3 minute read
Foreword
Prioritising RESOURCEFUL MINING
When considering the concept of resourceful mining, as opposed to mining our resources, the overarching idea is to look at more efficient, environmentally sustainable, and profitable mining operations that are of greater benefit to the wider community. By Lethabo Manamela*
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The ultimate goal is to get the ‘people-planetprofit’ triad in the right ratio. Energy use has a prominent role to play here, especially considering that: a) energy in the form of electricity is an essential resource critical to a mine’s operation; b) mining is incredibly energy-intensive; and c) the industry plays a huge role in South Africa’s economy, and is a large source of employment opportunities for our people.
Unfortunately, we have experienced that consistent energy supply has long been a challenge in South Africa. Our national grid regularly struggles to keep up with demand, and this has had far-reaching impacts on the economy and many industries, including mining. Installing backup power for mining operations is no small feat, and is very expensive. A mine’s energy requirements go far beyond the abilities of a UPS and diesel generator.
Mining operations in South Africa are unique, in that the turbulent energy landscape has driven our mining industries to be at the forefront of adopting energyefficient technologies. This has been spurred largely by the high price of electricity in South Africa, and our unstable energy supply. Added to that, the local mining market is far removed from foreign markets. This means that the cost of transporting commodities is a pain point for our mines, so they need to keep other costs as low as possible.
Innovative mining sector
All of these challenges have led to energy innovation in the mining sector. We are seeing mining companies continue to consider how to leverage the energy resources available to them to reduce their reliance on the grid, and the associated high energy costs. There has also been a trend of investing in energy in a manner that will benefit host communities long after the mines have closed. It sounds like the peopleplanet-profit triad is starting to gain traction.
Unfortunately, renewable energy is not a comprehensive solution. It is not feasible that solar energy alone could meet the demands of a largescale mining operation. However, there is innovation on the horizon. Renewable energy can be used to create hydrogen, and this hydrogen can then be applied as fuel cell technology at the points on the mine where it is needed most. This revolutionises the green energy value chain and presents prominent opportunities for our country, our mines and our people.
Hydrogen in the horizon
Efforts are already under way in South Africa to leverage our hydrogen economy, with the Hydrogen Valley Project spearheaded by South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation. The collaboration agreement also includes energy and
FOREWORD
services company Engie, the South African National Energy Development Institute, and clean energy solutions provider Bambili Energy.
A proof of concept is under way in Limpopo, with a hydrogen fuel cell and battery-powered module, retrofitted on to a large haul truck. The initiative is also exploring stationary fuel cell applications and a warehouse forklift fleet application. Developing this hydrogen ecosystem allows for the potential transition of heavy-duty freight trucks, haulage vehicles in the mining sector, and buses used for public transport.
Hydrogen Valley will stretch approximately 835 km from Mokopane, Limpopo, along the industrial and commercial corridor to Johannesburg and to the south coast at Durban. The aim is to leverage South Africa’s resources and renewable energy potential to revitalise and decarbonise key industrial sectors. This initiative could be hugely beneficial to the mining industry, with positive knock-on effects for people, planet and profit.
Energy innovation in the mining industry is important for the sustainability of the industry from every angle. South Africa can ill afford our erratic energy supply. Green energy initiatives stand to decrease our carbon footprint, increase the longevity of the mining industry, and benefit our wider community. Collaboration between mining companies, the broader public sector and energy service companies, research institutes, and a mix of government departments will result in the continuation of this upward trajectory towards innovative and climate-friendly solutions in South Africa!
*Lethabo Manamela is the CEO of the South African National Energy Development Institute.
Lethabo Manamela believes that energy challenges experienced in South Africa’s mining industry have paved the way for innovation
