IM 2016 September 2016 | Page 80

MINING ENERGY_proof 22/08/2016 19:43 Page 7 MINING ENERGY transforms solar radiation into thermal energy to generate hot water to heat the copper extraction process. The “process uses flat-plate solar collectors that gather heat by absorbing sunlight. Collectors are 99% recyclable and have capacity to generate around 4,000 m3 of hot water.” At full capacity the plant generates an average of 54 GWh/y, replacing 85% of the diesel that is normally used to heat the copper extraction process. Erwin Spolders, CEO of Redavia, highlights the significance of reliable energy for mining and notes specific concerns regarding the use of reliable energy in the industry. “Mining investors and executives are asking themselves how these new reliable energy options could improve their concerns”, said Spolders. “They want to know what prospects solar energy as a new remote energy technology option brings to them, and whether this technology provides a reliable, lowcost energy supply to remote minerals operations”. “We at Redavia, have proven that solar hybridisation of diesel or HFO power plants at remote mine sites represents a clear and proven opportunity for the industry to reduce energy cost, build shareholder value and enhance its reputation of being a societally beneficial, environmentally responsible and technologically innovative industry” said Spolders. “Our tried SunSH I F T is a modular and moveable solar farm solution for large-scale on-grid and off-grid electricity generation. Its pre-engineered and pre-fabricated container-sized modules minimise the risk, time, and site resources required to deploy a solar farm. Unlike traditional solar farms, SunSHIFT systems can be easily moved, allowing future expansion, rearrangement, or removal. These turn-key solutions scale from 50 kW arrays to multiple 1 MW blocks, and can incorporate energy storage for increased solar penetration. Stand-alone systems or turn-key integration with fossil-fuelled generators are available and tested, patented containerised, modular solar system allows our clients to become environmentally responsible cost-leaders, without distracting our customers from their core mining operations”. Redavia rents out redeployable, containerised solar farms, which means that companies avoid upfront costs or long-term financial commitments, while still enjoying the benefits of cost savings from reduced diesel fuel use. This makes the solution very attractive because it addresses key concerns. The solar farms include smart integration of solar power into existing or new on-site diesel generation power systems and are IBIS RADARS Real-time mine wall and tailings dam monitoring radar IBIS-FMT IBIS IB BIS S-FMT FMT MT IBIS-Rover IBIS-FM FPM360 TOTAL COVERAGE - TOTAL SAFETY - TOTAL EFFICIENCY Safety critical monitoring Tactical positioning Strategic long-range broad area monitoring Multiple-pit operations Tailings dam and waste dump monitoring Visual inspection of moving areas with Eagle Vision Camera Early detection of slow movements in support of mine planning and geotechnical analysis Short-range monitoring with frequent relocation and maximized coverage Full pit coverage with FPM360 IDS GeoRadar s.r.l. Via Enrica Calabresi 24, 56121 - Pisa (PI) Italy Tel. [phone] - Fax [phone] [email protected]