Radisson Hotel Group has raised its climate ambition in the hospitality sector. The group now targets 100 verified net-zero hotels by 2030 across its global portfolio. This move builds on its existing science-based net zero commitment by 2050, approved under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Radisson defines verified net-zero hotels as properties that cut operational emissions completely. This is done through energy transition and efficiency upgrades. while using limited offsets only for any remaining emissions.

The company has already launched early examples of this model in Manchester (UK) and Oslo (Norway). These hotels were upgraded through full operational redesigns instead of new construction. The goal is to scale this approach across multiple regions and hotel types.

Radisson Hotel Group CEO Federico J. González Tejera remarked during the release: 

“At Radisson Hotel Group, sustainability ultimately starts with people. It is about delivering for our guests, creating value for our owners, and supporting the communities where we operate. Verified Net Zero Hotels are an important step in our net zero transformation, setting a new standard for how hospitality can reduce its environmental impact while continuing to support people, destinations, and economic activity.”

How Net Zero Hotels Work in Practice

Radisson’s net zero model follows a structured decarbonization system developed with industry partners. It is designed to measure, reduce, and gradually eliminate emissions across hotel operations.

The process involves several steps:

• measuring carbon fully,
• switching to renewable electricity,
• electrifying heating and cooking, and
• upgrading efficiency in water, waste, and energy use.

Over time, the goal is to reduce reliance on carbon offsets and focus on real emissions cuts.

The Manchester and Oslo hotels show how this works in practice. Both properties switched to renewable electricity, removed fossil fuel systems, and added low-carbon changes. These include electrified kitchens and waste reduction programs.

Radisson says these pilot hotels cut emissions by about 60%. This shows that significant reductions are possible in existing buildings.

Big Targets, Real Progress: Radisson’s Carbon Cuts

Radisson has set measurable climate targets aligned with global climate frameworks. The company aims to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 46% by 2030, compared with a 2019 baseline. It also targets a 28% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, which includes supply chain and outsourced activities.

The group has already made measurable progress. By 2023, Radisson achieved a 35% reduction in carbon footprint per square metre compared to 2019 levels. Over the past decade, it has also improved energy and water efficiency by around 30% across operations.

The company works in over 100 countries and manages more than 1,500 hotels. This makes its decarbonization effort one of the biggest in the global hospitality sector.

Industry Shift: Hotels Move Toward Low-Carbon Operations

The hotel industry is increasingly under pressure to reduce emissions. Hospitality is energy-intensive because of heating, cooling, laundry, food services, and continuous building operations.

Hospitality accounts for ~1% of global carbon emissions and ~7.8% of water use worldwide. The sector’s energy intensity averages 200-800 kBtu/sq ft annually, with heating/cooling consuming 50-60% of total energy.

Emissions breakdown by source:

• Building energy: 60-70% (HVAC, lighting, hot water)
• Food/beverage supply chains: 20-25%
• Waste management: 10-15%

Hotels are now focusing on electrification and using renewable energy. They are also upgrading efficiency to cut their carbon footprint and journey toward net positive hospitality. 

Radisson is joining a trend toward verified net-zero hotels. These hotels need to cut emissions and get third-party checks. This approach reduces uncertainty in sustainability claims and improves transparency for investors and customers.

Independent verification systems are now widely used to confirm emissions reductions. They help make sure that net zero claims are credible and comparable across the industry.

The standard third-party verification:

• Green Key/SGS: Verify WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics (12 criteria)
• TÜV Rheinland: Certifies Radisson’s net zero hotels
• Cornell Hotel Sustainability Index: Benchmarks 1,307 global markets

The Net Zero Race in Hospitality: Radisson vs Marriott vs Accor

Radisson Hotel Group, Marriott International, and Accor Hotels all follow long-term net-zero goals. However, their timelines and strategies differ.

• Radisson Hotel Group

Radisson Hotel Group aims for net zero across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2050. It has a near-term target to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46.2% by 2030 (2019 base year) and reduce Scope 3 emissions by 27.5%.

Radisson has also launched “Verified Net Zero” hotels powered by 100% renewable electricity and low-waste operations. It is adding energy-saving upgrades. This includes LED lighting, smart heating and cooling systems, and building retrofits throughout its portfolio. It also pushes waste reduction programs, including food waste tracking and recycling systems in many hotels.

