When worlds collide: Ways miners can decarbonize their operations.

How miners can decarbonize their operations When worlds collide

The move to low emissions technologies such as batteries, microgrids, wind turbines and solar panels depends on materials such as copper, lithium, cobalt, iron ore and aluminium.

But the mining industry is responsible for up to 7% of greenhouse gas emissions globally.

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So, how can miners decarbonize their operations?

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HOW MINERS CAN DECARBONIZE THEIR OPERATIONS

Become energy efficient Identifying ways to streamline energy use This can be as small as switching to more energy efficient light bulbs – or as large as scheduling peak operations around low-cost energy times.

It can also involve changes to operations or processes to incorporate more energy efficient drives or pneumatic or conveying systems.

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HOW MINERS CAN DECARBONIZE THEIR OPERATIONS

Switch to low carbon energy sources Evaluating energy sources and converting to low-carbon options This can be as straightforward as changing energy provider. But it can become more complex for remote operations that aren’t connected to grid or when integrating a behind the meter system, such as a solar farm or microgrid.

For some, it may be commercially viable to investigate opportunities to build, own and operate their own renewable power assets. Or strike a power purchase arrangement with a third party.

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HOW MINERS CAN DECARBONIZE THEIR OPERATIONS

Implement a distributed energy system Securing power reliability, resiliency and control Distributed energy systems can include several different generation technologies.

For example, renewables and fossil fuel hybrids working with enabling technology such as energy storage and even green hydrogen.

This can result in higher energy resiliency and the potential to get better commercial outcomes. But the biggest benefit of distributed energy systems is that miners have better control of their energy destiny.

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HOW MINERS CAN DECARBONIZE THEIR OPERATIONS

Produce green hydrogen Taking renewable electricity one step further Once a renewable energy source has been established, miners can start to look for other opportunities to use this across their operations. This can include electrifying mining processes or producing green hydrogen, which can displace diesel in mine vehicles and be used to produce renewable fuels.

Some miners are even considering using hydrogen to diversify into energy markets.

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HOW MINERS CAN DECARBONIZE THEIR OPERATIONS

Displace diesel Removing up to 40% of a mine site’s emissions Displacing diesel requires a staged approach to reduce, replace and eliminate this fuel source. Current technology options include electrifying the mining fleet and using hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.

Not only can miners reduce the risk of diesel price volatility and logistical challenges, but also their carbon emissions.

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HOW MINERS CAN DECARBONIZE THEIR OPERATIONS

Use digital to transition faster Meeting the scale and pace of change with digital technologies One of many examples is using artificial intelligence to predict future outputs of wind and solar plants. This allows for operational decisions that optimize the role of renewables.

This means less money can be spent on energy storage, as the digital technology closely matches supply and demand, essentially removing operational risk.

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HOW MINERS CAN DECARBONIZE THEIR OPERATIONS

Build a roadmap to a sustainable future Reducing emissions across operations, suppliers and consumers The days of simply using whatever energy supply option at hand are disappearing. But it’s possible for miners to build robust solutions that achieve lower emissions products.

Miners must create a roadmap so that investment decisions today – whether in data, technology or people – can be scaled up as the technology matures.

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The time for change is now.

Contact us to discuss how you can make the switch to low-carbon technologies and achieve a net-zero future.

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