Energy and Mines Issue 58

MAGAZINE I ISSUE 58

IMAGE COURTESY KOMATSU

IN THE RACE TO FLEET DECARBONISATION, MINERS’ FORMATION LAP IS WELL UNDERWAY

Accelerating Sustainable Electrification of Mining Operations • Integrating renewable energy and storage solutions

• Improving resilience with Microgrids • Electrifying plant and equipment

siemens.com.au

The business case for zero emissions mine fleets is not quite there yet, but miners of all sizes are preparing to hit the ground running once it is – and the race to electrification is about to heat up.

The Sandvik DL422iE longhole drill was successfully trialled by Barminco at the Nova Operation and is now an important part of the fleet

IMAGE COURTESY TOREX GOLD

while the company’s battery truck is planned for joint customer trials with BHP and Rio Tinto in 2026, he has been working closely with them on the planning due to the long lead times involved, particularly for infrastructure and electricity. “One of the key insights for us has been just how much effort goes into setting up the necessary power infrastructure and the associated costs,” he says. “It’s not just about the truck – it’s the entire ecosystem around it.” COSTS OF PREPARING MINING INFRASTRUCTURE The first major consideration for miners is ensuring sufficient electricity supply on-site. “It’s not uncommon for a mine to have limited power availability,” Mascarenhas notes, adding that static chargers can require up to 6 MW each, while trolley lines may need as much as 12 MW. Upgrading the amount of power going into a mine requires large investments in transformers and other electrical infrastructure, such as cabling, reticulation, poles, and wires, which the industry doesn’t always anticipate.

“The temptation is sometimes to be a little bit fixated on the machines because that’s effectively the thing that we’re changing. But the supporting infrastructure, the energy density, from generation to distribution to charging location: all of those things require investment,” says Darren Kwok, Head of Mining Electrification and Technology at global mining services firm Perenti. In his view, the conversation around capital needs and the understanding of electric fleets’ return on investment is still in its early days, which is limiting widespread adoption. Some miners—particularly smaller operations—are waiting to take action because of the lack of definitive results from existing trials. MMG’s Rosebery Mine in Tasmania is connected to a hydropower grid, meaning it benefits from large amounts of clean electricity. In 2023, the mine began bringing in diesel-electric loaders from Caterpillar and expects to convert the whole loading fleet by 2028. Rosebery Manager, Maintenance Craig Singleton says the mine is also waiting for the delivery of its first battery-electric production drills. However, for larger equipment, MMG is adopting a “fast follower” approach.

ANDREW FLYNN MMG ROSEBERY

BRIAN BOITANO LIEBHERR AUSTRALIA

CRAIG SINGLETON MMG ROSEBERY

DARREN KWOK PERENTI

GERTJAN BEKKERS TOREX GOLD

KEVIN MASCARENHAS KOMATSU AUSTRALIA

IN THE RACE TO FLEET DECARBONISATION, MINERS’ FORMATION LAP IS WELL UNDERWAY

B HP’s Vice President of Climate Graham Winkelman said it best last July when he told investors that the pathway to net zero would “not be a straight line”. Fleet decarbonisation is not a linear journey, but it is progressing steadily. In 2024 alone, at least three high-profile electric vehicle trials were announced around the world: Rio Tinto and BHP agreed to test Caterpillar and Komatsu haul trucks in the Pilbara, First Quantum Minerals

introduced a Hitachi Construction Machinery dump truck at its Kansanshi mine in Zambia, and Vale signed an agreement with Caterpillar to test a 240-tonne electric truck in Brazil. Operational results from these trials won’t be made public for some time, but learnings are already trickling in – in some cases, before trials even start. Kevin Mascarenhas, National Product Manager, Sustainable Mining at Komatsu Australia, explains that

