engineering, environmental management and regulatory compliance to commercial structuring and stakeholder engagement. “SLR Consulting fully appreciates the need for an integrated approach,” Graham says. “We bring mining and energy advisory capabilities right from the front end, where key decisions are made that set projects up for success.” This approach spans the full project lifecycle, from exploration and feasibility studies through to operations and closure. The firm combines expertise in environmental and social performance, geotechnical engineering, water management and mine waste, enabling a holistic view of project risks and opportunities. “All these aspects - from energy to water and communities - are interconnected,” he explains. “You can optimise them individually but you achieve better outcomes when they are considered collectively.” SLR Consulting also works closely with financial institutions to help align mining projects with investor expectations around risk, return and sustainability. Graham argues that this is not about lenders acting as de facto regulators but rather about enabling a two-way conversation that delivers stronger outcomes for investors, mining companies and broader regional development. Strong digital capabilities further support the company’s offering including advanced tools for climate risk assessment and energy transition planning. This has been strengthened by its recent acquisition of Planetrics, an industry- leading climate modelling business. “We can now conduct advanced modelling of physical and transition climate impacts across a variety of assets, sectors and regions,” Graham says. “This exciting capability enhances our teams’ practical insight into how climate risks, regulations and transition pathways manifest in real projects and operations.” Looking ahead, he believes that successful mining energy strategies - particularly in Africa - will be defined by flexibility, pragmatism and partnership. Considerable opportunity over the next few years, he says, lies in elegant behind- the-meter solutions. “That means combining solar, battery storage and backup generation in a way that is commercially viable and aligned with the life of the mine,” he concludes. n
SLR Consulting combines technical expertise and climate risk insight to support long-term mining performance.
“There is always that tension,” Graham notes. “But many reputable miners are willing to accept slightly lower output in exchange for reduced carbon exposure and lower vulnerability to diesel price shocks.” Beyond operational benefits, Graham says the energy transition also creates significant opportunities for mining’s developmental contribution. As mining best-practice standards and localisation policies across many African countries increasingly emphasise the sector’s responsibility to support local economies, energy infrastructure can play a transformative role. “The energy infrastructure that mining developments install for their own use can also be designed to benefit entire local regions,” Graham explains. “Access to electricity is transformative for communities and this shared value supports mining’s social licence to operate.” He adds that these initiatives can also be commercially sustainable by enabling local entrepreneurial models that generate returns while supporting regional development. Importantly, the energy transition in mining is not simply a technical challenge. Rather, it demands alignment across multiple disciplines - from
“Ideally, mines would connect to a stable grid that is increasingly powered by large- scale renewables, but in many cases that is simply not feasible.” The inclusion of new transmission infrastructure can often introduce significant uncertainty into a mining project. Transmission lines may take a decade or more to develop, while mining projects typically operate on far shorter timelines. This mismatch is driving a decisive shift towards decentralised energy solutions. As a result, many mining companies are investing in behind-the-meter systems, Graham explains, combining solar photovoltaic, wind, battery storage and diesel or gas backup generation. “These hybrid systems allow mines to reduce reliance on diesel, thereby lowering operating costs and improving energy security,” he says. “The economics of these systems are compelling, often delivering very fast payback periods.” These decisions, however, are rarely straightforward. Companies must weigh capital allocation trade-offs, life-of-mine considerations and operational risk. In some instances, investing in additional production capacity may still offer stronger returns than investing in energy infrastructure.
SEPTEMBER 2026 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za MODERN MINING 37
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker