APRIL 7, 2015 —- The Honorable Máximo Pacheco Matte, Energy Minister of Chile is confirmed to provide the opening keynote at the Renewables and Mining Summit & Exhibition on May 6-7 at the Marriott Santiago. The Minister will address the potential areas of collaboration for mining and renewable energy in Chile. This high-caliber Summit marks the first official meeting of the Chilean mining sector with the international renewables industry to discuss large-scale and hybrid projects opportunities for mines in the region.
Alejandro Rivera, Vice President of Administration and Finance, Codelco is also providing a keynote presentation on the strategic role of renewables in addressing mining’s energy challenges. High power prices are hampering the competitiveness and growth of the Chilean mining sector with energy now accounting for 20-40% of operating costs for mines. In an attempt to secure stable energy at affordable prices, Chilean mines are actively seeking alternative energy sources.
Over 60 of Chile’s top mining executives will participate in this timely Summit which features current case studies from renewables projects for South American mines including CAP, Antofagasta, Codelco, Collahuasi, Mandalay Resources, Quiborax, Pampa Camarones, Barrick Gold, Nyrstar, Vale and Volcan.
Senior representatives from Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Freeport-McMoRan Inc., Goldcorp, Glencore, Lumina Copper, and Teck are among those attending the Summit to get the latest updates on implementing, financing and operating renewables for mines.
This is the 4th Summit on this topic by Energy and Mines, a Canadian company focused on bringing affordable and reliable power solutions to the global mining sector. Pattern Development and SIEMENS have recently joined on as Main Sponsors of the Summit and both will be participating on the agenda which offers strategic and practical insight on integrating renewables into a mine’s power supply. Hatch is the Principal Sponsor of the event and Black & Veatch, SunEdison and RIJN Capital Chile are also Main Sponsors.
The mining sector is a growth market for international renewable energy EPCs, developers, suppliers and investors. There are, however, a number of challenges including long lead times and project finance that make this market more challenging than other industrial sectors or traditional utility offtakers. “By bringing together the mining and renewables sectors, we hope to initiative the necessary dialogue and connections to overcome project barriers and move to sustainable, affordable energy solutions for mines,” comments Adrienne Baker, Director, Energy and Mines.
For more information, visit, https://energyandmines.com/chile/ or contact iria.heredia@energyandmines.com at +1 613 627 2787