Decarbonising operations a top priority
The mining sector plays a dual role in the just energy transition (JET), acting as an enabler and contributor to the shift towards a low-carbon future.
“Demand for critical minerals to develop the infrastructure that can decarbonise energy systems, such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper, has led to significant investments in mineral exploration and mining,” says Dominic Varrie, Candidate Attorney at NSDV.
However, the mining sector is not just responsible for extracting and supplying these resources. The industry is also actively adopting practices that minimise its environmental impact and footprint. “Huge investments in renewable energy aim to lower greenhouse gas emissions, decrease operational costs and improve energy security,” says Varrie.
These investments also positively impact mine operations by improving energy security and reducing costs.
For example, Glencore is taking steps to reduce carbon emissions at its Rhovan operation, one of the largest producers and processors of vanadium products, which will play a role in supporting a lowcarbon future.
Rhovan has commenced with the construction of a 25MW solar photovoltaic plant and this supports Glencore’s broader climate change strategy aimed at reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its industrial operations in line with its shortand medium-term targets.
Once completed, Rhovan will integrate the project into its electrical network, which is expected to supply more than 30% of the mine’s annual power requirements. Glencore expects the reduction in grid-supplied electricity to save more than 48,000 tpa of CO2e in annual carbon emissions.
Additional ways the sector is lowering its carbon footprint include utilising water-efficient techniques, embracing technology to optimise resource extraction and reducing and reusing waste.
Kate Stubbs, Marketing Director at Interwaste, says miners can use waste to tackle the energy crises and help achieve the JET provision of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“Numerous mining giants have adopted a zero waste to landfill approach by working with partners to find alternative solutions for their waste streams,” she says.
A major focus entails developing alternative energy sources, such as waste-derived fuel production facilities.
“We have pioneered two types of refuse derived fuels (RDF) locally. The solid fuel created through shredding and bailing certain pre-sorted dry industrial nonrecyclable waste produces a clean RDF that has a high heating value similar to A-grade coal. This offers a suitable and robust alternative to fossil fuel,” says Stubbs.