MINE POWER traditional centralised generation model provides constant and reliable power matched to demand profiles that are well understood , balancing production and demand and stabilising the power grid to avoid frequency fluctuations .”
Renewables disrupt this pattern of constant power , which means factoring in the supply needs of the project at the design stage is of real importance . All these questions should be asked and answered , according to Ashnagaran : n Is the external grid robust enough to transfer sufficient quantities of continuous power , for instance ?; n Can it cope with fluctuations caused by renewables ?; and n Has the internal network been modelled with the specific operational demands of the mine – everything from hoisting and grinding to hauling and material handling – front of mind ? ABB can leverage its long experience in the electrification space to provide a range of tailored power quality solutions for mines , from trolley line and rapid-charging systems to active dynamic voltage reactors , power factor correction capacitors and static VAR compensators , combined with the latest digital and automated control and monitoring applications , it says .
Together , this portfolio of solutions limits costly production downtime from blackouts and short circuits , and maximises profit , ABB says .
Ashnagaran clarified : “ That said , I would argue that decarbonising mining projects not only requires the latest power quality and digitalisation technologies , but also a new approach to the provision of power , one that relies less on isolated power solutions and on a more holistic view of the entire mine energy ecosystem .”
ABB , especially in greenfield mine projects , is transitioning from being a provider of power distribution equipment and design to taking on more of a power management role , whereby it not only provides customers with stable grid connection , but also recessionary energy storage , power behaviour modelling and microgrid concepts independent from the main grid – “ in other words , a total integrated electric power solution ”, Ashnagaran says .
For many years ABB has helped mining companies manage power usage using the company ’ s 800xA automation system and ABB Ability digital platform – and that will continue – but now it sees a trend towards hardware that takes care of the entire power generation at the mine site , including the integration of renewable energy and encompasses off-grid storage .
“ By extending the scope of work from power distribution to energy supply management , as well as modelling the entire mine energy ecosystem on behalf of the customer , ABB is ensuring operators maintain production and profitability , helping make the vision of the allelectric mine a reality ,” Ashnagaran concluded .
Playing a vital role
Germany-based JUWI is looking to reduce emissions and operating costs at Centamin ’ s Sukari mine in Egypt thanks to the installation of what it claims to be the world ’ s largest solar hybrid project .
The recently commissioned system consists of a 36 MW solar farm and a 7.5 MW BESS , both of which have been integrated into the existing diesel power station at the operation .
This will provide savings of up to 70,000 litres of diesel per day , according to JUWI , resulting in an average annual reduction in diesel consumption of 22 million litres .
The system demonstrates the key role of renewable energies in decarbonising the resource sector and is already delivering savings ahead of expectations , according to JUWI .
The solar system designed by JUWI has maximised the renewable generation with bifacial solar PV modules and a single axis tracking system , taking advantage of the high irradiance on site . JUWI Hybrid IQ micro-grid technology , based on a Siemens platform JUWI has access to through its strategic partnership with the company , enables the integration of the solar and battery system into the existing off-grid network and supports the operation of the existing power station , it says .
The additional benefits of the hybrid power solution at Sukari , according to JUWI , include lowering the site ’ s carbon emissions by an estimated 60,000 t CO 2 / y and a subsequent reduction in the volume of diesel trucked to the site , plus a reduction in operating costs .
Amiram Roth-Deblon , Director of Global Business Initiatives at JUWI , said projects such as this were indicative of the increasing demand for solutions that merge intermittent renewable energy with battery storage .
“ The key to this is JUWI Hybrid IQ , which can adapt to changing orebodies , processing methods , and is ready to incorporate new technologies such as electric or hydrogen fleets or variable mining ,” he told IM .
Since starting construction on the world ’ s first utility-scale solar battery hybrid project at the DeGrussa Copper mine in Australia , in 2015 , JUWI has realised another eight hybrid projects at mine sites and is in the process of building more right now , according to Roth-Deblon .
Planning for net zero emissions
Ring of Fire Metals ( RoF Metals ) recently commenced a study exploring the use of wind power as part of planning for a net zero emissions mine in northern Ontario ’ s Ring of Fire .
This net zero emissions mining blueprint is focused on Eagle ’ s Nest , one of the largest undeveloped , high-grade nickel-copper-platinumpalladium deposits in the world .
Stephen Crozier , RoF Metals VP Sustainability , said the findings from a study of the wind energy resource conducted by global renewable energy company Windlab in 2022 showed promise .
“ We are encouraged by the results of the initial wind study and believe there is good potential to generate clean energy using wind turbines in the area , which we will further define with additional study in the near term .
“ Other options for complementary low- and no-emission generation – including biomass , pumped hydro and solar – are also being investigated to supplement clean wind energy production if needed .”
Following completion of the Windlab study , RoF Metals installed a Vaisala WindCube ® LiDAR for the collection of more detailed data . Unlike traditional tower installations , LiDAR devices obtain measurements throughout the air column from the base to the top of the turbine blades rather than just at the hub , according to Crozier .
“ We have already started collecting detailed data using WindCube and will continue throughout the seasons to track natural weather variability ,” he said . “ Data from both studies ( the WindCube LiDAR and Windlab studies ) will then be matched with projected power demand to guide modelling of power generation and storage options for the proposed Eagle ’ s Nest mine .”
Ultimately the company wants to draw upon and potentially supply renewable energy to Ontario ’ s power grid when it is expanded to northern communities , Crozier added .
JUWI has commissioned what it says is the world ’ s largest solar hybrid project at Centamin ’ s Sukari gold mine in Egypt
IM
JANUARY 2023 | International Mining 67