Electrification reducing mining’s carbon footprint

The mining industry plays a vital role in the global economy and is a key enabler of the global energy transition.

Mining plays an important role in building a more sustainable world, with green energy technologies, such as solar plants, wind farms, and electric vehicles (EVs), requiring more metals and minerals than their fossil fuel-based counterparts. For example, an electric vehicle requires around six times more mineral inputs than a fossil-fuel powered car.

Demand for metals and minerals will grow by an estimated 500 per cent by 2050, largely to support green technology. The challenge for the industry is to meet this need while still limiting mining companies’ own CO₂ emissions.

Diesel-powered equipment and operations account for a significant portion of the mining industry’s emissions and can be responsible for anywhere from 30 per cent to 80 per cent of a mine’s direct greenhouse gas emissions (depending on the mine site’s geography and the materials that are being mined).

Transitioning from diesel-powered to electrified equipment and processes can help mining companies meet demand while keeping CO₂ emissions in check.

Powering processes, equipment and power generation with low carbon or decarbonised electricity instead of fossil fuels will be an important way to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

Investigating electrification

For now, electrification is primarily focused on electrifying mine equipment. For example, haul trucks have traditionally been powered by diesel and gas, but electric trucks are now an alternative. This can make a big impact on reducing mining companies’ carbon footprints. For instance, there are an estimated 28,000 large mine hauling trucks in operation worldwide. These trucks collectively emit more than 68 million tons of CO₂ each year – the equivalent of CO₂ emissions from more than 8.5 million homes’ energy use for one year. Switching from gas or diesel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles can help eliminate these emissions.

Some mines, such as the Borden mine in Ontario, Canada, have already proven that electrification is achievable without sacrificing performance. At the Borden mine, Newmont has replaced its entire underground truck fleet from diesel-powered to battery-powered. Not only has this change helped reduce CO₂ emissions, but it has also improved air quality, removed expensive internal combustion engine maintenance, and reduced noise pollution.

Underground mining electrification has a big decarbonisation impact, since electric engines are around 90 per cent efficient and diesel engines are only around 30 per cent efficient. The rest is heat emitted to ambient air, so that could make a large difference on ventilation, which could then be decreased by 30 per ent. Ventilation can account for 30 to 50 per cent of the total energy consumption of an underground mine.

To prepare for equipment and process electrification, mines must manage the changing balance of electricity demand and supply (but also regulations).

Electrification adds complexity because it affects both power supply and demand. Traditionally an important concern, in terms of energy, has been how much diesel or gas was needed and ensuring its logistics and filling. However, to support electrification, mines need to plan and schedule the electricity supply and demand in a way that supports the entire management system.

• Electricity demand side – as mines transform assets and processes from fossil fuel-powered to electricity-powered, the challenge is about energy management, how to manage the new loads ensuring system stability and how to change the electrical infrastructure considering that the equipment will be powered by electricity
• Electricity supply side (power to mines) – the current transformation could potentially double the electricity demand in a mine, and it should be provided by renewable sources, such as wind, geothermal, and solar, whenever possible

Electrification roadmap

Electrification is simplified when mines develop a roadmap for change.

Electrifying processes and assets, like traditional diesel-powered hauling and loading equipment, is primarily seen as an opportunity to lower CO₂ emissions. However, it has other benefits, including improving operators’ and mine workers’ working conditions (reducing heat and noise) and, in some cases, decreasing ventilations needs.

The challenge is how to redesign electrical infrastructure according to mines’ needs and to supply enough power to accomplish their goals. By working with a team of experts, companies can develop a personalised, scalable electrification roadmap.

Trusted partners help mines reach decarbonisation goals by designing a plan that ensures the operational continuity of their processes. This strategy guides companies through each step of the electrification strategy, including identifying where resources should be allocated and determining how to meet energy needs.

For more information, visit Scheider Electric’s website.

Featured image: Reyhan Reynardot/shutterstock.com