To incentivize and progress to the next level of emissions reductions we need to significantly weight embedded carbon in the supply chain so that the companies really driving down their embedded carbon (which comes at a cost and therefore higher price) are competitive on something other than price. Jess Maddren, Segment Director- Pacific Region, Mining, Schneider Electric
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ess Maddren is an accomplished geologist, researcher, strategist and business woman with a passion for sustainability in all facets of her life. With Schneider Electric, Jess is Segment Director for the Pacific Region. Energy and Mines: How are climate targets for mining being embedded into mine processes and goals? Jess Maddren: Optionality in proposed solutions – where consultants including SE are providing multiple options with varying prices and varying GHG reduction impacts. The customer is not always choosing the lowest price today if they can pay a little bit more and get a higher GHG reduction Physically measuring straight from the control systems minutes to daily instead of estimation in a static spreadsheet, investment or project decisions can be made on real data to reduce energy, reduce emissions and increase optimisation. EandM: What different approaches are you seeing from mining companies as they try to navigate the challenges of planning for a decarbonised future? JM: I am seeing some companies driven by
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some individuals flip “the way we have always done it mentality” into curiosity of why – why not have more crushers or mill when the sun shines or wind blows, where else can we store energy that isn’t batteries like crushing material, charging extra equipment, what is the NPV if we mine or process hard when we have excess renewables but scale right down at night shift – challenging the thought that 24/7 same rate of mining is the way to be, how would that then impact HR/IR and attracting diverse talent, how can we meet technology instead of waiting for it to get to us, instead of bigger machinery – what if we used smaller (trucks, excavators etc.)? EandM: What are the key drivers for miners to consider a brand new way of designing mines around the availability of decarbonised power? JM: The belief it can be done and should be done! It wasn’t so long ago people were still saying you couldn’t have a mine fully separate to the existing infrastructure and renewable and profitable. All the smaller projects to date show it can be done. The generational shift and change that is happening is bringing in a new diverse leadership that challenges the way its been done, is passionate that we can do better. ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE
