Energy and Mines Magazine Issue 44

Issue

44

August

2022

Rethinking Mining Long Duration Energy Storage Mining ESG and Decarbonisation interviews

Rethinking mining for a Decarbonised Future

T

o meet ambitious carbon emissions targets, mines must eventually operate on fully decarbonised energy, mobility and transport. While the timelines to get to zero-carbon mining depend on individual company targets, there is widespread urgency for developing plans to get there.

Most experts agree that current technologies could get most miners to their 2030 targets but the roadmap to 2050 is far from clear and involves completely displacing diesel.

“It’s a really interesting time to be in mining as we make this transition.”

JUSTIN BROWN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ELEMENT25

“It’s a really interesting time to be in mining as we make this transition,” comments Justin Brown, Executive Director, Element25. This Perth-based mining company is aiming to be the first Australian entity to produce ultra high purity manganese sulfate for battery cathodes outside of China.

“The demand profiles for different metals are changing, and the mineral processing industry needs to adapt,” comments Brown. “Other companies too will need to adapt to the changing demand profiles for these materials.”

One of the major challenges for decarbonising mining is the sheer size of the task. “The challenge is that mining is a massive entity - it’s not a small- scale activity,” says Adam Best, Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO, the Australian Government agency responsible for scientific research.

“Particularly if you think about large-scale mining haulage trucks – being able to electrify those with battery sets is a massive task.”

100% RENEWABLE ENERGY MINING Renewable energy is the go-to for addressing Scope 2 emissions for mines but getting to fully carbon-free power is tough today.

“Currently, the biggest challenge in getting to 100% renewables is with storage,” says David Manning, Managing Director, JUWI Australia. “Whilst wind, PV and BESS Storage is now

2

ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

Solar field at Jacinth Ambrosia Mine. Image courtesy of Iluka Resources

economically viable for around 80%, the cost curve from there upwards is rather sharp.”

JUWI is at the forefront of mining’s decarbonisation journey heading renewable hybrid solutions for global mining operators including Sandfire Resources, Gold Fields, Centamin, Pan African Resources, BHP Nickel West, Rio Tinto, and Iluka Resources. “We have just completed a PV solution for Iluka at Jacinth Ambrosia,” notes Manning. “And the Gruyere facility for Gold Road Resources is currently being commissioned, and we are well underway at both Mt Keith and Leinster for BHP Nickel West and Transalta.

The North Weipa Project for Rio Tinto is also progressing well with the first piles being driven in this July.”

This depth of experience is positioning JUWI as a resource for mining companies looking to understand the capabilities and costs of renewable energy in meeting climate goals. As Manning points, “With more than nine renewable facilities built or under construction, we have access to real-time data, backed up by real costs.”

Optimisation of the renewable energy resource is key to success in realizing carbon and energy goals for mining ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

“Currently, the biggest challenge in getting to 100% renewables is with storage.”

DAVID MANNING MANAGING DIRECTOR

JUWI AUSTRALIA

3

hybrids. “There will be periods where the wind resource is low, and PV is not available,” Manning observes. “The ability to ramp down production during these low resource events can significantly reduce energy costs and ultimately lower emissions.

Consideration of the land mass required also plays a big part. In order to build the most efficient renewable energy plant, available land needs to be close, with good geotech, hydrology and clear topography.”

“The challenge is that mining is a massive entity - it’s not a smallscale activity.”

ADAM BEST PRINCIPAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST

CSIRO

ZERO-EMISSIONS FLEETS One of the key challenges in the roadmap to net-zero mining is decarbonising mobile fleets. “These large, heavy machines need to work long hours hauling heavy loads to be effective and we will need to see battery technology evolve to match this need,” says Element25’s Brown. “We can already capture renewable energy cheaper than fossil fuels, but now we need to store it effectively in high density compact battery packs to power this industry.”

Transitioning to electric fleets is a core focus for mining companies, particularly those with underground operations.

