Modern Mining July 2024

The enthusiastic take-up of renewable energy is allowing mines to generate cleaner energy for their operations.

It is important to remember that GHG-reducing inventions will need to deployed in remote and demanding conditions.

Underground mines have made significant progress in applying energy efficient technologies to good effect.

She also pointed out that optimised ventilation systems represented a significant area of potential for reducing emissions, where studies show that energy reductions of 30-40% are possible. When considering the role of electrical mining machinery, the question to be answered in an emissions assessment is of course how the electricity for these machines is generated in the first place. More specifically, is it powered by fossil fuels or renewable sources? Here, there is further cause for optimism, both in South Africa and the rest of the continent. “The enthusiastic take-up of renewable energy – in general and by the mining sector in particular – is allowing mines to generate cleaner energy for their operations,” she said. The steady improvement in solar panel efficiency is just one enabling factor promoting this trend, where wattage output per panel has grown substantially in just a few years. Many mines in South Africa are investing in their own renewable – mainly solar – power generation, and a number of Africa’s mining countries have the benefit of hydroelectric facilities; this bodes well for the impact of mines who can move operations away from fuel combustion to electrically powered alternatives. Supporting mining’s journey Vis Reddy, SRK Consulting chairman and environmental geochemist,

highlighted how the company has responded actively to the global concern over climate change and sustainability. “Mining companies have nailed their colours to the mast when it comes to their objectives and targets for climate change, and this is clearly guiding their direction in a positive way,” said Reddy. “As consulting engineers and scientists, we have integrated these themes into our professional services to these clients – helping chart the way forward in practical ways.” He highlighted the external pressure from various sources, not least from consumers and financial institutions, to move all economic sectors toward a lower-carbon future. SRK not only keeps up to date with the standards and benchmarks arising from these trends, but also participates in related initiatives wherever possible. “Our involvement in the EU-funded RE-SOURCING initiative is one example,” he said, “where we worked on a multi-stakeholder engagement to advance responsible sourcing through global mineral value chains.” SRK has developed leading expertise in a range of sustainability related fields, infusing its engineering and scientific disciplines with a deep awareness of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues relevant to the mining sector. This includes developing decarbonisation strategies that place companies on a path to meet their emissions targets. 

going to be difficult to replace in the short term – where opencast mines are especially reliant,” she said. “For most of these mines, their surface trucks, shovels, excavators, loaders and related equipment account for most of the carbon footprint.” Renewable opportunities The other – more positive – side of the coin is the extent to which mines can more easily harness electrical and battery-powered equipment in their operations. Underground mines have already made significant progress in applying these technologies to good effect. “Not only have underground electric vehicles reduced the environmental hazards of diesel fumes from working areas, but they also generate less heat and reduce the ventilation required – which is itself energy-intensive,” explains Burmeister. “The rapid advance of battery technology is further promoting the use of electric vehicles, but mainly in underground operations where the need for long distance haulage is less and alternatives, such as conveyors, are easier to implement.”

JULY 2024 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za  MODERN MINING  33