• Marriott International

Marriott International also targets net zero across its value chain by 2050, with science-based approval. It plans to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 46.2% and Scope 3 emissions by 27.5% by 2030 (2019 baseline). It is investing in large-scale renewable electricity procurement through long-term power purchase agreements.

Marriott is also improving building efficiency with smart energy management systems across thousands of properties. Marriott is also promoting low-carbon supply chains. They are working with suppliers to reduce packaging and use more sustainable materials.

• Accor

Accor also targets net zero by 2050, with a strong focus on operational efficiency and procurement reform. It is upgrading hotels with energy-efficient systems and expanding renewable electricity use across its brands.

Accor is also reducing food-related emissions by increasing plant-based menu options and cutting food waste. However, it provides less detailed interim emission reduction percentages than Radisson and Marriott. It focuses more on operational efficiency and engaging suppliers to make progress.

Overall, all three groups are moving toward net zero, but Radisson and Marriott show more defined short-term emissions targets. In contrast, Accor focuses more on operational changes and supply chain improvements.

ESG and Sustainable Hospitality: Green Travel Is No Longer Optional

Sustainability is becoming a stronger factor in travel decisions. More guests now prefer hotels that show clear environmental performance and use verified sustainability systems.

Corporate travel buyers are also adding ESG requirements to hotel contracts. This includes emissions reporting, renewable energy use, and waste reduction commitments. As a result, sustainability is becoming a competitive factor in hotel selection.

The global hospitality sector is adopting structured plans for decarbonization. This includes energy efficiency upgrades and using renewable electricity. Digital tracking of emissions is also becoming more common, especially for large hotel groups.

Radisson’s net-zero hotels are part of this shift. Sustainability-focused hotels can boost guest engagement and enhance brand positioning. This is backed by industry case studies. These strategies help hotels stand out in competitive markets.

The Hard Truth About Scaling Net Zero Hotels

Scaling net-zero hotels globally is complex. One major challenge is the cost of retrofitting existing buildings. Many hotels require major upgrades to heating, cooling, and kitchen systems to reduce emissions.

Another challenge is uneven access to renewable electricity across regions. Some markets still rely heavily on fossil fuels. This limits emissions reductions, even when hotels switch to cleaner operations.

Supply chain emissions also remain difficult to control. These include food sourcing, construction materials, and outsourced services. Tracking and reducing Scope 3 emissions requires coordination across many suppliers.

Finally, implementation varies by country due to differences in regulation, infrastructure, and energy systems. This creates uneven progress across global hotel portfolios.

Can Net Zero Become the New Hotel Standard?

Radisson’s plan to reach 100 net-zero hotels by 2030 marks a significant step in hospitality decarbonization. If achieved, it would create one of the largest verified net-zero hotel networks globally.

The strategy also supports its long-term goal of achieving net zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2050, aligned with global climate targets.

Future progress relies on quicker electrification of hotel operations, broader access to renewable energy, better ESG reporting, and ongoing investment in low-carbon technologies.

If done right, net-zero hotels could be the norm in global hospitality within the decade. This would change how hotels run and compete in international travel.

• READ MORE: The Net Zero Game: Are Hotels and Restaurants Truly Committed to Reducing Carbon Emissions?

The post Radisson Hotel Group Ramps Up Net Zero Push by 2030: How Does it Compare with Marriott and Accor? appeared first on Carbon Credits.

The Philippines is stepping up efforts to protect its coastal ecosystems. The government recently advanced its National Blue Carbon Action Partnership (NBCAP) Roadmap. This plan aims to conserve and restore mangroves, seagrass beds, and tidal marshes. It also explores biodiversity credits — a new market linked to nature conservation.

Blue carbon refers to the carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems. These habitats can hold large amounts of carbon in plants and soil. Mangroves, for example, store carbon at much higher rates than many land forests. Protecting them reduces greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Biodiversity credits are a related concept. They reward actions that protect or restore species and ecosystems. They work alongside carbon credits but focus more on ecosystem health and species diversity. Markets for biodiversity credits are being discussed globally as a complement to carbon markets.

Why the Philippines Is Targeting Blue Carbon

The Philippines is rich in coastal ecosystems. It has more than 327,000 hectares of mangroves along its shores. These areas protect coastlines from storms, support fisheries, and store carbon.

Mangroves and seagrasses also support high levels of biodiversity. Many fish, birds, and marine species depend on these habitats. Restoring these ecosystems helps conserve species and supports local food systems.