LIMITATIONS OF SMALL TRIALS “The cost of battery light vehicles for underground is significant: two to three times the price of a regular diesel vehicle. And the other thing is we haven’t yet seen the industry be that overly successful with them: after sort of six months, they tend to get a few issues, so that’s really holding us back going down that path,” explains Manager, Mining Operations Andrew Flynn. The sector runs trials to understand issues and identify improvements that need to be made, but Perenti’s Kwok points out that these could well be related to the scale of the experiments. “By partnering with our clients and OEMS we have been at the forefront of trialling electric equipment over the last several years, and the learnings are varied from the tactical all the way to the strategic. For example, placing a single electric truck into a large mine site where other diesel trucks currently operate is challenging, because you’re being confined by the operating envelope of both machines: there’s a diesel truck in front of you which may not be able to get up to speed as quickly as your electric truck, which means you don’t see the benefit of your electric truck,” he explains. According to him, isolated trials have “absolute benefits” in gathering data to help adjust performance metrics for electric mining equipment and understand their impact on ventilation requirements to refine the business case—but mixing in electric equipment within existing diesel fleets “also has challenges.” CHANGE OF EQUIPMENT, CHANGE OF MINDSET While the economic benefits of decarbonising mine fleets are still being ironed out—and will forever depend on the type of mine, depth, and ore grade— existing trials have made one thing clear: switching to electric equipment requires much more than a purchase order. “The adjustments are extraordinary,” says Brian Boitano, Executive General Manager of Sales, Marketing, Training and Solutions for Liebherr- Australia, which is delivering a full fleet of electric vehicles and equipment to Fortescue mine sites across the Pilbara.

“A major change that will be taking place around the use of mining fleets is that today, they’re operated through a lens of utilization and production, with energy as a kind of an afterthought. In the future, we’re going to have to manage battery and cable- operated pieces of equipment through an energy lens, allocating equipment across the mine site based on their battery charge, which is something we’ve never done in the past,” he adds. To manage the change, Liebherr is working with Fortescue to upskill a largely mechanical workforce on working with energy management systems in a new type of training partnership that wasn’t previously commonplace between OEMs and miners. DEEPENING MINER-OEM COOPERATION The industry’s move towards zero-emissions vehicles is changing the dynamics between equipment manufacturers and their mining clients. For example, Komatsu has established a dedicated working group— the GHG Alliance— with some of its biggest customers to gather regular feedback on electric equipment developments. “This is a new approach for the industry,” Mascarenhas explains. “Traditionally, an OEM would develop a product based on customer feedback and bring it to market. Now, because these solutions are so deeply integrated into mine sites, we need continuous input throughout the process.” He adds that safety and maintenance remain key priorities for customers. Torex Gold is about to ramp up operations at its brand-new Media Luna mine in Mexico, with a fleet of 67 battery-electric vehicles, 13 electrical plug-in drills and eight diesel units. Vice President of Mines Technical Services Gertjan Bekkers tells Energy and Mines that going electric is easier at a greenfield underground site, where the higher capital expenditure for electric units can be offset by lower ventilation capital requirements. But even with a stronger business case, operating a large electric fleet is still new in the mining industry and requires training and trialing. For that reason, Bekkers says Torex is working closely with its electric OEMs, including MacLean, Rokion, and Sandvik.

Liebherr R 9400 E at Fortescue Solomon Mine

“We’re really on a joint learning curve with the OEMs: that’s why we very deliberately selected only three suppliers for the fleet, rather than diluting it with a lot of different vendors, so that there is also skin in the game for them,” says Bekkers. BETTING ON THE FUTURE We may still be some ways away from large-scale implementation: IDTech research predicts that it will take another 20 years for half of mining vehicle sales to be electric. But some miners are already fully committed, though betting on incremental changes. For example, Liebherr’s partnership with Fortescue will see it deliver 105 diesel-powered electric drive trucks by the end of this year, followed by fully battery-electric trucks from 2026. These 105 diesel trucks have been designed to be repowered with batteries once the internal combustion engine reaches the end of its first life, around 25,000 hours.

The first trucks are expected to reach this milestone by 2027, and by 2030, the entire fleet will have been repowered – interestingly, through a partnership with a wholly owned Fortescue entity. “Fortescue Zero is a battery design engineering and manufacturing company, so they partnered with us to design a battery product that we will be inserting into the cavity of the truck where the engine sits today,” explains Boitano. And while most OEMs are trying to simplify the implementation of decarbonised fleets by making their trucks autonomous, some miners actually believe humans are crucial in the transition. “Electrification certainly is an enabler for automation, but I also think there’s a place for staffed machines to still perform the work. It’s about understanding your mine, creating a really good plan, and then responding to change. We need people to resolve these [electrification] challenges,” says Kwok at Perenti.

