⎪ Minerals processing and materials handling ⎪
derground rail and trackless equipment, while AVA Solutions (AVA) is a specialist in data-driven mining fleet management solutions. AVA’s low-cost Software as a Service (SaaS) platform is currently being used to analyse and track load and haul vehicles across 28 different sites in five countries. “Safety is the critical aspect of underground mining success and the use of software, AI and big data for proximity detection, condition monitoring and production efficiency are fast becoming key aspects to improving this industry. Pretorius concludes: “Using state-of-the-art solutions such as these, we at Master Drilling are proudly supporting our clients’ unique needs with in-house designed and manufactured equipment, which we support with ever advancing training, tracking and maintenance capabilities.” www.masterdrilling.com
At 1 380 m deep, Shaft 3 at Zondereinde in the Limpopo Province of South Africa has set a new world record for the longest raise bore shaft ever built.
Alternative energy solutions crucial for future of mining
Mining is a power-intense industry. And because sites are often in remote areas, the potential shortfall of available grid power introduces further complexity into opera- tions. This has resulted in mines relying on fossil-based fuel sources such as diesel or coal, while supplementing these with mas- sive on-site diesel generators. “To counter- act the high cost and environmental impact of these traditional approaches, there is a rising interest in adopting hybrid energy solutions, “says Dinesh Buldoo, director of Power at WSP in Africa. He says that mining companies across Africa are looking to invest in standalone or micro-grid hybrid power solutions that incorporate some form of alternative en- ergy resource, such as gas or renewable energy options like solar or wind to address off-peak demand. “These enable mines to address the risk associated with grid power interruptions or find a workable solution where grid power access is not available. They can also offset the unstable costs and risks associated with their reliance on and access to diesel,” says Buldoo. “At a time when the focus is on ESG (en- vironment, social and governance), using hybrid power solutions can also see mines positively contribute to the carbon reduc- tion of their operations,” he adds. The benefits of adopting renewable energy resources in hybrid power genera- tion solutions are clear. For one, they are a cleaner fuel source. Environmental pollution from solar or wind energy is far lower than technologies that rely on combustion of fossil fuels. They are also more sustainable. As long as the sun shines and the wind blows, the energy produced can be harnessed to send power across the grid. “Simply put, renew- able energy resources are cost effective. With constant developments and advances
in the technology, the upfront capital in- vestment to build a solar or wind farm is becoming increasingly affordable,” argues Dinesh Buldoo. Renewable power plants can be deployed close to the source of demand through micro-generation. This also means that the renewable power plant will feed the mine with the power supply that it needs for its operations and at a locked-in price. “Mining companies are under immense pressure to address climate risk by reducing greenhouse gases and the impact of their operations on the environment. By adopting alternative power solutions, mining com- panies will not only be in a better position to secure their supply but, by integrating cleaner alternative energy sources, also support decarbonisation strategies and therein meet the mine’s ESG commitments,” he notes. Adoption is still in the early days, but it is gaining traction, he continues. “In Chile, for instance, BHP, Anglo American and Antofagasta Minerals have all asserted their plans to power their local operations entirely from renewable resources. Brazilian mining company Vale has committed to reaching 100% renewable self-generation by 2025 in Brazil, and 100% of renewable electricity consumption globally by 2030,” he says. Africa still has some way to go before the trend becomes mainstream but, as more multinational operations roll these solutions out as part of their transition plans, it is only a matter of time before mines in Africa starts embracing this as well. Additionally, hydrogen as energy storage and clean hydrogen technologies can help the major electricity systems and domestic sectors to decarbonise. Heavy vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells could meet the increasing demand for zero emissions
transport, with the advantage of long range, rapid refuelling and moderate costs. Replacing natural gas with hydrogen could in many cases decarbonise direct combustion at less cost than electrification. “One of the biggest business opportuni- ties for renewable energy is certainly off- grid mines. This holds potential to reduce pressure on national and regional grids. Where mining sites are in very remote loca- tions, renewables offer more cost-efficient solutions to establish independent power plants and micro-grids that can feed the mine with the power supply it needs – as well as potentially supply power to com- munities and small industries in the sur- rounding areas. “Ultimately, mines can ill afford to con- tinue with the energy status quo. They must embrace cleaner, alternative energy sooner rather than later if they are to ensure the longevity of operations within the current pressurised ESG environment,” concludes WSP’s Dinesh Buldoo. q
Dinesh Buldoo, Director for Power at WSP in Africa.
May-June 2022 • MechChem Africa ¦ 23
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