The African mining industry will come together with the global renewable energy sector at the Renewables and Mining Summit this June 23-24 in Johannesburg at the Hilton Sandton. Built on the success of the first, sell-out Summit in Toronto 2013, the Africa event will bring together renewable energy solution providers with the mining energy decision-makers who are looking for renewable and hybrid solutions for powering their African operations.
Faced with spiraling energy costs and increasing supply challenges, African mines are looking to diversify their energy mix to secure power and stabilize pricing. Many mining companies in Africa are already assessing or deploying renewables to address the real and growing energy stress in this market. The Summit will feature the latest case studies from mines incorporating renewables into their power supply as well as the latest technologies, financing and practicalities for implementing renewables for both grid-tied and remote sites.
Among the mining companies confirmed to speak are representatives from AngloGold Ashanti, African Rainbow Minerals, Gold Fields, Anglo Platinum, ArcelorMittal South Africa, Anglo American, Cronimet Power Solutions, PPC Limited and REVINSAMB Mineral Mining Holding. They will be joined by renewable energy developers, investors, suppliers, hybrid solution experts and government representatives to network and discuss how to customize these projects for mining clients that require consistent, reliable power for their operations and are currently facing capital constraints.
This is the first time the African mining sector and the global renewable energy industry will meet to explore the opportunities for collaboration and understand how renewables integration can be part of the energy solution for mines. “We are delighted to launch the Johannesburg event as the African market is one of the places where there is a very clear and present need for mines to look for new energy solutions and renewables will play a pivotal role in solving their energy challenges,” said Adrienne Baker, Director, Energy and Mines, a part of Canadian Clean Energy Conferences which is organizing the Summit.
The aim of the Summit is to offer benefits to both mining and renewable energy attendees by providing insight on how mines make energy decisions and answer key questions around the financing, implementation, pricing, approvals and operation of renewables for grid-tied and remote operations.
The business case and financing models is a particular focus since mines are not actively looking to own these assets and would prefer to buy energy from renewable energy developers. There are, however, challenges related to the mine life and potential operational shutdowns or closures which have to be carefully considered when developing partnerships. Other key topics include renewables investment as part of mine reclamation, understanding the real operational efficiencies and cost-savings from renewables, and technological developments in hybrid and energy storage solutions.
For more information and to book your place, visit: www.energyandmines.com/africa/.
Contact: Energy and Mines, Adrienne Baker, 613-627-2787 ext.1, adrienne.baker@energyandmines.com