Designing mine sites with less carbon-intensive energy infrastructure

Our mining teams expect to see global mining activity increase over the coming years. Why? To support the growing volume of critical minerals and metals required for decarbonization and reaching our ambitious net zero goals. For example, lithium is used in batteries. Cobalt and graphite are needed for electric vehicles. Copper and zinc are required for renewable technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.

What does this all mean? It means we must expand current mines as well as build new ones if we hope to drive the energy transition forward. But this leads us to another challenge: How can we power our mines sustainably?

Debra Johnson and Ericka Wicks were recently featured in Canadian Mining Magazine where they discuss decarbonization solutions for mine sites. The explain how a one-size-fits-all approach will not work, and how a combination of distributed energy resources and battery electric storage systems can help. They also detail sources of renewable energy and alternative fuels that can be used to reduce emissions. These include everything from hydropower, solar, and wind, to hydrogen, geothermal, and nuclear power.

Want to learn more? Check out the full issue of Canadian Mining Magazine.