MAY 6-7, PERTH, WA

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PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES FOR THE PILBARA ENERGY TRANSITION PLAN

ENERGY AND MINES: What opportunities does the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan present?

front of us to support the Government’s ambition and the resources sector to lower its emissions with safe, reliable, low-cost and lower emissions energy. As a new and ambitious plan, I expect it will take time to build momentum, which means the regulatory environment is critical and must evolve to provide confidence for large-scale investments. For example, a key focus of the Western Australian Government’s plan is to unlock high-quality wind resources to support the region’s decarbonisation efforts. Streamlining land tenure and approval processes will accelerate project timelines and support investment in new projects. Rising costs and supply chain constraints continue to pose challenges across the energy transition, which can potentially affect project delivery timeframes. This is why we see an opportunity for greater industry collaboration on shared infrastructure to improve efficiency, lower costs and ultimately support an orderly and successful energy transition in remote grid energy.

DARREN ROGERS: Decarbonising the energ- intensive and typically remote operations of Australia’s leading mining and resources companies will be a major undertaking. These organisations account for around 15% of our country’s total energy consumption, most of which is derived from fossil fuels. If Western Australia and Australia are to reach net zero by 2050, it is essential that we have a plan for decarbonisation and this plan must address the unique challenges of the Pilbara, including its remoteness and its challenging climate, with extreme heat and summer cyclones. The Western Australian Government’s Pilbara Energy Transition Plan aims to support the decarbonisation of the Pilbara with the orderly build-out of renewables. With APA’s $3 billion pipeline of projects in the Pilbara, we have a significant opportunity in

Announced at the end of last year, the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan has the potential to propel mining decarbonisation in the region. Darren Rogers, Group Executive Energy Solutions at energy infrastructure firm APA, shares an update on the progress made so far – and the hurdles yet to overcome.

DARREN ROGERS

APA’s strategy is to be the partner of choice in delivering infrastructure for the energy transition. Our focus is providing reliable and affordable energy solutions that help the resources sector meet its decarbonisation objectives. In the remote grid market, we aim to deliver this through bundled energy solutions – that is, renewables supported by batteries and gas-powered generation, and connected with electricity transmission.

However, increasing renewables into the system does have some challenges, particularly around system strength and stability. Investment in Battery Energy Storage Systems and other systems will also be needed to maintain grid reliability. Regulatory reform must also keep pace, providing investment certainty while allowing projects to progress efficiently.

E&M: What role does natural gas play in the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan?

E&M: How is collaboration between industry and government?

DR: Natural gas is critical in supporting renewables and will play a key role in ensuring stability when renewable generation is low, stepping in when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Miners in the Pilbara are committed to their decarbonisation targets and remain focused on reducing their reliance on natural gas and diesel through renewables. However, with the intermittency of renewable generation, there is a continuous change in the generation mix between solar, batteries and thermal generation. This requires capability in being able to manage a combination of energy, including gas, to meet the ever-changing requirements of the thermal generators. It’s a delicate balance from not only minute to minute but hour to hour, day to day and seasonally. APA has a demonstrable track record of developing, delivering and, most importantly, integrating renewables and battery systems with its existing thermal assets to provide competitively priced, firmed renewable energy products to customers with ambitious carbon objectives. As electricity demand grows due to increased activity and electrification, miners will continue to require firm and reliable energy. By balancing intermittent renewable supply, gas will provide the flexibility needed to support the Pilbara’s energy transition, ensuring continuous and secure power for industry.

DR: The WA Government has convened key forums, including the Pilbara Roundtable, Industry Liaison Committee, and Aboriginal Working Group, to facilitate engagement and stakeholder input. These discussions are constructive and designed to help shape policy outcomes and address concerns. To ensure projects align with state objectives, the government has introduced the Priority Project Assessment, which evaluates proposals based on decarbonisation potential, and infrastructure viability. Industry support for this initiative continues to grow, fostering stronger collaboration between business and government.

E&M: What infrastructure is needed to enable renewables integration?

DR: The decarbonisation outlook for the Pilbara is expected to facilitate considerable growth in renewables – backed by gas firming. By 2050 – we’re expecting renewable demand in the Pilbara to grow by about 40 times the demand today. That equates to about $15 billion in opportunities. To support the build-out of renewables, higher-voltage electricity transmission infrastructure is required to transport large amounts of renewable energy across the Pilbara. Upgrading existing infrastructure and expanding transmission networks will be essential to integrating renewable generation with mining operations.

