Energy Efficiency

The cost of energy can fluctuate significantly, impacting the overall operating costs of a mining operation. Mines in remote locations may also have limited access to reliable and affordable energy sources, making this operating cost one that cannot be squandered. Mining is an enormous consumer of energy, particularly those sites where crushing, grinding, milling and conveying take place. Reducing energy intensity without compromising production efficiency is a delicate balance.

ESG regulations, emissions limits, and the shift to renewable energy are leading to these sources being increasingly expensive. Transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, such as renewables, can be challenging and costly initially, but can be done gradually to reduce the impact on a mining company’s bottom line.

However, with many new technologies emerging such as energy management systems (EMS) and real-time monitoring solutions, controlling energy consumption across mining operations is increasingly achievable. By introducing these technologies in a feasible and cost-efficient way, companies can reap the many benefits of these solutions to reduce their energy costs and overall emissions.

Key Client Challenges:

1. Which energy-efficient technologies should we prioritize for our specific mine site and processes?
2. How can we improve the efficiency of our mining equipment and vehicles to reduce fuel consumption?
3. What are the best practices for monitoring and managing energy consumption in real-time across our mining operations?
4. Are there opportunities to recover and utilize waste heat generated during our mining processes?
5. How can we optimize our mineral processing operations to minimize energy consumption and maximize recovery rates?
6. What are the most effective strategies for integrating renewable energy sources into our mining operations?
7. How do we assess the return on investment (ROI) for energy efficiency projects and justify the initial capital expenditure?
8. Are there government incentives or grants available to support energy efficiency initiatives in the mining industry?
9. How do we conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of our mining operation to identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements throughout the mine’s lifecycle?

As investors increasingly shift their attention towards ESG scores, mining companies face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. However, balancing profitability and sustainability is a complex challenge which requires careful mine design and planning to minimize energy consumption in a sustainable manner.

By adopting the use of emerging technologies such as EMS, developing a robust and gradual plan to shift towards renewable energy, and optimizing the layout of mines and processing facilities to minimize energy usage, mining companies can adapt to shifting regulations and investor demands.

Our experts at Unison Mining are experienced in helping our clients achieve their large-scale goals by developing the KPIs, systems, controls and processes needed for success at every organizational level. By integrating goals such as energy efficiency into every level of the organization and instilling behavior change using the necessary incentives, we hope to set up your teams for success with complete employee buy-in and full technology adoption.