“The ability to operate underground with lower emissions not only provides a safer, cleaner working environment, but also reduces the need for large ventilation shafts and the associated fan equipment,” observes JUWI’s Manning. “Utilisation of excess (curtailed) energy, for example, to charge batteries makes very good use of energy that would otherwise be wasted.”

Battery sizing, power profile, and haul routes are just some of the considerations going into the planning and testing of electric haul trucks. “Making sure that you can minimize the pathway and the travel distances to maximize the amount of material that you can haul within the battery set sizing is key,” adds CSIRO’s Best. Along with big trucks, battery powered trains can significantly reduce a mining company’s carbon footprint. “There’s a huge opportunity particularly where you have mining sites well away from coastal areas where you can adopt battery powered trains, and look at how the energy is delivered through the ride, through the haulage process,” Best adds.

RETHINKING MINING Achieving net-zero mining is not only about deploying disruptive

4

ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

technologies, it’s also about rethinking mining and developing a more flexible approach to mine design. Renewable energy, electrification, BESS, hydrogen, driverless trucks and more will be part of this transition but they must be scalable and adaptable.

As CSIRO’s Best says, “It’s not only about new and disruptive technologies, it’s about how you scale them.”

“The technology needs to be able to adapt to a changing ore body.

It needs to be able to increase in capacity as the mine ramps up and then ramp down again as the ore body is extinguished,” agrees JUWI’s Manning. “Rapid deployment, and demobilisation is critical, and the ability to quickly change as the ore body

Scalable and Adaptable Mining

One of the most exciting initiatives to explore a different way of mining for a decarbonised and ESG-focused future is the“Scalable and Adaptable Mining Challenge” which is headed

by OZ Minerals’ Think & Act Differently(TM) Incubator, Canada-based Inspire Resources, and Unearthed, an Australia-based community of startups, developers, and data scientists.

The challenge is focused on finding flexible and modular solutions that could be deployed as part of an integrated mine design.

JUWI is part of the mining cohort working on this project and has been working with Oz Minerals’ Think & Act Differently(TM) Incubator for several years. “JUWI are providing engineering resources, data and costing to the team, so that the model is accurate, and in line with market trends,” says David Manning, Managing Director, JUWI Australia “Our key takeaway is that both mining companies and suppliers are starting to act differently. We are seeing new mining methods, scalable comminution equipment and most importantly, equipment suppliers engaging with energy providers to come up with low emission solutions.”

The group is working on a simulation of an innovative mine design which will demonstrate the capabilities of scalable, flexible, easier development, lower risk and wider stakeholder value mining. The following organisations make up the Scalable and Adaptable Mining cohort: • Novamera – a novel drilling-based extraction method with a downhole guidance system to enable precision mining • Komatsu – electric, hard rock mechanical cutting machines.

• Comminution Reimagined – low-energy comminution, assembled from modular units.

• Sepro Mineral Systems – mobile and modular mineral processing modules for scalable and adaptable mineral recovery.

• Sedgman Modular Processing – modular plant design for precious and base metals.

• JUWI – modular, deployable PV and microgrid solutions • Energy Flex – an energy mining system, to identify and extract the full value of energy use in complex assets.

Visit www.ozminerals.com for more information ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

5

changes is also instrumental. Equipment that can be demobilised during the development stages, and then redeployed once mining recommences has shown to provide a significant improvement in decarbonisation.”

Indeed, mining equipment suppliers are starting to adapt their way of thinking and consider more scalable solutions which supports the business case for this approach. As Manning says: “The model is showing that on smaller, more complex ore bodies, a scalable and adaptable solution can provide significant benefits.”

Scalability as well as knowing the power profile of a mine are essential to successfully decarbonise an operation. Knowing the energy demand of all processes including crushing is necessary for identifying the size and scope of renewable energy needed to power a mining site. “Understanding the power profile is really critical,” says Best. “You can look at a power profile and then use that to scale the battery set that you need depending on how you’re going to do energy recovery through braking cycles and where you have to apply power.”

