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Challenges and environmental impact of mining
The mining industry, known to be crucial for supplying materials and essentials for everything from the energy transition to electronics supporting the global digital transformation, is also a significant environmental burden, on average responsible for about 4-7% of our global greenhouse gas emissions.
This extensive footprint includes emissions from extraction, mineral processing, and logistics but not the downstream steel production which is good for another 7-8% of emissions. The International Energy Agency forecasts a potential 500% increase in demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel by 2050, driven by the shift towards these renewable energy technologies.
This surge underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices in an industry traditionally reliant on high-carbon energy sources like diesel. The environmental impact of mining extends beyond carbon emissions, as there are also contributions to water scarcity, pollution, biodiversity loss, and social upheaval, as seen in catastrophic events like the January 2019 tailings dam failure in Brumadinho, Brazil. Since then, there have been another 20 smaller trailing dam failures as recent as May 2024 in the Philippines.
In response, there is a global push for Green Mining pathways and an additional focus on governance. This is to reduce emissions through the Paris Agreement and many governmental initiatives supporting the critical minerals demand. Furthermore, country strategies are necessitating a shift to sustainable and energy-efficient mining practices, as those investing in these long-term assets are no longer keen on the potential related liabilities.
The role of electricity 4.0 and digitization
Modern energy strategies in green mining now prioritize not just cost but also carbon reduction, incorporating both conventional and emerging technologies. We see a mix of solar, wind, electrification, and innovative solutions like hydrogen power and direct air capture.
To back this, our research shows over 100 Mining initiatives invested in Solar and 45 invested in battery technology. The concept of Electricity 4.0, which promotes the integration of smart, efficient, and renewable energy systems, is pivotal in transforming the sector. It encompasses the adoption of renewable energy, the implementation and integration of smart grids, and digitization to allow production and cost optimization. These elements are crucial for improving energy efficiency, managing energy consumption, enhancing operational resilience, and at a minimum not losing any flexibility.
Furthermore, digitization plays a transformative role by optimizing green mining operations through advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and remote monitoring, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and environmental stewardship.
The synergy between Electricity 4.0 and digitization not only fortifies the mining sector against economic and operational volatilities but also aligns it with global sustainability objectives, providing economic benefits and a competitive edge.
As the industry faces the daunting task of meeting increasing mineral demand while reducing its environmental impact, next-level innovation becomes essential. The ongoing development and refinement of both existing and novel technologies will be key to achieving a sustainable and resilient green mining future. Continuous innovation is not just beneficial but necessary, ensuring flexibility and compliance with evolving environmental regulations and market conditions.
The power of energy management and process automation
At Schneider Electric, we are making this vision a reality through the concept of Power and Process, an integrated approach that combines energy management and process automation. This approach is revolutionizing mining operations by optimizing energy use and enhancing efficiency across various systems.
Power and Process capability adds significant efficiency to conveying and ventilation systems in mining. For instance, advanced process automation allows for precise control and monitoring of conveyor belts, reducing their energy consumption and minimizing their downtime, and as a result the overall value chain performance is going up.
Similarly, our focus on ventilation systems, which are critical for maintaining air quality and safety in underground mines, benefit from smart controls that adjust airflow based on real-time data, ensuring optimal safety and performance while conserving precious energy.
These integrated solutions not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to significant cost savings and reduced environmental impact. By leveraging the full spectrum of Schneider Electric’s capabilities, including digital, energy modeling, execution, and monitoring, we provide a holistic approach to those after the most sustainable mining practices.
Schneider Electric can easily be placed at the forefront of driving sustainability in the mining industry by integrating advanced energy and process solutions. Our comprehensive approach, encompassing everything from modeling to execution, ensures that mining operations are not only efficient but also aligned with global sustainability goals. By harnessing the power of Electricity 4.0 and digitization, we are paving the way for a greener, more resilient mining sector.
Driving sustainability at Schneider Electric
Working at Schneider Electric is incredibly rewarding because the company brings all competencies under one roof. From energy modeling to execution, we have the tools and expertise to drive meaningful change in and for the mining industry and the downstream steel industry. Being part of a team that is committed to sustainability and innovation makes every project an opportunity to contribute to a better, more sustainable future. This holistic and integrated approach is what makes Schneider Electric a leader in the industry and a great place to work for anyone passionate about making a difference.
Want to know more? Read this Frost & Sullivan paper
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