The NBCAP Roadmap was handed over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during the Philippine Mangrove Conference 2026. The roadmap is a strategy to protect blue carbon ecosystems while linking them to climate goals and local livelihoods.

DENR Undersecretary, Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, remarked during the turnover:

“This Roadmap reflects the Philippines’ strong commitment to advancing blue carbon accounting and delivering tangible impact for coastal communities.” 

Edwina Garchitorena, country director of ZSL Philippines, which will oversee its implementation, also commented:

“The handover of the NBCAP Roadmap to the DENR represents a turning point in advancing blue carbon action and strengthening the Philippines’ leadership in coastal conservation in the region.”

The plan highlights four main pillars:

• Science, technology, and innovation.
• Policy and governance.
• Communication and community engagement.
• Finance and sustainable livelihoods.

These pillars aim to strengthen coastal resilience, support community well‑being, and align blue carbon action with national climate commitments.

What Blue Carbon Credits Could Mean for Markets

Globally, blue carbon markets are growing. These markets allow coastal restoration projects to sell carbon credits. Projects that preserve or restore mangroves, seagrass meadows, and tidal marshes can generate credits. Buyers pay for these credits to offset emissions.

According to Grand View Research, the global blue carbon market was valued at US$2.42 million in 2025. It is projected to reach US$14.79 million by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 25%.

The Asia Pacific region led the market in 2025, with 39% of global revenue, due to its extensive coastal ecosystems and government support. Within the market, mangroves accounted for 68% of revenue, reflecting their high carbon storage capacity.

Blue carbon credits belong to the voluntary carbon market. Companies purchase these credits to offset emissions they can’t eliminate right now. Buyers are often motivated by sustainability goals and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) standards.

Experts at the UN Environment Programme say these blue habitats can capture carbon 4x faster than forests:

Why Biodiversity Credits Matter: Rewarding Species, Strengthening Ecosystems

Carbon credits aim to cut greenhouse gases. In contrast, biodiversity credits focus on saving species and habitats. These credits reward projects that improve ecosystem health and may be used alongside carbon markets to attract finance for nature.

Biodiversity credits are particularly relevant in the Philippines, one of 17 megadiverse countries. The nation is home to thousands of unique plant and animal species. Supporting biodiversity through market mechanisms can strengthen conservation efforts while also supporting local communities.

Globally, biodiversity credit markets are still developing. Organizations such as the Biodiversity Credit Alliance are creating standards to ensure transparency, equity, and measurable outcomes. They want to link private investment to good environmental outcomes. They also respect the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples.

These markets complement carbon markets. They can support conservation efforts. This boosts ecosystem resilience and protects species while also capturing carbon.

Together with blue carbon credits, they form part of a broader nature-based solution to climate change and biodiversity loss. A report by the Ecosystem Marketplace estimates the potential carbon abatement for every type of blue carbon solution by 2050.

Science, Policy, and Funding: The Roadblocks Ahead

Building blue carbon and biodiversity credit markets is not easy. There are several challenges ahead for the Philippines.

One key challenge is measurement and verification. To sell carbon or biodiversity credits, projects must prove they deliver real and measurable benefits. This requires science‑based methods and monitoring systems.

Another challenge is finance. Case studies reveal that creating a blue carbon action roadmap in the Philippines may need around US$1 million. This funding will help set up essential systems and support initial actions.

Policy frameworks are also needed. Laws and rules must support credit issuance, protect local rights, and ensure fair sharing of benefits. Coordination across government agencies, local communities, and investors will be important.

Stakeholder engagement is key. The NBCAP Roadmap and related forums involve scientists, policymakers, civil society, and private sector partners. This teamwork approach makes sure actions are based on science, inclusive, and fair in the long run.

Looking Ahead: Coastal Conservation as Climate Strategy

Blue carbon and biodiversity credits could provide multiple benefits for the Philippines. Protecting and restoring coastal habitats reduces greenhouse gases, conserves species, and supports local economies. Coastal ecosystems also provide natural defenses against storms and rising seas.

If blue carbon and biodiversity credit markets grow, they could fund coastal conservation at scale while supporting global climate targets. Biodiversity credits could further enhance ecosystem protection by linking nature’s intrinsic value to market mechanisms. 

The market also involves climate finance and corporate buyers looking for quality credits. Additionally, international development partners focused on coastal resilience may join in.