ROADMAP TO 2050 Green hydrogen is also expected to play a significant role in meeting mining’s climate targets . “Hydrogen technologies will have a big impact in the next couple of decades,” comments Element25’s Brown. As the technology matures, green hydrogen will be a viable solution for decarbonising heavy haulage and shipping. Once the hydrogen distribution problem is solved, Brown sees hydrogen as a potential game changer for mining in terms of providing access to distributed renewable energy.

But regardless of whether its hydrogen or electrification being used to displace diesel from fleets, mining companies will need renewable energy to provide zero-carbon power.

“Renewable energy is well suited to support hydrogenisation and electrification of fleets,” says JUWI’s Manning. In many cases a renewable energy solution will be designed to have excess energy available which can be funneled into a battery or electrolyzer. “It’s also a lot easier to add additional capacity to a baseline design so that the overall cost of additional capacity to support battery and hydrogen is much lower,” adds Manning.

6

ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

Jacinth Ambrosia Mine. Image courtesy of Iluka Resources

Decarbonisation is indeed the biggest disrupter to the mining industry but also a massive opportunity for modern mining companies that embrace change. In order to accelerate decarbonisation, support social license to operate and maintain production goals, mining needs a rethink. This is not a small task but there are some exciting initiatives that are stretching the boundaries of traditional mining.

“We need to embrace the drive to reduce carbon-based fuels and this takes a change in thinking,” says Element25’s Brown. “The change in thinking will drive the demand for these technologies and this in turn will drive investment and innovation.”

“The industry is really evolving and the current generation of decision-makers are hungry for ways to move to a zero carbon world, but sometimes the technology doesn’t move as quickly as we would like,” Brown adds. “It is happening though and it’s going to be a very interesting journey. Element 25 are proud to be a part of it.”

Learn More about Net-Zero Mining

All of the interviewees in this article as well as Oz Minerals are presenting at Energy and Mines Australia Summit on September 6-7 at the Westin Perth.

Hear from 70+ mining and decarbonisation experts at this 6th annual event which has become the resource for mining companies to showcase their latest ESG and climate projects as well as learn about the solutions which will be part of their roadmaps to 2050.

Visit www.australia.energyandmines.com for more details ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

7

POWERING YOUR MINE AHEAD WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY. We support you to build a better, cleaner and sustainable future with customized solutions for your mine.

SOLAR

STORAGE

HYDROELECTRIC GREEN HYDROGEN

ON SHORE WIND

GEOTHERMAL

Follow us

enelgreenpower.com

Save up to 30% in electricity costs with hybrid renewable energy solutions CrossBoundary Energy is a leading developer, owner, and operator of distributed renewable energy solutions for businesses. Our approach to the industrial renewable energy transition has brought to bear some of the most significant mining hybrid projects in the world.

Find out more: www.crossboundary.com/energy

D E L I V E R I N G I N S IG H T T H R O U G H DATA

VO LT VIS ION looks forward to buying the drinks at Energy and Mines Australia Summit.

Meet Manoli Yannaghas (manoli@voltvision.live) in Perth.

Sept 6-7, 2022

https://voltvision.live/

Long-Duration Energy Storage and Mining’s Energy Transition

A

s mining shifts to decarbonised energy systems, emerging long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies such as gravity-based systems, flow batteries and concentrating solar thermal are expected to play a critical role in supporting higher levels of renewable energy penetration and integration. With a small number of mines starting to partner and evaluate these technologies, long-duration storage for mines is gaining traction.

In this Q&A interview, Jon Norman, President, Hydrostor, a leading developer of Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES) provides insight on the potential role of LDES in mining’s energy transition.

Energy and Mines: As mining companies look to meet their decarbonisation and ESG targets, long duration energy storage is becoming increasingly topical as a potential technology to fully decarbonise power and move completely away from fossil fuels. Can you tell us about Hydrostor’s technology and where you see the most relevant applications for the Australian mining sector?