Supporting the transition to a decarbonised mining fleet The journey to decarbonisation in mining is a complex challenge, demanding a thorough analysis of operational impacts, cost considerations, scheduling, and the trade-oos between diierent options. Success lies in integrating innovative technologies, optimising energy systems, and fostering collaboration across the industry to develop practical, scalable solutions. At GHD, we partner with our clients to navigate these challenges and support their transition to low-carbon operations, driving both sustainability and efficiency across the mining sector.

LATEST BATTERY INNOVATIONS FOR MINING POWER MANAGEMENT AND ELECTRIFICATION

Battery technologies have come a long way in the last few years, and commercially viable time-shifting of renewable energy is closer than ever. Rowan Evans, Head of Sales at Toshiba Australia, discusses how the latest energy storage innovations can support mining decarbonisation.

RECOGNISING INNOVATION IN MINING AND ENERGY

ROWAN EVANS

ENERGY AND MINES: What are the latest developments in energy storage for mining applications?

Toshiba’s SCiB™ LTO battery technology stands at the forefront, offering exceptional durability, rapid charging, and outstanding thermal stability—making it an ideal choice for extreme mining conditions.

ROWAN EVANS: Recent advancements in energy storage for mining are centred around three key areas: electrification, renewable energy integration, and enhancing the safety and longevity of battery technologies. Mining fleets increasingly adopt high-power, fast- charging solutions to support electric trucks and equipment. This shift reduces reliance on diesel and opens the door for cleaner, more efficient operations. Battery chemistries are also evolving. Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries are gaining traction due to their longer cycle life and improved safety features. These newer chemistries offer extended durability and reduce fire risks, critical for high-risk mining environments. In terms of safety, stricter standards and certifications, like UL 9540A thermal runaway testing and IEC guidelines, are becoming more common across the industry as it pushes towards safer and more reliable storage solutions with regional safety guidelines tailored to high-risk environments.

MAY 6 TH , PERTH

E&M : What are the most cost-effective storage solutions to firm renewable power for mines?

RE: When it comes to cost-effectiveness, choosing the right Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for mining operations depends on several factors. These include duration of storage, how quickly the battery needs to be charged-discharged, the number of cycles per day/ year, and the environmental conditions where the system will be deployed. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, especially since every mining operation comes with its own unique set of challenges. What mines need are systems that are durable, flexible, and capable of handling high-utilisation applications, particularly in harsh or remote environments. To achieve this, owners must match the unique features of different battery technologies and match them to the specific needs of their application.

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E&M: When can miners expect commercially viable storage solutions that allow them to time-shift renewables? RE: The good news is that commercially viable storage solutions for time-shifting renewables are already here, and they’re becoming more accessible to mines. Thanks to ongoing advancements in battery technologies like lithium-ion and lithium-titanate (LTO), many mining operations are already implementing large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to store excess renewable energy for later use. As these technologies continue to mature, the cost of energy storage is expected to decrease, making it even more affordable for mines to integrate renewables effectively. With improved grid integration, ongoing innovation, and reduced costs, more mines will soon be able to deploy cost-effective, commercially viable solutions to store and dispatch renewable power. This shift will not only help mines reduce their reliance on fossil fuels but also contribute significantly to the industry’s overall decarbonization goals. E&M: What is your approach to circularity, and how are you improving battery waste management? RE: Toshiba is deeply committed to circular economy principles and responsible battery lifecycle management. Our SCiB™ batteries are designed with longevity in mind, which means fewer replacements and less waste. Additionally, we’re focused on sustainable battery recycling and repurposing end-of- life batteries for secondary applications. We’re actively engaging with partners in Australia to create sustainable disposal and recycling pathways, ensuring that our SCiB™ batteries contribute to a greener, more sustainable mining industry. This commitment to circularity is essential for minimising the environmental impact of mining operations and ensuring that the industry moves towards a more sustainable future.