For the Philippines, the next few years will be critical. Implementing the NBCAP roadmap, establishing credit systems, and strengthening governance could unlock new opportunities for climate action, sustainable development, and regional leadership in blue carbon finance.

• READ MORE: Blue Carbon Credits Hit Record High as Demand Outpaces Supply

The post Philippines Taps Blue Carbon and Biodiversity Credits to Protect Coasts and Climate appeared first on Carbon Credits.

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is creating a new challenge for global energy systems. AI data centers now require far more electricity than traditional computing facilities. This surge in demand is putting pressure on power grids and raising concerns about whether climate targets can still be met.

Large AI data centers typically need 100 to 300 megawatts (MW) of continuous power. In contrast, conventional data centers use around 10-50 MW. This makes AI facilities up to 10x more energy-intensive, depending on the scale and workload.

AI Data Centers Are Driving a Sharp Rise in Power Demand

The increase is happening quickly. The International Energy Agency estimates that global data center electricity use reached about 415 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024. That number could rise to more than 1,000 TWh by 2026, largely driven by AI applications such as machine learning, cloud computing, and generative models.

At that level, data centers would consume as much electricity as an entire mid-sized country like Japan. 

In the United States, the impact is also growing. Data centers could account for 6% to 8% of total electricity demand by 2030, based on utility projections and grid operator estimates. AI is expected to drive most of that increase as companies continue to scale infrastructure to support new applications.

Training large AI models is especially energy-intensive. Some estimates say an advanced model can use millions of kilowatt-hours (kWh) just for training. For instance, training GPT-3 needs roughly 1.287 million kWh, and Google’s PaLM at about 3.4 million kWh. Analytical estimates suggest training newer models like GPT-4 may require between 50 million and over 100 million kWh.

That is equal to the annual electricity use of hundreds of households. When combined with ongoing usage, known as inference, total energy consumption rises even further.

This rapid growth is creating a gap between electricity demand and available supply. It is also raising questions about how the technology sector can expand while staying aligned with global climate goals.

• MUST READ: ChatGPT vs Claude AI: Carbon Footprints, Pentagon Deal, and Energy Impact

The Grid Bottleneck: Why Data Centers Are Waiting Years for Power

Power demand from AI is rising faster than grid infrastructure can support. Utilities in key regions are now facing a surge in interconnection requests from technology companies building new data centers.

This has led to delays in several major projects. In many cases, developers must wait years before they can secure enough electricity to operate. These delays are becoming more common in established tech hubs where grid capacity is already stretched.

The main constraints include:

• Limited transmission capacity in high-demand areas, 
• Slow grid upgrades and long permitting timelines, and
• Regulatory systems not designed for AI-scale demand.

Grid stability is another concern. AI data centers require constant and uninterrupted power. Even short disruptions can affect performance and reliability. This makes it more difficult for utilities to balance supply and demand, especially during peak periods.

In some regions, utilities are struggling to manage the size and concentration of new loads. A single large data center can use as much electricity as a small city. When several projects are planned in the same area, the pressure on local infrastructure increases significantly.

As a result, some companies are rethinking their expansion strategies. Projects may be delayed, scaled down, or moved to new locations where energy is more accessible. These shifts could slow the pace of AI deployment, at least in the short term.

Renewable Energy Growth Faces a Reality Check

Technology companies have made strong commitments to clean energy. Many aim to power their operations with 100% renewable electricity. This is part of their larger environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

For example, Microsoft plans to become carbon negative by 2030, meaning it will remove more carbon than it emits. Google is targeting 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030, which goes beyond annual matching to ensure clean power is used at all times. Amazon has committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 under its Climate Pledge.

Despite these targets, AI data centers present a difficult challenge. They need reliable electricity around the clock, while renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are not always available. Output can vary depending on weather conditions and time of day.

To maintain stable operations, many facilities rely on a mix of energy sources. This often includes grid electricity, which may still be partly generated from fossil fuels. In some cases, natural gas backup systems are used more frequently than planned.

Battery storage can help balance supply and demand. However, long-duration storage remains expensive and is not yet widely deployed at the scale needed for large AI facilities. This creates both technical and financial barriers.

Thus, there is a growing gap between corporate clean energy goals and real-world energy use. Closing that gap will require faster deployment of renewable energy, improved storage solutions, and more flexible grid systems.