Jon Norman: Hydrostor has developed an Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (“A-CAES”) System to store energy.

Compressed air has been used globally for energy storage for decades, with two limitations. First, traditionally salt caverns have been used to store the air, meaning the

10

facilities were constrained to where there were salt formations. Second, as compressed air left the cavern to power the turbine, the expansion would cool the air, meaning it had to be heated using natural gas.

A-CAES solves these limitations by utilizing either (i) salt caverns or (ii) hard rock caverns (meaning the technology can be flexibly sited), and by storing the heat generated during compression and utilizing that stored heat to warm the air during expansion (meaning the energy storage has zero emissions). A-CAES can be used for durations of 6 hours and above, and even as high as 24 hours.

We believe there are applications for mining, smelting and refining operations, where there is a large requirement for reliable electricity and a desire by the mining company to achieve net-zero, either through behind the meter renewables supplemented by A-CAES or by leveraging long-term storage assets via the grid to virtually load shift their demands to a level where they can draw 100 percent renewables generation.

E&M: What are the key takeaways from Hydrostor’s Silver City project in the Broken Hill region of New South Wales and what are the lessons for mining applications?

JN: While our A-CAES facilities can be economically constructed on a greenfield basis, the Silver City project will utilize ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

E&M: What sort of feedback and discussions is Hydrostor having with mining companies and/or other energy intensive industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint?

JN: We are in discussions with several mining companies and other energy intensive industries looking to reduce their carbon footprint at an attractive price point. Many see the large scale, long duration, siting flexibility and zero emission operation of A-CAES as having significant advantages over other solutions.

existing underground mine infrastructure in siting the cavern location (co-located in an existing facility). This is an elegant re-use of existing mining infrastructure and minimizes asset recovery obligations when the mine is shut down. Further, the Silver City project will be utilized as a reliable solution to replace existing diesel generation, and thereby will assist the broader Broken Hill region with its energy requirements on an environmentally attractive basis.

In addition to its competitive capital cost profile, A-CAES has a long-term life with zero degradation, making its levelized cost of storage extremely attractive versus other technologies. We also believe that A-CAES has a complementary role for companies looking at green hydrogen as part of their carbon footprint reduction strategy.

E&M: What do miners need to consider when assessing LDES as part of decarbonisation plans?

JN: Several factors should be considered when looking at A-CAES as a LDES solution vs. alternatives, including: (1) ability to reuse or use existing infrastructure (eg. abandoned underground caverns – advantageous but not necessary; synergies with thermal

Learn More about LDES in Mining

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is the Session leader for an important panel discussion on “Deploying Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) at Mine Sites” at the upcoming Energy and Mines Australia Summit taking place September 6-7 at the Westin Perth.

Hydrostor’s Jon Norman will join senior representatives from Rio Tinto, Values Connection, Energy Estate, and TORC Clean Energy to provide critical insight on key LDES developments and potential applications as part of the roadmap to zero-emissions mining.

ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

11

systems, electrical infrastructure and or water systems); (2) small footprint (by way of example, a 500 MW facility only needs about 60 acres); (3) siting flexibility vs pumped hydro systems that require elevation changes (while utilizing approximately 1/20th the water usage); (4) ability to expand output or duration at a low marginal cost vs. batteries that have a linear marginal cost; and (5) the long life of A-CAES (50+ years) vs alternatives.

E&M: Can you share some details on the current costs for Hydrostor’s technology and how this is expected to change over the next few years?

JN: Our capex per MWh is very competitive to alternatives, and we have the advantages of being able to expand at a low marginal cost while having a 50-year life. Opex is likewise

Additional LDES Expertise - CleanTech Geomechanics

CleanTech Geomechanics Australia Pty Ltd (CTGA) is a Perth-based company that is an operating subsidiary of CleanTech Geomechanics Inc (CTG), based in Calgary Canada.

