Abstract

With the world dangerously approaching the 2.5-degree Celsius climate warming tipping point, and the time to meaningfully action scope 1 and 2 emission reduction is fast eroding before the end of this decade - there is new hope to decarbonize by bringing together seminal research, new technologies, new business models and alternative capital. This paper envisions a new frontier for mining where new mining and processing technologies eliminate or reduce carbon footprint, where local communities are not just impacted but empowered and capitalized to provide carbon neutralizing technology solutions as services, and where mining wastes are not environmental banes but carbon sinks. This paper will discuss the key technology developments in renewable energy production, mine electrification, energy efficient comminution & minerals processing, and leveraging tailings for carbon abatement. This paper will also discuss how these technologies could be assembled into economic value creating engine for local communities through ESG guided capital platforms of Public-Private partnerships (PPP), special purpose entities between mining companies, capital sources, technology companies and communities, private build own and operate over the fence service providers. This paper envisions to conclude that in the new frontier of mining, mines do not have to operate with the legacy of being environmental and social disruptors, however, lead the world in creating sustainability while delivering economic improvement to all stakeholders. 

The specific technologies that will be discussed are resource modelling and mine planning with attention to CO2 reactivity of mined rock, IMSR and other renewable energy plants, mine electrification, microwave assisted comminution, rock pulverization through point source CO2 capture, and CO2 capture through mineralization in tailings - all with focus on scope 1 and 2 emissions. The specific economic and business models to be discussed are delivering technologies as services to mining companies through PPP, SPE, over the fence service and BOO, virtual PPA for renewable energy augmentation etc. Specific real-life examples will be cited where similar models have worked and have benefited mining companies and stakeholders, especially in the last 10 years.  

This paper is envisioned to be engaging, stimulating, and inspiring to all audience within mining industry, be it financiers or operators. The paper is designed to change the outlook of mining's future from being an ESG laggard to the one leading ESG through new technological, business and social possibilities.