The Intersection of Mining and Decarbonisation: Challenges and Opportunities
C Meinke1, L Jackson2, K Erwin3, R Chandramohan4
- Operations Optimisation, Senior Process Consultant Ausenco, 401 9th Ave Suite 1430 Calgary AB , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Operations Optimisation, Process Consultant, Ausenco, 1200 – 1050 West Pender Vancouver Canada, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Operations Optimisation, Global Technical Director, Ausenco, 1200 – 1050 West Pender Vancouver Canada, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Operations Optimisation, Lead Process Consultant Ausenco, 1200 – 1050 West Pender Vancouver Canada, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
*This paper was presented at MetPlant 2023 held 6-8 November 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. To view the full paper select download file below.
ABSTRACT
In the face of the climate crisis, a shift to a low-carbon economy is critical in preventing the loss of life and significant economic damage. However, the decarbonisation transition presents unique challenges, primarily concerning the supply and demand of critical minerals essential for technologies like electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and hydrogen production. Certain “green” technologies require a significant increase in global mineral demand to be implemented even though they are pivotal in the fight against climate change. In particular, the high demand for batteries may stretch resource availability and production to its limits. This paper delves into the extraction constraints and emphasises the potential impacts if the demand for critical mineral resources surpasses the capabilities of the sector.
This paper presents optimisation solutions aimed at curbing the inevitable increase in mineral extraction. The goal is to manage its rate while adhering to supply and demand requirements based on confirmed and accessible mineral resources. The paper proposes the following practical strategies:
- the preferential use of electric bikes over electric cars to lessen the demand for minerals
- prioritising nuclear and hydroelectric power to reduce the dependence on battery-intensive renewable energy sources
- scaling up hydrogen capacity to offer an alternative solution for widespread electrification.
The paper also advocates for policy tools such as carbon taxes and renewable incentives which can play a vital role in reducing carbon production and achieving a balanced economic evaluation of technological alternatives in the field of energy generation.
Canada and Australia can play a leading role in the global shift towards a low-carbon economy. The paper offers strategic recommendations aimed at implementing policies that would effectively decrease the expected demand for minerals, aligned with achieving climate targets. These include enhancing key mining operations, fostering nuclear projects, instituting a comprehensive carbon tax system, expanding natural gas pipeline networks, and initiating partnerships with hydrogen vehicle manufacturers. Despite the complexities inherent in this transition, the paper concludes that with strategic planning and investment, nations like Canada and Australia can lead the global migration towards sustainable energy and transport systems, which will help lower the world's carbon footprint.