Carbon Credits Use Surge as Tech Tries to Close the Emissions Gap

The mismatch between AI growth and clean energy supply is also affecting carbon markets. Many technology companies are increasing their use of carbon credits to offset emissions linked to data center operations.

According to the World Bank’s State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2025, carbon pricing now covers over 28% of global emissions. But carbon prices vary widely—from under $10 per ton in some systems to over $100 per ton in stricter markets. This gap is pushing companies toward voluntary carbon markets.

The Ecosystem Marketplace report shows rising demand for high-quality credits, especially carbon removal rather than avoidance credits. But supply is still limited.

Costs are especially high for engineered removals. The IEA estimates that direct air capture (DAC) costs today range from about $600 to over $1,000 per ton of CO₂. It may fall to $100–$300 per ton in the future, but supply is still very small.

Companies are focusing on credits that:

• Deliver verified emissions reductions,
• Support long-term carbon removal, and
• Align with ESG and net-zero commitments.

At the same time, many firms are taking a more active role in energy development. Instead of relying only on offsets, they are investing directly in renewable energy projects. This includes funding new solar and wind farms, as well as entering long-term power purchase agreements.

These investments help secure a dedicated clean energy supply. They also reduce long-term exposure to carbon markets, which can be volatile and subject to changing standards.

Companies Are Adapting Their Energy Strategies: The New AI Energy Playbook

AI companies are changing how they design and operate data centers to manage rising energy demand. Here are some of the key strategies:

• Energy efficiency improvements (new hardware and cooling systems) that reduce data center power use.
• More efficient AI chips, specialized processors, that drive performance gains.
• Advanced cooling systems that cut energy waste and can help cut total power use per workload by 20% to 40%.
• Data center location strategy is shifting, where facilities are built in regions with stronger renewable energy access.
• Infrastructure is becoming more distributed, where firms deploy smaller data centers across multiple locations to balance demand and improve resilience.
• Long-term renewable energy contracts are expanding, which helps companies secure power at stable prices.

A Turning Point for Energy and Climate Goals

The rise of AI is creating both risks and opportunities for the global energy transition. In the short term, increased electricity demand could lead to higher emissions if fossil fuels are used to fill supply gaps.

At the same time, AI is driving major investment in clean energy and infrastructure. The long-term outcome will depend on how quickly clean energy systems can scale.

If renewable supply, storage, and grid capacity keep pace with AI growth, the technology sector could help accelerate the shift to a low-carbon economy. If progress is too slow, however, AI could become a major new source of emissions.

Either way, AI is now a central force shaping global energy demand, infrastructure investment, and the future of carbon markets.

• READ MORE: AI vs. Climate Reality: Why Big Tech Is Buying Millions of Carbon Credits

The post AI Data Centers Power Crisis: Massive Energy Demand Threatens Emissions Targets and Latest Delays Signal Market Shift appeared first on Carbon Credits.

A new wave of innovation is reshaping how the mining industry approaches waste. CBC News, Canada, reported that researchers in Sudbury, northern Ontario, are developing a bacteria-based technology called bioleaching, which uses naturally occurring microbes to extract valuable metals such as nickel, cobalt, and copper from old mine tailings.

Led by MIRARCO Mining Innovation, the team recently opened a pilot facility in October 2025 to scale up this process, aiming to transform mining waste into a source of critical minerals while cutting emissions, reducing environmental risks, and unlocking billions of dollars in untapped resources.

Sudbury Moves Toward Commercial Bioleaching

Sudbury has a long history of mining, leaving behind massive piles of tailings—the leftover rock and sediment from ore extraction. These materials still hold billions of dollars’ worth of metals, but until now, recovering them was difficult, energy-intensive, and expensive. The bioleaching technology changes that. By using bacteria that naturally digest minerals, scientists can release metals from waste rock without relying on harsh chemicals or high temperatures.

According to Nadia Mykytczuk, CEO of MIRARCO, the new pilot facility represents a shift toward sustainable mining. She precisely mentioned that,

In Sudbury alone, the tailings contain $8 billion to $10 billion worth of nickel. With this facility, we are shaping a new era of mining innovation—one that focuses on clean technology, critical minerals, and preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

The facility connects research, industry, and community partners, creating a hub for applied research in bioleaching and bioprocessing.

Before moving to the new facility, MIRARCO operated within Laurentian University, and the long-standing partnership continues. The pilot center allows researchers to handle larger samples of mine waste and test how bioleaching works at a scale closer to industrial operations. This is essential for proving that the process can be commercially viable in Canada.

