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Energy and Mines Magazine Issue 43
Adam Best is a Principal Research Scientist with CSIRO, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the Australian Government agency responsible for scientific research.
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Energy and Mines: What is needed in order for mining companies to meet their carbon targets and timelines?
Adam Best: (i) Reduction of overall energy usage if possible, (ii) electrification of everything that can be electrified, using renewables, including trucks and trains (iii) smart ways of storing that electricity. I favour battery storage due to the responsiveness, but where feasible, pumped hydro.
EandM: Which disruptive technologies are critical for meeting mine decarbonisation and ESG targets?
AB: (i) better energy storage to mitigate against low ebbs in renewable availability, (ii) address the topic of crushing - a massive amount of energy is used in size reduction. I understand that liberation is essential, but new technologies that create access through micro-cracking and, if possible, ore sorting
EandM: What are the main barriers for decarbonising energy and mobility for Australian mining companies?
AB: (i) wanting to be the second at being first - don’t want to be the first to take a risk, (ii) cost of new capital items such as renewables (PV, wind) and storage (batteries), (iii) a lack of genuine next-generation technology to decrease energy requirements for mining, cutting, grinding, and the automation to support it.
EandM: Who are you looking forward to connecting with at the Energy and Mines Australia Summit on September 6-7?
AB: Mining companies that are keen to reduce their energy footprint and how they can use Australian developed technologies and knowhow to do so.
Adam Best is speaking on the panel Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Developments for Mines, September 7th at 9:50 AM, Energy and Mines Australia Summit 2022