considering the total cost of ownership. This includes factors like ongoing maintenance, life of the system, and long-term reliability. Additionally, solutions that allow for redeployment or transfer of ownership post mine closure can offer superior value. Toshiba’s SCiB™ batteries are a prime example of a durable and cost-efficient solution. With a lifespan exceeding 20,000 cycles, these batteries reduce the need for frequent replacements, while their fast- charging capabilities ensure minimal downtime, keeping operations running smoothly and cost- effectively. E&M: How are battery chemistries and capacity evolving, and how will this progress support mine decarbonisation? RE: While electrification of mining trucks is becoming a major focus, the impact on existing mine grid infrastructure is often overlooked. As mines transition to renewable energy, battery systems are evolving to not only power electric fleets but also stabilize microgrids and reduce the need for oversized grids to manage the peak loads. Battery chemistries are advancing rapidly, with formulations like lithium titanium oxide (LTO) and lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) offering longer cycle lives, better thermal stability, and faster charging capabilities. These improvements are crucial to enhancing safety, especially in mining environments where traditional lithium-ion chemistries may present risks. Innovations such as rapid-charging systems are also minimizing downtime, making electrification more practical and efficient. In the future, batteries will need to play a dual role—charging electric mining vehicles while also stabilizing and supporting the grid infrastructure. This requires a very high-power battery that can handle the huge number of full and micro cycles required. Ultimately, these advancements will support mine decarbonization by reducing reliance on diesel, lowering emissions, and enabling a more sustainable, resilient energy system for mining operations. Toshiba’s SCiB™ BESS, with its ultra-fast charging, long lifespan, and high-power capability, plays a crucial role in this transition—delivering reliable and efficient support for both electrification and grid stabilisation.

Leading the Change in Energy Transition and Mine Decarbonisation Our sector-focused lawyers have supported clients with large-scale mining decarbonisation projects for over a decade. Our expert advice will help you to navigate the complexities and opportunities of the energy transition with confidence.

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MINE DECARBONISATION: PRIORITIES, CHALLENGES AND 2030 TARGETS As we approach the 9th annual Energy and Mines event, The Decarbonised Mine, in Perth on May 6-7, we invited speakers to share their insights on mine decarbonisation—highlighting their current priorities, key challenges, and what’s essential for miners to achieve their 2030 targets. Here’s a preview of their perspectives. Join us in person to explore these discussions further—visit the event site for details.

Q&A WITH JESSICA HARMAN, SENIOR MANAGER, DIESEL TRANSITION PROGRAM, RIO TINTO

E&M: What are the biggest challenges at this stage of mining’s low-carbon transition?

One of the biggest challenges for diesel displacement is the availability, scalability and confidence of electrified mining equipment. Whilst there has been significant progress in the development of battery- electric mining vehicles, these technologies are still evolving, and widespread deployment will require further advancements in battery capacity, charging system performance, and fleet, autonomy and energy management integration. Our pilots and demonstrations of electrified fleet are focussed on these key areas to increase confidence in future widespread deployment. For renewable diesel, market immaturity creates uncertainty and there is a need to stimulate supply particularly in Australia to enable access to low cost sustainable feedstocks. Our recent investment in self- generated fuel feedstocks is crucial to understand and capitalize on this opportunity. E&M: What would help miners meet their 2030 targets and beyond? For Rio Tinto, electricity repowering is key to achieve our target of a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030.

E&M: What is your particular focus when it comes to decarbonising mining?

My focus is reducing our reliance on diesel and accelerating the adoption of low-emission alternatives across our haulage, ancillary and locomotive fleet. Like all Tier 1 miners, Rio Tinto utilises material volumes of diesel across our global operations, and our diesel- powered equipment is fundamental to how we mine and produce the resources needed for the global energy transition. Transitioning towards electrification and demonstrating battery electric equipment is safe, productive and reliable is my priority. Renewable diesel is also a key focus area for locations and equipment where electrification is not feasible and securing low cost sustainable supply in Australia is a strategic priority. Our overarching goal is to reduce emissions in a way that is both commercially viable and operationally effective while ensuring safety and reliability in our mining operations.