CTGA is deploying a deep wellbore based system to provide long-duration energy storage (LDES) capacity for the transition to renewable energy in Australia - the Cased Wellbore Compressed Air Storage geo-energy storage system (CWCAS geoESS).

The CWCAS system is an innovative and transformative next-generation Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) technology for the energy storage sector – with many advantages for renewable energy in terms of long-duration energy storage capacity, safety, scalable energy access, and low-carbon economic growth.

The CWACS geoESS process is ideal for provision of scalable off-grid or behind-themeter energy supply for the Australian mining industry due to its core features: • a safe and robust ESS process • scalability • site agnostic • LDES - Long-Duration Energy Storage capability • easy, rapid installation and operability for energy storage/supply projects • flexibility for multiple applications (grid support, off-grid, and BTM applications) • cost effectiveness CTG/CTGA are now working on developing CWCAS projects in Canada, US, Singapore and Australia. There is engagement with government ministries, energy companies and industry stakeholders in this technology.

12

ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

LDES solution that can be deployed near the generation/mine site that can be built at the scale and with the duration required by large energy consumers, especially those seeking to eliminate or minimize its reliance on the grid.

A-CAES can assist in this regard by providing utility-scale energy at durations that can allow for baseload renewable energy generation.

Mock up of the Silver City Energy Storage Centre. Image Courtesy Hydrostor

low. While our technology is proven, we have identified various opportunities to reduce capex over the coming years.

E&M: What are some of the best examples of commercial LDES projects in operation that miners can draw from?

JN: There are two existing traditional compressed air energy storage facilities currently in operation. One is the Huntorf facility in Germany at 290 MW (operated since 1976) and the other is the McIntosh facility in Alabama at 110 MW (operated since 1991).

Hydrostor has operated a commercial-scale A-CAES asset for 2 years in Goderich, Ontario.

E&M: What are some of the technical challenges of integrating LDES in mine renewable energy systems?

JN: One of the biggest challenges is finding an

ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

E&M: What are the key questions for mines looking to understand LDES as a decarbonisation pathway?

JN: The key factors for mining companies to consider is the size of their power load, their expected reliance on the grid, desired storage duration and the asset life (A-CAES has a life of 50 years), and potential asset degradation over time (which other technologies like traditional batteries experience but not A-CAES).

E&M: What are the next steps and key milestones for LDES applications in mining?

JN: As mining companies continue to evaluate options around decarbonization, LDES will become an ever-important sector to consider. Hydrostor’s A-CAES solution can complement renewables to meet the needs of mines, refineries, smelters and other large consumers of energy, and is ready for deployment on a commercial scale today at sizes from 100MW and above, and durations of 6 hours or more with a preference for projects above 6 hours. It is becoming clear that to enable the energy transition, long duration projects of this nature are going to be required (versus simply relying on shorter duration opportunities that cannot deliver anything close to baseload renewable energy).

13

Leaders in Sustainable Distributed Energy Pacific Energy provide full turnkey capabilities across all energy technologies and services.

pacificenergy.com.au

Hybrid

Wind

Solar

Gas

Stand Alone Power Systems

Integrated Battery Storage

LNG Storage

Green Hydrogen

Dual Fuel

Waste Heat Technology

Diesel

Hydro-Electric

We need smart, megawatt scale, flexible solutions to meet the dynamic energy needs of our mines and to maximise the potential of our electrified mining operations.

Jayde Webb Practice Lead Mining Technology – South32

J

ayde Webb currently leads the mining technology development function at South32, focused on identifying opportunities for innovation in mining extraction and application of novel technologies to improve safety, productivity and company returns. At the Energy and Mines Australia Summit, Sept 6-7, Jayde will be jointly presenting with State of Play’s Michelle Keegan on the latest developments in the Electric Mine Consortium.

why industry collaboration through groups like EMC (Electric Mine Consortium) is so important.

