By David Pearce , principal mining engineer , SRK Consulting

Decarbonisation on mines featured high on the agenda of a recent SRK Consulting global partners meeting in Johannesburg , with a special workshop being dedicated to this topic .

The significant level of these emissions reflects the potential for mining to create a positive legacy , and many of the world ’ s major miners have already set demanding targets for themselves . However , this rapid transformation is not without its challenges , and mining companies are reaching out proactively to find relevant and sustainable paths to decarbonisation .

The industry has committed to invest many billions of dollars implementing solutions . Identifying suitable solutions and designing the operation around these requirements will need both innovative thinking and extensive experience in mining operations .

SRK ’ s September workshop on decarbonisation strategies was therefore another step in its continuous process of integrating its response capabilities . Leveraging its global network of experienced engineers and scientists , the company brings clients a holistic approach involving various facets of mining .

There have been pioneering efforts by mines to switch their energy supply from fossil-fuelled sources to renewable energy . This will have a particular impact where a mine ’ s energy is currently being generated by burning coal , diesel or gas .

Several remote mines have commissioned a combination of solar and wind power systems with battery capacity to extend utilisation . Some mines in Australia are generating up to 60 % of their power from renewable sources and are looking to increase this to ~ 80 % by including additional renewable capacity .

Electrifying mine truck haulage Electrifying mines ’ truck haulage systems is another potential strategy to decarbonise , as haulage can represent between 30 % and 50 % of emissions . Each large truck in an open pit

David Pearce , principal mining engineer , SRK Consulting .

application typically consumes 800 000 to 1 million litres of diesel a year , translating to between 2 200 and 3 000 tons of carbon dioxide . Available technologies include the trolley assist system , which was largely pioneered in South Africa , and in-pit crushing and conveying systems . These can reduce diesel consumption by 60-80 %. However , implementing such solutions requires changing mine designs and plans . This is where SRK can provide the necessary insights , advice and designs – to ensure that any technological changes will be suitable and effective .

Adopting battery power underground Underground mines are adopting battery power in their trackless machinery as the haul distances underground tend to be shorter and flatter . An added benefit of battery power over diesel is the

All images supplied SRK Consulting