Achieving our net zero target by 2050 will require a combination of collaboration, innovation, investment, and regulatory support. Continued advancements in battery technology and charging solutions will be critical to making fleet electrification a practical reality. Collaboration with OEMs and technology providers will accelerate the development of commercially viable low-carbon solutions tailored to mining operations. Supportive government policies, incentives, and infrastructure development - such as renewable energy expansion and support to incentivise the production and use of renewable diesel at scale — will play a vital role in enabling the transition.

why the development of common-use transmission infrastructure is so central to the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan. E&M: What would help miners meet their 2030 targets and beyond?

of Australia’s high renewable energy fraction hybrid power solutions in the past five years that combine solar PV, wind, and battery storage with traditional generation. Our aim is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while providing reliable, cost-effective power solutions that will enable miners to achieve net- zero targets. Additionally, we prioritise strategic partnerships with mining companies, technology providers, and First Nations communities to ensure that our solutions deliver sustainable benefits. E&M: What are the biggest challenges at this stage of mining’s low-carbon transition? Long duration and seasonal energy storage: Achieving net zero and eliminating use of fossil fuels will require long duration and seasonal storage. Renewable fuels - bio or synthetic gas - are options we’re pursuing in addition to emerging BESS technologies. E&M: What would help miners meet their 2030 targets and beyond? • Collaboration: Partnerships between mining companies, energy providers, and technology innovators will accelerate the integration of net zero solutions. • Policy & Incentives: Correct policy setting will drive investment in renewable projects and accelerate mining decarbonisation, e.g., correcting the lunacy of providing diesel fuel tax rebates but not for the alternative renewable fuels. • Commercial Demonstration of emerging energy storage systems will catalyse achievement of net zero. • Flexible and Scalable Solutions: Modular, relocatable solutions will help miners transition, provide cost savings, and mitigate stranded asset risks for IPPs At Zenith Energy, we are leading the way for The Decarbonised Mine, and remain committed to ensuring that renewable energy integration is technically, commercially, and operationally sustainable for our mining clients.

Q&A WITH BRETT BEADY, PARTNER, MD AUSTRALIA, RESOURCE CAPITAL FUNDS

New, enhanced common-use transmission infrastructure alongside a reformed, fit-for-

E&M: What is your particular focus when it comes to decarbonising mining?

purpose regulatory framework. New transmission infrastructure will connect supply to demand, and a well-designed regulatory system will facilitate investment in the network, ensure fair access and competitive pricing for all users, regardless of the size of their operations or their specific energy requirements. By delivering these priorities together, we can enable industrial operations across the Pilbara to decarbonise and meet their emissions targets.

Having the right information to make informed decisions is important before investing time and capital in carbon emission reduction opportunities. Insights into where emissions are being generated at a project is key to optimising the capital intensity of emission reduction initiatives.

Q&A WITH TIM BRAY, ASSISTANT COORDINATOR, ENERGY POLICY WA

E&M: What are the biggest challenges at this stage of mining’s low-carbon transition?

Q&A WITH ROB CARRUTHERS, PRINCIPAL, CSA LTD

Momentum has certainly dropped off for various reasons, but there is little doubt about what needs to occur in the coming decades. Keeping investors, management and government focused on long term thinking rather than reacting to the moment has always been a challenge to achieving positive long term outcomes. E&M: What would help miners meet their 2030 targets and beyond? Technology will have a huge impact on emissions reduction. We shouldn’t underestimate the ability of new products and practices to reduce emissions. It’s easy to assume things can’t be done with today’s technology, but the acceleration of technological change will be the difference.

E&M: What is your particular focus when it comes to decarbonising mining?

Our priority is ensuring the Pilbara has a sustainable, cost-competitive, and reliable energy supply so that mining, mineral processing, and heavy manufacturing operations in the region can decarbonise. These industries are already doing the right thing and replacing processes that have traditionally relied on fossil fuels with electricity-driven technologies. We have to make sure the electricity powering these new technologies is low emissions, dependable, and affordable. Getting this right will have a significant economic upside. Affordable and reliable renewable energy won’t just support the expansion of existing industries in the region - it will also create new opportunities for emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and sustainable steel production.

E&M: What is your particular focus when it comes to decarbonising mining?

Seizing the opportunity to double down on the significant progress driven by mining companies of late and, in turn, realise the tremendous opportunities to maximise value for stakeholders (including surrounding communities and Traditional Owners). E&M: What are the biggest challenges at this stage of mining’s low-carbon transition? Transmission networks not keeping pace with the penetration of renewable and storage. Off grid solutions can, and are, working - particularly for remote mine sites - but more proactive planning and less red tape is required to open up future opportunities (and avoid inefficient future retrofit solutions).

