The Mining Figure of the Year will pay tribute to the person, or persons, who have made a major contribution to the cause of mining in Australia or who represent a major trend or issue facing the industry.

This will feature and profile a person, persons, a group, an idea, or an object that has done the most to influence the events of the year.

Leaving aside the COVID-19 pandemic this has been a particularly unusual year for mining.

Iron ore prices have soared to levels hitherto unseen. While they have fallen back so far, they are still relatively strong.

Carbon and its emission have also captured the world's attention.

People have finally woken up to the fact that if carbon emissions are to be done away with, mining will have to play a massive part in that.

Under two scenarios the International Energy Agency is looking at, by 2040 the demand for minerals will either double or quadruple.

Either way that means a lot of minerals will be needed.

But what about coal? Prices for thermal coal have soared as 2021 has progressed.

There will still be a demand for the black stuff as major economies transition to cleaner energy sources.

See the December edition of AMM to find out who the Mining Figure(s) of the Year will be.