Modern Mining August 2016

Energy Solutions for Mining Tel: +27(11) 210-0700 www.novatek.co.za

So why are mines still using compressed air? Largely because the systems pre-exist, infrastructure is in place and it is simply easier to maintain the status-quo. However, with rising power costs, this inefficiency carries an increasingly avoidable cost penalty. The savings on energy costs and the productivity gains make implementing hydropower an economic proposition. Hydropowered systems can be implemented progressively, from a single stope system to complete raiselines to half- levels, etc. This avoids large single capital outlays and allows the technology to be rolled-out with little risk and at a manageable pace. Given that 85% energy savings are possible with a proven, productive technology, hydropower should be seriously investigated as a demand-side part of mine energy planning. Where mines want to move to more mechanised mining methods, Novatek are able to provide hydropowered solutions that are appropriate to SA mining conditions and skills. An example is the Modder E mine that uses the Novatek hydropowered stope drilling system, a low-tech mechanised solution that is also low cost, yet effective.

Electrical power costs and uncertainty of supply, or even availability for new projects, is a major consideration for mines trying to ensure production and manage their future costs. Initiatives underway by mining groups to create sustainable operations include; self-generation of power; investing in their own thermal power plants, using fuel cells, renewable power sources and using large diesel generators or sophisticated mechanised equipment. However, all such activities require substantial investments whose scale directly depends on how much power is really required. Many mines have tightened up on power management since 2008. However, one of the largest and most energy inefficient technologies is still in widespread use – compressed air -- used to power pneumatic rockdrills. This accounts for a significant (and avoidable) chunk of a mine’s energy usage. Novatek hydropowered rock drilling systems use 85% less energy to achieve the same result. Hydro drills are also much faster, drilling at more than 2x the rate of pneumatics, thus offering substantial productivity gains as well.