Modern Mining January 2024

TOP PROJECTS: DIAMONDS

efficient motors and variable speed drives (VSDs) on key equipment. According to van den Berg, with the mine transi tioning from open pit to underground mining, the site has become far less reliant on energy from fossil fuels and it is projected that by the end of the decade, 85% of all energy consumed will be electrical, with only 6% of on-site emissions attributable to diesel. “The VUP has determined that although devel opment and waste tramming make up the majority of its diesel consumption at present, without addi tional electrification, 75% of fossil fuels energy would be consumed by production loaders and trucks by 2030. This has allowed the site to prioritise its focus on developing electrification options for its primary production fleet, whilst maturing viable green fuel considerations for its ancillary equipment.” Electrification considerations include battery elec tric LHDs and trucks, trolley-assist hauling loops and possible tethered electrical loading in some areas. A detailed concept study is in process, which will inform the site on the viability of these options in the near future. In addition to electrification possibilities, the Venetia Mine is reviewing several alternative fuels strategies and carbon offset options for the VUP as part of its carbon neutrality pathway. 

healthier environment for workers as it removes them from potential high-risk areas of the mine but, if implemented correctly, also delivers increased efficiency compared to traditional techniques when measured in terms of output against available oper ating time. Venetia - a poster-child for decarbonisation In line with achieving its carbon neutrality target, the miner is implementing several key efficiency projects, including the ventilation-on-demand, mine digitalisation and automation, adoption of energy

Underground drilling at Venetia Underground Project.

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36  MODERN MINING  January 2024