Energy and Mines: How is the focus on climate change and ESG driving energy and mobility decisions for mining operations?

Jayde Webb: South32 supports the Paris Agreement and we are committed to achieving net zero operational carbon emissions by 2050.

We need smart, megawatt scale, flexible solutions to meet the dynamic energy needs of our mines and to maximise the potential of our electrified mining operations.

Last year, we also set a medium-term target to halve our operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, as we progress towards net zero by 2050. We are directing capital towards projects that will help us achieve these targets.

We know we have an important role to play in addressing climate change, and partnerships and collaborative efforts will be key to our success. We all have a role to play to be part of the solution, and that’s 16

EandM: How is the drive to decarbonise shifting the thinking and approach to renewable energy for mining?

JW: Decarbonisation has always been part of our thinking around renewables, but the increasing focus supports an accelerated transition.

The Electric Mine Consortium started with an underground mining electrification vision to support mine site decarbonisation.

Electrified equipment, when paired with a renewable energy source and smart energy management, solves a small component of the bigger mine site energy requirement.

However, it’s an important part of our journey.

EandM: What are the main challenges of trying to meet 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation goals for mines?

JW: Electrification is an important avenue to decarbonise not just our mines, but also the broader mining sector.

ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

The reduction of particulates, primarily dust and diesel, is a significant challenge in underground mines and is a key driver of our efforts towards mine electrification.

South32 has been participating in the Electric Mine Consortium since its inception with a goal to address these challenges.

EandM: Who are you looking forward ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

to connecting with at Energy and Mines Australia Summit, September 6-7, Westin Perth?

JW: Other miners that would like to collaborate and openly share any recommendations and challenges so that we can all learn at a faster pace and ultimately make a successful transition with safer and more sustainable mining.

17

670W+ Bifacial Module and Intelligent Tracker

Join our upcoming live webinar or watch the previous webinar in APAC region.

www.trinasolar.com

550W

Flagship module for all scenarios

500W

The most popular choice for rooftops

670W

410W

Designed for largescale solar farms

Best fit for residential rooftops

600W

Low voltage, high string power

Wide range of 210 mm ultra-high power modules designed for all applications.

The industry’s only truly integrated power plant solution from Trina Solar that improves reliability, enhances project returns and lowers risk.

THE TRANSITION TO 100% RENEWABLES

FOLLOW US ON +61 (8) 9321 5594 info@vsun.com.au

ASX: AVL

THE POWER YOU NEED Energy Power Systems Australia (EPSA) rents, sells, designs, engineers and commissions Cat® engines, generators and custom-built power solutions – from individual units to multi-megawatt power stations.

With the introduction of Cat® Hybrid Microgrids that incorporate solar, wind and battery energy storage, and generator sets capable of running on green hydrogen, EPSA is helping customers transition to renewable energy, mitigating the risks and maximising the commercial and environmental benefits of emerging technologies.

Whatever your energy and power requirements, EPSA has the power you need.

ONE NETWORK. ONE CALL 1800 643 514 energypower.com.au

RENT. NEW. USED.

©2021 Caterpillar®. All rights reserved. CAT®, CATERPILLAR®, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

The renewable electricity component is currently viewed as a lower challenge than displacing diesel from our mining fleets, and for MMG this will be the largest driver of delivering on our interim 2030 reduction target.

Jon Crosbie Head Of Climate And Closure Planning – MMG

J

on Crosbie is Head of Climate and Closure Planning with MMG, where his responsibilities cover implementation of the climate resilience strategy, identifying and assessing decarbonisation opportunities, closure assurance and governance, integration of climate resilience/adaptation and closure with business planning, and due diligence for M&A opportunities. At Energy and Mines Australia, Sept 6-7, Jon is speaking on a panel with mining leaders exploring how decarbonisation is moving from intent to action. In this interview Jon discusses ESG, renewables and meeting 2030 and 2050 targets.

