Alternative energy sources are playing a larger role in miners’ strategies
The Renewables and Mining Summit and Exhibition is only in its second year, but with several renewable energy projects commissioned at mine sites this year, the focus at the event has changed in short order.
While the 2013 conference revolved around whether alternative power solutions like solar and wind farms, natural gas, and fuel cells were feasible, this year “there’s no question of that,” noted Adrienne Baker, director of conference organizer Energy and Mines, in her opening remarks at the event held in October in Toronto.
Mining companies are demonstrating that renewable energy projects are doable and beneficial – especially for mines located in remote regions – and they are becoming increasingly popular. The central question now, Baker suggested, is how much of a role renewables can play in a mine’s energy mix, and what the production cost will be. Read full article
CIM Magazine Dec 14/Jan 15