IT TAKES A GLOBAL VILLAGE TO BUILD THE MINE OF THE FUTURE

In this interview, Chris Tucker, Corporate Innovation Manager, Skeena Resources, discusses the challenges of implementing low-carbon technologies within a scenario of disrupted supply chains.

ENERGY AND MINES: What are some of the most significant changes for the mining industry as a result of the increased focus on ESG and climate performance?

CHRIS TUCKER: Mining is a huge energy user globally, so sourcing renewable power at mine sites is an important challenge. We are fortunate to have good sources of run-ofriver hydroelectricity near our Eskay Creek Project. But then the challenge becomes how to deploy that clean power within an industrial ecosystem that has historically been slow to change.

E+M: What are some of the challenges of trying to balance climate and ESG commitments with mine production, expansion, and commercial realities?

CT: While there are incredible innovations in the pipeline for low-carbon mining operations, such as electric mining equipment and alternative fuels, securing these emerging technologies through our disrupted global supply chains, is a challenge. You need all the elements of capital, planning, permitting, and technology to align, and you need to have the workforce trained and ready to implement them.

E+M: Which technologies are expected to be critical in meeting Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon emissions goals for mining?

CT: Given the diversity of operations and locations there is likely a place for everything. Operational technologies (OT) such as electric haul trucks, advanced conveyors, renewable fuels, cleaner energy generation, and storage are perhaps obvious. A lot of people are talking up the value of better Information Technologies (IT) but it seems like that has yet to fully crystalize within our industry. It will be powerful once it does. And in the IT/OT interface, there is tremendous potential as well with digital twinning, optimization, and autonomous operations.

E+M: Who are you looking forward to connecting with at the Energy and Mines Toronto Summit on November 1-2 at the Delta Toronto?

CT: Everyone: the suppliers, the consultants, the academics, the regulators, the innovators, the miners. It takes a global village to build the mine of the future.

Chris Tucker is speaking at the Energy and Mines Toronto Summit, Nov 1, 4.30 PM on the Joint Case Study: Low-Carbon Gold Mining: Building a Strategy for Eskay Creek