EandM: How is the drive to decarbonise shifting the thinking and approach to renewable energy for mining?

JC: Our decarbonisation targets are driving us to investigate multiple renewable energy options at our assets, including battery storage options. There are several technical and commercial challenges along this journey, but we will be working closely with our existing suppliers, potential additional suppliers as well as evaluating onsite generation opportunities. This may eventually lead to a change in how we source energy for our operations.

Energy and Mines: How is the focus on climate change and ESG driving energy and mobility decisions for mining operations?

Jon Crosbie: We recognise the impacts of human-induced climate change on our environment, economy and communities. As an organisation, MMG is committed to playing its part in addressing this global challenge by taking appropriate actions that will reduce both our direct and indirect emissions, and sourcing the key mineral and metals required to help develop a low-carbon future.

This commitment has enabled a very strong internal drive towards altering our energy and mobility decisions, over an appropriate timeline.

EandM: What are the main challenges of trying to meet 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation goals for mines?

JC: The key challenges span technology, organisational capability and commercial/ financial challenges. The renewable electricity component is currently viewed as a lower challenge than displacing diesel from our mining fleets, and for MMG this will be the largest driver of delivering on our interim 2030 reduction target. The 2050 target will then be primarily driven by a change to utilising low and zero emission heavy vehicles and equipment. These are being developed at a much faster rate than previously, however, it will still be many years before their technology is proven and commercially

20

ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

available on a larger scale. Specifically, there are challenges in working with original equipment manufacturers on understanding their timelines for delivering new products to market and their likely availability to those mid and smaller mining companies that are not able to assist in financing large Research and development (R&D) programs. Those who help fund the R&D will be prioritised.

Organisationally there are challenges in understanding and modelling any required changes to mine designs and optimisations, maintenance regimes and operational costs, as we will be dealing with new equipment. On top of this there is also the challenge of abating emissions that may require offsets/capture in order to achieve net zero.

ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

EandM: Who are you looking forward to connecting with at Energy and Mines Australia Summit, September 6-7, Westin Perth?

JC: Everybody! I am looking forward to connecting with my peers in the mining industry to learn more about the challenges they are facing and how they approaching those challenges. Also, I am very interested in talking to equipment manufacturers and other technology innovators regarding R&D programs and partnerships, particularly those focusing on zero emission mining fleets and their enabling infrastructure. And finally, I am looking forward to hearing from any expert consultants regarding their service offerings and how they may be able to support us on our decarbonisation journey.

21

CLEAN ENERGY BY SWEDEN

Powering Evolution Long-duration renewable energy storage with dispatchable clean power for all hours of the day.

AZELIO.COM

TES.POD® Renewable made reliable 24/7 Azelio is a Swedish cleantech company with a bespoke long-duration storage innovation for renewable energy. We aim to power the evolution of a renewable society, by shifting clean power from when it is available to when it is needed.

INQUIRIES info@azelio.com

The future of mining is Net Zero Ready

Reduce

Replace

the mines & raw materials for the Energy Transition

the energy consumption required in mining

conventional energy with cleaner sources of energy

Find out more stantec.com/net-zero-mining

Businesses are taking a risk relying on low cost carbon offsets to get them to net zero emissions by 2050 as large pools of low cost offsets are unlikely to exist in 2050.

Dr Gordon Weiss Associate – Energetics

A

s an Associate at Energetics, Dr Gordon Weiss is a specialist in climate change, climate risk, decarbonisation and energy. He is speaking at the Energy and Mines Australia Summit, Sept 6-7 on a panel exploring hydrogen powered mine fleets.

Energy and Mines: What is needed in order for mining companies to meet their carbon targets and timelines?

