Global concern over climate change has placed the mining industry under mounting pressure to decarbonize. At the same time, declining ore grades are driving up operational costs, making it increasingly difficult for mining companies to remain competitive. Mining operations rank among the most energy-intensive industrial activities and contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, particularly through the extraction and processing of raw materials. Adding to the challenge, most mines are located in remote areas and often operate on weak grids or entirely off-grid. Integrating renewable sources such as solar and wind, along with battery energy management systems (BEMS) and gensets, requires electrical equipment that can operate reliably under these demanding conditions.
Achieving meaningful emission reductions in mining is no small task. It requires a comprehensive approach, with process and energy efficiency at its core. This includes optimizing material flow, minimizing equipment idle time, and improving load management across operations. Advanced process control systems, predictive maintenance, and automation can dramatically reduce energy waste while boosting throughput and plant availability. Complementing these measures, the adoption of renewable energy sources and the electrification of traditionally fossil-fuel-powered equipment are essential steps forward. Digitalization further accelerates this transition by enhancing operational safety, streamlining workflows, and extending equipment lifespan through effective asset management.
A key driver of decarbonization is the electrification of critical processes, replacing diesel-powered vehicles with electric hauling systems and expanding the use of conveyor belts for material transport. In parallel, sustainable electric heating offers a promising alternative for pyrometallurgical processes, further reducing direct emissions. Equally important is the widespread adoption of optimized drive systems that pair high-efficiency motors with variable speed drives (VSDs) in energy-intensive applications such as crushing, grinding, pumping, ventilation, and material handling. These technologies not only cut energy consumption but also accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.
For mining companies, investing in energy-efficient solutions is no longer optional, it’s a strategic imperative. It lowers costs, reduces emissions, and strengthens competitiveness, delivering both economic and environmental benefits. Join Daniele Pedron and Leandro Bonvicini, Global Industry Segment Managers at ABB Motion, for an insightful webinar where they will explore the challenges and solutions for optimizing mining operations. The session will focus on electrification, energy efficiency, and the strategic use of motors and VSDs to enable a more sustainable mining future.
Key Learning Objectives
- Understand the key drivers and challenges of decarbonization in the mining industry, including the role of energy consumption, emissions sources, and regulatory pressures.
- Explore how process efficiency and electrification can significantly reduce emissions, with practical insights into optimizing material flow, equipment usage, and energy management.
- Learn how high-efficiency motors and variable speed drives (VSDs) contribute to improve OPEX (operational expenditure) in mining and discover strategies for integrating these technologies to enhance performance, reliability, and environmental impact.