• READ MORE: Canada’s $65B Critical Minerals Challenge: Can It Keep Up?

Bioleaching Breakthrough: Turning Tailings into Critical Minerals

• The process starts by grinding the mine tailings and mixing them with a nutrient-rich liquid. Scientists then introduce specialized bacteria into the mixture.
• These microbes feed on the minerals, producing chemical reactions that dissolve metals into the liquid.
• The resulting slurry moves through a series of reactors, where the process continues, and metals are eventually collected in a liquid form.

Early experiments are promising. Scientists at MIRARCO have noted that the process can recover 98–99 percent of nickel from the tested tailings. The value surpasses traditional methods that often leave large amounts of valuable minerals behind.

In separate research, scientists are growing and refining the bacteria. Different microbes target specific minerals. Some thrive in acidic conditions, ideal for breaking down sulfide tailings, while others focus on iron oxides or silicate rocks.

This flexibility allows scientists to extract not only common metals like nickel and copper but also rare earth elements and lithium, which are critical for batteries and renewable energy technology.

Environmental and Carbon Benefits

Traditional metal extraction uses energy-intensive methods, including high-temperature processing, chemical treatments, and heavy machinery. This approach produces substantial carbon emissions and generates more waste. Bioleaching operates at ambient temperature and pressure, reducing energy use by an estimated 30–40 percent.

It also tackles the challenge of storing mining waste. Canada produces around 650 million tons of mine tailings every year. Much of this material sits in ponds behind dams, which can be unstable and pose long-term environmental risks.

Significantly, tailings may generate acid or release metals into the environment, and dam failures can have serious consequences. The 2014 Mount Polley mine tailings dam failure incident in British Columbia is a stark reminder of these dangers.

By turning tailings into a source of metals, bioleaching reduces the volume of waste requiring storage, cutting both environmental risk and the legacy costs of old mining sites.

Overcoming Challenges

While promising, the technology is not without hurdles. Processing tailings can be costly, and the bacteria require careful monitoring and specific growth conditions. Scaling up from pilot operations to full commercial production will also need investment in infrastructure and specialized equipment.

Environmental experts, such as MiningWatch Canada, note that tailings can behave unpredictably. They may chemically react over time or shift physically, posing stability concerns. Effective containment and monitoring are critical to ensure the process remains safe at larger scales.

Despite these challenges, researchers are optimistic. Early pilot studies indicate that the bacterial method could recover 65–80 percent of minerals left behind by conventional processing. This is a significant improvement that makes further investment worthwhile.

Fueling Canada’s Clean Energy Future

The technology comes at a crucial time. Global demand for critical minerals is rising as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels become more widespread. Canada has identified 31 minerals essential for the energy transition, but many are currently imported from regions with supply risks. Bioleaching offers a way to unlock domestic resources while reducing dependence on imports.

The process could provide materials for electric vehicle batteries, grid infrastructure, and industrial applications. Lithium and cobalt can power EVs, rare earth elements like neodymium and dysprosium support wind turbines and other clean energy systems, and copper and nickel are essential for electrical grids.

By recovering these from tailings, Canada could strengthen its supply chains while reducing environmental impact.

By 2040, the IEA expects the value of North America’s energy minerals to grow to around USD 30 billion for mining and USD 14 billion for refining. Mining growth will mainly come from copper in the United States and Mexico, and from lithium and nickel in Canada.

For refining, the region could make up about 4% of the global market, led by copper and lithium refining in the United States and copper and nickel refining in Canada.

Moving Toward Commercial Deployment

MIRARCO aims to transition from pilot testing to full-scale operations in the next two to three years. Globally, bioleaching is already in use at around 30 mining sites, but Canada has yet to deploy it commercially. The pilot facility in Sudbury is helping bridge that gap by testing continuous processing and demonstrating commercial viability.

Government support is also playing a key role. CBC further highlighted that funding through Canada’s Clean Technology Program and provincial innovation grants is helping advance research and development. The technology aligns with national goals to position Canada as a global leader in sustainable critical minerals production by 2030.

Overall, industry analysts predict bioextraction could become commercially viable within three to five years for specific minerals, with broader adoption following as operational experience grows.

• MUST READ: Canada Leads G7 with $6.4B Critical Minerals Boost to Secure Global Supply Chains 

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