Modern Mining June 2020

POWER SUPPLY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

How to run a mine successfully in adverse conditions

M ining remains a key, yet energy-intensive industry in Africa. Management consulting firm McKinsey estimates that, while sub- Saharan Africa currently uses less electricity than Brazil, the demand will increase by 2040 to levels equal to the 2010 consumption by the entire South American continent and India combined. According to Alastair Gerrard, integrated solutions executive at Zest WEG, some 48% of South Africa’s energy-intensive electricity users are in the mining industry which, in turn, accounts for an estimated 60% of the energy used by the industrial sector. He says mines rely heavily on commodities such as compressed air, pumping and ventilation, all of which constitute a “significant energy requirement”. But while mining is energy-intensive, it also needs a stable supply. “We expect to see a very different world from a technology point of view in the next five to 10 years and mining will play an important role in supporting these technologies. The electric vehicle sector is a case in point: that market requires commodities to produce these vehicles, so mining will remain key to growth and technological advancement.” Juliano Vargas, Zest WEG ’s CEO, says there is “no question” regarding the place of mining in the

Mining remains a key industry in Africa but the energy requirement is very high. In South Africa, the industry must also contend with irregular power supply and rolling blackouts, in addition to the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. How will the mining industry rise to these challenges and what will be its role post-Covid? Modern Mining turned to Zest WEG for its take on these questions. By Mark Botha .

Juliano Vargas, Group Chief Executive Officer at Zest WEG.

Alastair Gerrard, integrated solutions executive at Zest WEG

22  MODERN MINING  June 2020