E&M: What are the biggest challenges at this stage of mining’s low-carbon transition?

Q&A WITH DOMINIC DACRUZ, EXECUTIVE - ESG AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, ZENITH ENERGY

The biggest challenge is scaling up infrastructure to connect the supply of renewable energy to sites of industrial demand. The Pilbara has an abundance of world class wind and solar resources, but mining, mineral processing, and heavy manufacturing operations require massive amounts of energy. Covering over half a million square kilometres, the region needs new transmission infrastructure to deliver cost-effective, reliable renewable power from wind and solar farms to where it’s needed most. That’s

E&M: What would help miners meet their 2030 targets and beyond?

E&M: What is your particular focus when it comes to decarbonising mining?

Harmonise regulation to support a whole-of-economy transition, and in so doing strike a balance between rewarding early adopters whilst not penalising hard- to-abate sectors (ie on a longer transition curve).

Zenith Energy’s focus is integrating renewable energy into the system that powers a mining operation - both greenfield and brownfield retrofits. Indeed, Zenith Energy has contracted and constructed most

start with little steps (for example a few pilot projects) to familiarise the industry with the new, renewable technologies and options. E&M: What would help miners meet their 2030 targets and beyond?

energy solutions. Our goal is to support miners in achieving their net-zero ambitions by progressively reducing fossil fuel dependency and optimising energy efficiency across operations. Additionally, we actively collaborate with mining companies to develop tailored energy transition roadmaps, ensuring their decarbonisation strategies align with operational and financial objectives.

Policy & Regulatory Support: Governments and industry regulators must continue to incentivise renewable energy adoption and support decarbonisation initiatives. Long duration energy storage: Energy storage either as a molecule such as syn gas or long duration batteries will allow mining operations to increase their reliance on renewables without compromising power reliability Flexible Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Customised energy contracting models will enable miners to decarbonise their power supply incrementally while managing costs and risks. Integrated Energy Transition Planning: Mining companies need long-term, structured transition plans that gradually shift towards high- renewable energy penetration while ensuring operational feasibility. At Zenith Energy, we are committed to leading the decarbonisation of energy solutions that help miners achieve their energy transition goals, ensuring a net zero future is both technically and commercially viable.

Q&A WITH THOMAS NANN, CO- FOUNDER AND CEO, ALLEGRO

Just get started and give me a call.

E&M: What is your particular focus when it comes to decarbonising mining?

E&M: What are the biggest challenges at this stage of mining’s low-carbon transition?

Many mines are in remote locations and use trucked- in diesel or LNG to generate energy. This option is expensive and subject to fuel price fluctuations. We offer a long-duration battery energy storage solution that is ideally suited for off-grid and microgrid applications. Therefore, my focus when it comes to decarbonising mining is on offering sustainable alternatives for diesel and LNG.

Q&A WITH MICHAEL BUZZARD, GENERAL MANAGER IPP GROWTH, ZENITH ENERGY

Integration and control: High renewable penetration in off-grid mining operations requires advanced storage solutions and control systems to maintain power stability and reliability. The last 10-15% of time still reliant of fossil fuels: Each location will likely be different but one or a combination of long duration storage, renewable fuels, network solutions and fleet electrification are need to achieve net zero. E&M: What would help miners meet their 2030 targets and beyond? Stronger Collaboration & Partnerships: Mining companies, energy providers, and technology developers need to work together to accelerate the deployment of low-carbon energy solutions.

E&M: What is your particular focus when it comes to decarbonising mining?

E&M: What are the biggest challenges at this stage of mining’s low-carbon transition?

At Zenith Energy, our primary focus on decarbonising mining is to deliver innovative hybrid power solutions that enable mining operations to increase renewable energy penetration while maintaining reliability and cost efficiency. We design and operate integrated power systems that leverage solar PV, wind energy, and battery storage, combined with traditional thermal generation, to provide scalable and flexible

I am aware that there are many challenges in transitioning the mining industry to net zero carbon. From my perspective, the biggest challenges when it comes to renewables is their intermittency (the sun doesn’t shine at night) and the high upfront investment required to replace the current fossil fuel-based energy supply. In my opinion, we have to

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