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An evaluation of mining camp food waste management practices in Canada : an overview

University of British Columbia

The mining industry is facing increasing scrutiny to demonstrate that sustainability considerations are taken into account in their operations. This research approaches food waste as an overlooked, yet important issue that can advance not only environmental responsibility but also social and economic concerns within the mining industry. The implications of food waste generation on greenhouse gases, use of energy, groundwater contamination, and landfill space required are also critical concerns for the mining industry in the context of sustainability. This study evaluates the efforts that food service supply companies in mining camps are implementing to limit their food waste and assesses whether the prevention of food waste is a priority for these companies. This study used an online survey as the primary methodology for data collection. The survey resulted in a sample of eight respondents. Survey responses were structured based on the type of food waste, quantity, and causes of the waste. These were then mapped into pre- and post-consumer phases of the food services. Results indicated that proactive action to prevent food waste was not a priority for the respondents. The findings showed that the "vegetable" category had the highest amount of food waste throughout the different phases. Six out of eight companies did not measure the quantity of wasted food. During pre-consumer phase, difficulty in assessing demand, and confusion over dates were the most frequently cited causes for wastage. At the same time, overproduction was the leading cause of wastage in the post-consumer phase. Further complimenting the survey findings, the potential for the re-utilization of food waste through the creation of compost and alternative energy sources, was evaluated. The improvements identified with regard to food handling practices and potential re-utilization, are significant. Suggestions regarding the prevention of food waste highlighted many ways in which foodservice supply companies, as well as the mining industry, could benefit. Within these benefits, there exist great opportunities to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG12.3. Increased efficiencies with respect to food waste would reduce the environmental footprint, lead to potential re-utilization of food waste for electricity and gas generation, and increase profitability.

Text

2020-05-04

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/74318

Mining Engineering

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/