As the world grapples with the urgent demands of decarbonization, green technologies are increasingly moving to the forefront of the energy transition. Innovative solutions ranging from solar, hydropower, and beyond, offer sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
Mining companies, traditionally seen as significant contributors to carbon emissions, are now playing a pivotal role in this green revolution. Recognizing the environmental impact of their operations, these companies are making concerted efforts to integrate green technologies into their processes. This shift not only helps reduce their carbon footprint but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.
However, the transition is not without its challenges. From technological limitations to financial constraints and regulatory hurdles, mining companies face a complex landscape in their journey towards decarbonization. Despite these obstacles, the industry’s commitment to
a greener future is stronger than ever.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being utilized by the mining industry to improve safety, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. AI used in smart mining can work to reduce environmental impacts and risks by analyzing data quickly and efficiently. In particular, AI can work to identify areas where operations can be optimized, as well be used to consider the impact a mining operation would have on external surroundings.
Some AI methods that are incorporated into mining practices today are:
- Autonomous vehicles
- Decision support systems: These can be used to support decision making, including better worker safety, improvement of previously lengthy processes and cost reduction
- Ore sorting
- Robotics
- Safety and risk assessments
- Predictive maintenance
- Exploration
- Environmental data analysis
It is predicted that autonomous mining which uses data analysis and digital technologies will save between US$290B and US$390B annually for mineral raw materials producers, according to Forbes. The mining industry is increasingly using artificial intelligence innovatively to optimize processes, enhance decision-making, derive value from data, and improve safety.
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE)
Lithium is a critical component in the production of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which are used in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy harvesting systems. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global demand for lithium is expected to grow 26-fold by 2050.
DLE is a greener and more sustainable alternative to other lithium extraction methods. This type of extraction is a closed loop system that can harvest lithium from brine, using less water, taking less space, obtaining more lithium, and causing less damage to the environment.
Not only does DLE require much less land, and can utilize space already in use by powerplants, but it also harnesses geothermal energy as the renewable power source for production. Additionally, over 98% of the brine water used in DLE is recycled, which alleviates concerns about depleting water supplies for nearby communities and wildlife.
Excluding precipitation and solvent extraction, DLE technologies demonstrate a high potential for sustainable lithium extraction from low lithium concentration aqueous solutions or seawater. However, further research and development will be required to scale these technologies from benchtop experiments to large-scale industrial applications.
Such assessments will further clarify the climate impact, energy demand, capital costs, operational costs, productivity, potential return on investment, and other key feasibility factors.
Hydropower
Hydropower is a form of renewable energy which employs the power of flowing or falling water to generate electricity. It’s a clean, green technology that will continue to move towards a vital role in the global energy transition. Unlike fossil fuels, hydropower doesn’t emit harmful greenhouse gases, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
The energy produced by hydropower is reliable and can be stored for future use, providing a steady supply of power even when there is no sunlight or wind. This makes it an excellent complement to other renewable sources like solar and wind power.
The importance of EVs in the green energy transition cannot be overstated. They are key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels
However, the installation of hydropower systems can pose challenges for the mining industry. The construction of large-scale hydropower plants requires significant capital investment and can disrupt local ecosystems. Additionally, these plants need to be located near large bodies of water, which may not always be feasible for mining operations situated in arid regions. Despite these challenges, the benefits of hydropower make it a promising solution for a sustainable future.
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
EVs operate on a simple principle: they convert electricity, stored in a battery, into motion. Unlike conventional vehicles that burn fuel, EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, making them a cleaner alternative for the environment.
The importance of EVs in the green energy transition cannot be overstated. They are key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. By using electricity as fuel, EVs can be powered by renewable sources like wind or solar power. This makes them an integral part of a sustainable energy future.
EV sales are skyrocketing globally. More and more consumers are recognizing the benefits of EVs, not just for the environment but also for their wallets as running costs are often lower. Governments around the world are also encouraging this shift through incentives and regulations. As battery technology improves and charging infrastructure expands, we can expect to see more EVs on our roads in the coming years.
Solar
Solar power is considered a green alternative to more carbon-intensive energy sources like coal and natural gas for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a renewable resource, meaning it won’t run out as long as there is sunlight. Secondly, solar power systems don’t emit greenhouse gases during operation, making them much less harmful to the environment. Lastly, advancements in technology and economies of scale have made solar power increasingly cost-competitive, making it not just an environmentally friendly choice, but also a financially viable one.
Solar power works by converting sunlight into electricity. This is achieved using photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar panels, which contain a semiconductor material like silicon. When sunlight hits the solar panel, it activates the electrons in the silicon, creating an electric current. This direct current (DC) is then converted into an alternating current (AC) by an inverter, making it usable for homes and businesses.
Overall, the adoption of green mining technologies is not just a matter of corporate social responsibility or regulatory compliance; it is a strategic imperative in the face of the global climate crisis. As the world strives to decarbonize, the mining industry has a pivotal role to play, making sustainable mining technologies essential to the green energy transition.
