The mining industry is one of the biggest contributors to CO2 greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, primarily due to heavy reliance on fossil and diesel fuels. This not only poses a health concern, but also plays a factor in operational costs, making it unsustainable in the long run.  

In Australia, the mining sector consumes roughly 10% of the country’s total energy use, which increases over time as the number of mining projects doubles. In the last decade, Western Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions increased by 71% in the mining sector alone.  

As the mining sector struggles to meet market demands, there is also an emerging challenge of reducing CO2 emissions in the process. 

More mining companies are trying to limit these emissions, finding conversion of electricity as the primary power source, or electrification, the key to achieving decarbonisation. 

How Electrification Improves Decarbonisation 

There is growing pressure for mining companies to comply with environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and adopt more sustainable practices. Electrification can help lessen the mining sector's overall environmental impact to meet these requirements. 

In mining, a significant amount of energy and materials are expended in all stages of a mineral’s extraction and throughout its lifespan. Decarbonisation occurs when these resources are efficiently utilised, reducing not only the material needed for processing, but also the energy and emissions used in operations. 

Mining companies can have more sustainable sourcing options by substituting low-carbon or decarbonised electricity for diesel-powered machinery and processes. 

Electrification is Already Changing the Future of Mining 

Electrification is already growing in the Australian mining sector, with the country’s first newly built electric excavator deployed at a mine site in December 2023. The manufacturer, Fortescue, recently developed another excavator that operates partially on solar power and a 6.6kV substation. Initial deployments have found that the electrical excavators outperform the older diesel models, showing promising results in reducing diesel consumption by around 95 million litres every year. 

The University of Adelaide in Australia conducted a study that found using electric machinery or vehicles that use even partially renewable energy-powered sources could significantly lessen carbon emissions and provide a safe environment for both underground and open-pit mining activity.   

Electric vehicles (EVs) are also becoming more popular in the industry, with the rise of electric-powered trucks in the local market. Large mine trucks have been shown to emit a million tons of CO2 each year. Eliminating these vehicles and instead investing in EVs can significantly reduce 80% of on-site emissions.  

Other innovations in electrification take advantage of modern technology and create modern solutions. For example, some mining companies are using AI as a simulation tool to support a zero-emission Heavy Mobile Equipment (HME) electric fleets. Other mining groups like Perenti are working with ABB on projects that could optimise power distribution, fleet selection, and more, for fully electric mines. 

Benefits of Electrification to the Mining Sector 

Beyond its environmental benefits, electrification has proven to become beneficial to mining companies in the following ways: 

Diesel engines also contribute to emitted heat in underground mining activities, ramping up the need for ventilation. Using electric motors to power fans and ventilation systems, for example, can lessen the heat in extreme conditions.  

Similarly, electric motors can supply energy to crucial mining machinery such as conveyors, pumps, and even transport systems like hoists and elevators, which can eliminate risks in fuel storage and combustion. 

Implementing switchgear solutions can also optimise energy use and minimise waste. Switchgear systems can efficiently distribute electricity from power sources to the necessary machinery.  Switchgear products like fuses and circuit breakers also add a layer of protection against overloading or short-circuiting to ensure smooth operations. 

Where to Start with Electrified Mining 

Australia is one of the leading mining countries in the world, and can further lead in sustainable mining solutions with electrification. But where should mining companies start? 

Preparing for Electrification 

Mines must be mindful of electrical supply and demand to accommodate electrification. Electrical-powered assets rely on efficient energy management. As systems will have to take on new loads, it is important to ensure the system will remain stable. It is also crucial to map out any electrical infrastructures in the planning stages, including new equipment. 

Mines should also prepare for increased electricity demand in sites, especially for assets that rely on renewable sources. Any equipment or vehicles powered by wind, solar, or geothermal energy will need ample allocation to avoid any delays in operations. 

Creating a Sustainable Future for Mining 

Even with sustainable solutions like electrification , the industry has a long way to go. Completely transitioning into electric mining operations will require more technological innovations and full commitment from mining companies.  

More than simply replacing equipment and other assets with their electrical counterparts, preparation for fully electric operations requires a strategy to ensure operational continuity despite major changes.  

As decarbonisation becomes a higher priority than ever, it is crucial for mines to include electrification in their roadmap. 

IPD offers sustainable solutions to support your transition to electrification. Our comprehensive range of VSDs, electric motors, and switchgear systems from leading manufacturers like ABB can help meet your mine’s decarbonisation goals. 

For more information, get in touch with IPD at 1300 556 601 or visit our website.