Mining for coal is far more resource-intensive than generating energy from renewables or nuclear power, Our World in Data reports. To establish a low-carbon economy, humanity still will need to extract a variety of minerals. Silicon, nickel, silver, and manganese will be required for solar panels; iron and steel for wind turbines; uranium for nuclear energy; and lithium and graphite for batteries. Yet mining is a carbon producing activity. This raises concerns that transitioning to clean energy might lead to a significant rise in global mining activity. It certainly appears that way if you con…