Energy in Mining
A systems approach to address the challenges of energy use in mining is underway.
Energy was identified as a priority topic for innovation during the 2008 CMIC workshops. There are many interrelated aspects of energy of interest: clean energy, energy supply, energy costs, energy efficiency, alternative energy, and GHG generation, among others.
This initiative will bring together suppliers and users to draft a multi-year program to guide investments in research, innovation and commercialization.
The opportunity for action on the energy topic includes: operating cost reductions, GHG reductions, load shifting and load reduction, improved energy efficiency and alternative energy options.
CMIC will organize an inter-sector industry working group to define a collaborative R&D program based on the industry's needs and priorities.
Benefits for provincial hydro authorities:
- Reduce industrial energy use in the mining sector
- Reduce the need to develop additional generating capacity to address urban and industrial growth
- Leverage investments in industrial energy efficiency programs by exploring adoption opportunities in the mining sector
Benefits for mining companies:
- Share costs and risks of innovation
- Reduce GHG
- Reduce energy costs
- Share information and pool resources focussing on key priorities
Joint benefits:
- Identify fundamental and applied research aspects that will support innovation in the generation and use of electricity in mining operations.
- Support and expand existing R&D capacity, avoiding duplication and competition
- Maximize market uptake of developed technologies
- Develop new approaches through the establishment of virtual research networks
- Attract complementary funding from government programs and agencies
- Fast track any identified immediate opportunities into adoption and evaluation
