ESG, renewables and mining Interview with Syrah Resources ADRIENNE BAKER DIRECTOR Energy and Mines
S
yrah Resources COO Julio Costa discusses how ESG is fundamental to their operational approach and what is needed for future successful renewables deployment in mines. Energy and Mines: What are your primary aims with integrating a solar and battery storage hybrid system in conjunction with existing diesel generation for the Balama graphite mine in Mozambique? Julio Costa: The benefits of the solar and battery project are twofold: it will substantially improve Balama’s ESG credentials, by improving our energy usage efficiency on site and therefore lowering our carbon footprint; and secondly, it will also lower our operating cost base. So, the project makes both environmental and economic sense. Regarding ESG credentials. On current estimates, the system will deliver a renewable energy penetration rate of almost 40% of the mine’s total power needs which, on a yearly basis will save over 13,000 tonnes of CO2 and 5.5 million litres of diesel. The solar hybrid system will give Balama one of the highest levels of renewable energy penetration of any off grid mine in Sub-Saharan Africa. Being able to reduce the cost of a substantial portion of the energy used on site, whilst also improving the operations ESG credentials makes this a very attractive project for us.
34
ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE
