risk profile of integrating renewable power as part of a decarbonization strategy. E&M: Which innovative technologies or practices are you most excited about in the context of decarbonizing mining operations, and how do you see them shaping the industry’s future? RF: I am particularly excited about the potential for more mines to adopt a combination of battery energy storage and operational process adjustments. These practices can help reduce unnecessary energy peaks, lower grid demand charges, and prevent the overuse of diesel power, often used to compensate for inefficient energy management. E&M: How can mining companies balance the need for decarbonization with maintaining operational efficiency and profitability, especially in a competitive global market? RF: Decarbonization and profitability should go hand in hand—by reducing costs, decarbonization efforts can ultimately improve profits. Q&A WITH NICOLE KULP, SUSTAINABILITY ANALYST, PROSPECTORS & DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (PDAC) Nicole is chairing “The Carbon Offset Debate” at The Decarbonized Mine. E&M: What are the mining industry’s most significant opportunities and challenges in achieving decarbonization goals? How can companies overcome the barriers to implementation? NK: Decarbonization offers significant opportunities for cross-industry and cross-country collaboration. Companies that partner on projects can tap into new markets, share resources and expertise, and make collective progress toward sustainability. Collaboration, even on a small scale, allows joint ventures to achieve economies of scale that might not be possible for mines to achieve on their own. These partnerships bring together diverse skills and knowledge, leading to innovative solutions to sustainability challenges such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and shared ownership or leasing of renewable energy sources.
be a barrier, particularly for smaller companies. While funding pools like Canada’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) are available, it’s not always clear if early-stage mineral projects meet the criteria for access. The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) identifies securing project funding as a major challenge. The Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (METC), a key part of Canada’s Flow-Through Shares (FTS) regime, is set to expire in just a few months. Since 2000, the METC has been a cornerstone of the FTS regime, with over C$7.5 billion raised in the last decade—about 70% of funds raised for domestic mineral exploration in Canada. PDAC is advocating for the federal government to extend the METC for a five- year term, providing the industry with much-needed stability and continuity. E&M: Which innovative technologies or practices are you most excited about in the context of decarbonizing mining operations, and how do you see them shaping the industry’s future? NK: Data mapping can play a key role in achieving sustainability goals by overlaying geological models with optimal locations for green infrastructure, ecological sensitivity zones, cultural and heritage sites, and more. Aerial surveys that use advanced remote sensing and satellite technology can gather both geological and environmental data. AI and machine learning are also set to play a crucial role in the future of sustainability, from processing large volumes of data to optimizing mining operations through energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, and resource management. These innovations will help reduce the physical footprint and emissions traditionally associated with exploration and development. E&M: How can mining companies balance the need for decarbonization with maintaining operational efficiency and profitability, especially in a competitive global market? NK: Engaging with key stakeholders—including investors, regulators, employees, and local communities—will help align decarbonization efforts with broader expectations and demands. Fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation is essential for continuously seeking and implementing new technologies and practices that improve both sustainability and efficiency. This approach can also enhance public perception and build support for your initiatives. Early and transparent engagement, done in good faith, has been proven to deliver long- term sustainability benefits for both companies and communities.
However, transitioning to green technologies often requires significant capital investment that can
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