Abstract
As the world progresses toward the renewable energy transition, the demand for minerals increases exponentially. According to the IEA 2021 Net Zero by 2050 Report, critical mineral production needs to grow six times in order to combat climate change. The need for raw materials used in solar, wind, and EV infrastructure already is causing an increase in mineral prices, which are all expected to continue to rise.
At the same time, there is also mounting pressure on the mining sector to commit to net-zero carbon emissions, ensuring the minerals to support the clean energy economy are also free of emissions. According to a report by McKinsey, “Mining is responsible for 4-7 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions in terms of the sector's Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Including Scope 3 emissions links the sector to around 28 percent of global emissions.”
In most mining operations, haulage represents the largest percentage of a mine’s scope, 1 and 2 emissions. Also, haulage equipment plays a role in scope 3 emissions as well.
Warm Springs Consulting (WSC) has developed an in-depth study comparing five different haulage options for the mining sector, looking at scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions as well as up-front capital and operating cost differences. This paper and presentation will provide an overview of the results of this study and how to use the analysis in planning and operations for unique mine sites. We will also discuss the commercial readiness of technologies in development as well as new financing options available for low-carbon technologies. We will also present case studies where these technologies have been evaluated and implemented, showing what low-carbon haulage can look like in various operations and climates.
WSC Partner and lead author on this study, Ms. Bieg, will engage the audience in a lively and interesting dialogue about how these technologies get deployed and where to apply them. She will also bring some fun factoids about the relative emissions to other “mining” - like bitcoin.