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Potential Pathways for Mining Operations to Transition to Renewable Energy—a Case Study

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Abstract

This paper presents the results of a hypothetical case study that evaluates the potential transition of a large copper mining and extraction operation to 90% renewable energy. The case study considers three phases to accomplish such a transition; phase I considers installation of renewable power generation at the site to meet a portion of the current electric power needs, phase II considers conversion of diesel combustion mining equipment to electric equipment, and phase III considers implementation of renewable energy generation coupled with energy storage systems to provide approximately 90% of the total mine site energy requirements. The paper evaluates the results in the context of a range of purchased electric power unit costs ($0.065, $0.100, and $0.135/kWh) as well as various carbon tax scenarios ($0, $5.00, and $37.30/t CO2). While the case study is hypothetical and considers a range of assumptions, it clearly identifies a pathway to potentially economically viable transitions to a renewable energy platform for mining companies. This represents an approach that mining companies can use to help to meet emissions targets, as well as social responsibility and reporting requirements.

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Notes

  1. Other sources include biomass, geothermal, solar concentrators, offshore wind, bioenergy, and marine/tidal.

  2. In general, wind energy is much better suited to the mining industry’s average demand profile [10]. Unlike solar arrays’ peak generation in the middle of the day, wind turbines produce more consistent electricity throughout the 24-h day. Solar is used in this case study to illustrate a point: even some sub-optimal transitions to renewables have become economically feasible in the past 5 years.

  3. Other electric haul truck options are likely to emerge which are expected to offer greater flexibility and improved haulage profiles.

  4. This study assumes that the Greenstone Mine is interconnected to the grid. Interconnection protects equipment during unplanned outages by allowing electricity to be exported into the grid. However, the study also seeks to minimize the electrical energy exported to the grid as it is more cost effective when used the power at the mine.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Rikard Maki (Boliden) and William Pietzke (ARES) for providing useful information and context for this case study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA

    Oliver W. Marsden

  2. Metallurgium, 10645 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 200-550, Phoenix, AZ, 85028, USA

    Oliver W. Marsden & John O. Marsden

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  1. Oliver W. Marsden
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Correspondence to John O. Marsden.

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Marsden, O.W., Marsden, J.O. Potential Pathways for Mining Operations to Transition to Renewable Energy—a Case Study. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 38, 1689–1699 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-021-00440-9

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