the inexperienced is: As mineral quantities are reduced through mining removal for processing, more energy is required to find and bring to process, remaining ores.
The fact that other minerals, which exist in large quantities in other countries, than currently used in gasoline or diesel vehicles in America and Europe in particular, create new environmental problems. For example, South American Lithium ore being extracted for Electric Vehicle batteries require prodigious amounts of water for mining activities; gasoline and diesel fuels do not have this need. Mining for wind vanes have Chilean Copper usage, in their designs, way beyond Coal, Gas, and Oil for energy. Coal, Oil and Gas are not accessibility-limited, since they are void of being NAT {Not Always There} Energies, as are Wind and Solar energy forms. That they need ‘filtration’ no one denies. Technological advances will be made since there is much money to be made in doing so. The “Green Energy” modicum is a excellent stimulus, we think.
When the Green Energies are used, as they should be, but in conjunction with existing RELIABLE ENERGY SOURCES, their ‘cost-footprints’ are made at a great distance from the users, as aforementioned. All of the materials for their production and immediate usage, as when one charges up the car batteries, have required assets from somewhere else. If the vehicle drivers for example, are proud of not polluting their communities, they have already polluted other areas [where their energies were sourced]. We think they should not be smug about their “Greenness”; it is a myth.
When one reads the “Spiegel International” analysis, one cannot but admire “German Technological Comprehension”; it is what it is. We, who have participated in mining activities, for decades must applaud the authors. Maybe, after reading the report, a enlightened public will realize that criticizing nations such as China for presently using Coal, as it migrates to Green Energy, cannot be instantly accomplished. The fact that China had the foresight to comprehend the need for ore processing capabilities reflects excellence in governance; “Sour Grapes” attitudes by ‘Germalists’ writing in other nations, do not ‘cut it’. We ask: Why did your countries’ ‘Billionaires’, if they are so smart, NOT think ahead and go into ore processing? Who stopped them? The sames question for your governments. Were they spending funds for hegemonic actions? All too often jealousy, by mere financial opportunists who NEVER take the ‘Long View’, as the Chinese do, look to make the ‘quick buck’; this is their lot. So be it said, so be it written.
President Putin of Russia, a “Horn of Plenty” country, as to mineral wealth, understands and agrees to forge ahead as to processing of ores. Wisely, he knows that ‘added value’ is the benefit to his fine country and is brought about through processing. As Russia mines, processes and sells its products to others, the country with its existing low national debt, may become the world leader in financial responsibility to its citizens; this we see emanating.
Reality: As the Sheep, being readily influenced by ‘Germalists’, leap into ‘Green Investments’, they should realize the ‘Bleating Wolves pushing projects’, may be trying to snare them, and take their monies [before devouring them].