Gordon Weiss: Mining companies (in fact all businesses) must plan now. Many of the technologies needed to reduce emissions in the mining sector are still climbing up the Technology Readiness Ladder, and are not yet commercially viable. Long term decarbonisation plans need to take a realistic view of the role that these technologies can play in decarbonising specific assets – the best decarbonisation roadmap for a mine with a 15 year expected life is very different than one with a 30 year expected life. Miners must also understand that many new assets developed today will be still in operation in 2050 so should be designed now for zero emissions operation in 2050. The choice of the term zero emissions rather than net zero emissions was deliberate. Businesses are taking a risk relying on low cost carbon offsets to get them to net zero emissions by 2050 as large pools of low cost offsets are unlikely to exist in 2050. Routine review of actual emissions and emissions forecasts against net-zero

ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

trajectories is also critical to avoid making capital investments too late and missing the targets. For mining companies that haven’t set emissions reduction targets, understanding your actual emissions and confirming the baseline year should be your first step.

EandM: Which disruptive technologies are critical for meeting mine decarbonisation and ESG targets?

GW: “Fooling around with alternating current (AC) is just a waste of time. Nobody will use it, ever.” — Thomas Edison 1889.

It is very risky talking about the future of emerging technology – better to highlight the challenges that need to be addressed.

Shine the spotlight on emissions from materials movement in all mines and high temperature heating applications in some 23

mines. Ask not what is needed to decarbonise those operations but rather ask how we can achieve the same outcomes without emitting greenhouse gases. Perhaps it is hydrogen – it certainly provides a pathway to decarbonise a major portion of mine operations but who knows.

Technologies that reduce scope 1 emissions are of most interest to mining companies and are resulting in partnerships and joint ventures with technology providers. Replacing diesel is the top priority for many miners with battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology adapting to meet the unique requirements of heavy haulage. Low emissions rail for long distance haulage has a lot of potential with high technology and commercial readiness.

Maturing technology in the refining and smelting process is also showing a lot of promise.

EandM: What are the main barriers for decarbonising energy and mobility for Australian mining companies?

GW: That solving the problem is someone

24

else’s job – we will just use the new technologies when they become costeffective. No, all miners have a role to play in decarbonising the industry – supporting R&D, trialling first-of-a-kind systems, designing new assets for zero emissions.

Other barriers include aligning investment decisions for low emissions capital purchases with existing fleet replacement cycles, and the potential need for mines to be planned not only around the ore reserve, but the limitations of the emerging technology, e.g. access to electrical infrastructure.

EandM: Who are you looking forward to connecting with at the Energy and Mines Australia Summit on September 6-7?

GW: Mine operators who view decarbonisation as something that should be the second item on the agenda of a Board meeting, (where safety is the first item).

Even better, mining companies that have made the leap from a small trial of a zero emissions technology to implementing the technology at scale, and the lessons learnt along the way.

ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE

CANADA

Do business with Canada!

Faites affaire avec le Canada!

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is a government organization that has facilitated trade with Canada since 1895. With offices in more than 160 cities worldwide, we are accessible to both Canadian and international companies looking to increase their business and find trusted partners. With an in-depth knowledge of global markets and insight on Canadian industry capabilities, we can connect you with strategic procurement, investment, innovation or education partners in Canada. Let our team of professionals help you!

Contact: Kishani.Navaratnam@international.gc.ca

Le Service des délégués commerciaux (SDC) du Canada est une organisation gouvernementale qui facilite les échanges commerciaux avec le Canada depuis 1895. Les entreprises canadiennes et internationales qui cherchent à accroître leurs occasions d’affaires et à trouver des partenaires de confiance peuvent communiquer avec l’un de nos bureaux répartis dans plus de 160 villes à travers le monde. Grâce à notre connaissance approfondie des marchés mondiaux et des capacités industrielles du Canada, nous pouvons vous aider à trouver les partenaires canadiens qu’il vous faut en matière d’approvisionnement, d’investissement, d’innovation et d’éducation.

Laissez notre équipe de professionnels vous aider!

Contactez : Kishani.Navaratnam@international.gc.ca.