Renewable energy is being rapidly adopted by the mining industry in an effort to lower costs and carbon emissions. In order to power operations efficiently, mining companies are looking to solar, wind, and battery storage alternatives as pressure to fulfil sustainability goals increases. Improved environmental performance and less reliance on fuel are two long-term advantages of these clean energy options.
We’ll look at seven major ways that mining operations are changing as a result of renewable energy.
Solar power integration in mining operations
In the mining industry, solar energy has become a game-changer by providing a sustainable and affordable substitute for fossil fuels. In an effort to lessen dependency on diesel generators and grid electricity, large-scale solar farms are being installed at mining sites more frequently. Many mining regions have plenty of sunlight, making solar power a reliable and sustainable energy source that supports sustainability objectives.
To power their operations, mining corporations like Rio Tinto have made investments in photovoltaic (PV) facilities. To drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Rio Tinto’s Weipa mine in Australia, for example, incorporates a 6.7 MW solar farm that provides 20% of its daytime energy needs.
Wind energy for remote mining sites
Another renewable resource that is transforming mining operations is wind energy, especially in isolated and off-grid areas. In areas with limited grid connection, wind farms provide a clean and plentiful energy source that mining companies are using to augment their power requirements.
Wind energy projects have increased in nations like Canada and Chile, which have sizable mining sectors and ideal wind conditions. For instance, the hybrid renewable energy microgrid at Gold Field’s Agnew Gold Mine in Australia, which has a 10 MW wind farm, drastically lowers diesel demand. The switch to wind power has improved energy independence and reduced operating expenses.
Hybrid renewable energy systems
Because they provide a dependable and well-balanced power source, hybrid renewable energy systems—which integrate solar, wind, and battery storage technologies—are becoming more and more popular in the mining sector. These systems offer the adaptability required to maximise energy consumption, guaranteeing uninterrupted operations around-the-clock.
The DeGrussa Copper-Gold Mine in Western Australia is home to one of the most effective hybrid energy solutions. Fuel consumption has decreased by more than 20% because to the mine’s 10.6 MW solar farm, which is connected to a 6 MW battery system and diesel backup. The intermittent nature of individual renewable sources can be effectively addressed by such hybrid solutions.
Hydropower solutions for sustainable mining
For mining operations situated close to bodies of water, hydropower has shown to be a dependable energy source that provides a sustainable and economical alternative. For many years, mining activities have been powered by large hydropower plants, especially in places like Canada, Brazil, and Scandinavia.
In order to support distant mines, small-scale hydropower options are also being investigated. Mines can produce power with little effect on the environment by drawing from neighbouring rivers or streams. For instance, while preserving a steady supply of electricity, Anglo American’s usage of hydropower in South America has resulted in a notable decrease in carbon emissions.
Bioenergy and waste-to-energy solutions
An alternate and sustainable energy source is bioenergy, which can be produced from the substantial waste materials produced by mining activities. Utilising organic materials like wood chips, agricultural trash, and other biodegradable garbage, waste-to-energy solutions generate electricity.
To lessen their reliance on traditional fuels, several mining corporations, for instance, are investigating the use of biomass energy to power on-site facilities. Biomass energy provides a workable way to recycle waste materials and reduce carbon emissions in nations with robust forestry sectors, such as Canada.
Energy storage and battery solutions
In order to guarantee the dependability of renewable energy in mining operations, energy storage devices are essential. Mining firms can now store extra energy produced by solar and wind sources for use during times of high demand thanks to developments in lithium-ion and flow battery technologies.
Significant fuel savings and a decrease in emissions have been achieved by the installation of battery storage systems at mines such as the Fekola Gold Mine in Mali, which has a 15.4 MWh battery.
Green hydrogen as a future energy source
In the mining sector, hydrogen is showing great promise as an energy source because it provides heavy gear and equipment with zero emissions. Green hydrogen, which is produced by electrolysis using renewable energy, has the potential to completely transform mining operations by taking the place of diesel in processing facilities and haul trucks.
Leading the way are businesses like Anglo American, whose pilot projects investigate hydrogen-powered trucks that drastically cut pollution. It is anticipated that the use of hydrogen in mining will grow as infrastructure is developed.
Because it offers energy security, sustainability, and cost savings, renewable energy is transforming the mining sector. Green hydrogen and solar farms are two examples of developments that help mines increase efficiency and lower pollution. Adopting renewable energy will become crucial for a more sustainable mining future as technology develops.
