John Dorward, President, CEO, and Director, Roxgold has over 19 years of experience in the finance and mining industries and most recently served as Vice-President, Business Development at Fronteer Gold prior to the Company’s sale to Newmont Mining for $2.3 billion in 2011. He is providing the opening keynote at the Energy and Mines Toronto Summit Oct 22-23, where he will address the strategic energy choices for remote operations.
Dorward outlines his company energy challenges and approaches the misconceptions and barriers between mining executives and renewable energy operators.
Q: What would you describe as your main energy challenges for your operations today?
A: The main one is the energy supply in remote areas, which is always a big technology challenge. Related with that, the cost of the energy is a big challenge too, especially when the mines are located in distant territories. We are mainly looking at solar hybrid power systems to address these challenges. The combination of solar and diesel grid solutions is providing us great results.
Q: What are the principals that guide your energy choices for existing and new operations?
A: Reliability of the grid power is our number one concern while making these decisions. Additionally, we analyze cost throughout the life of the project in order to guarantee long-term profitability.
Q: What are some of the common misconceptions about the way mining operators think about power?
A: Probably many mining professionals still think that solar and other energy solutions are too expensive, but the reality is that renewables are becoming a very efficient alternative in economic terms.
Q: What would you describe as the biggest barriers between mining and renewables?
A: I’d say that the big investment that renewables require when building the project still scares mining companies, who don’t want to take the risk of this big investment without a long-term guarantee.
Q: What are you looking forward to at the 3rd annual Energy and Mines Toronto Summit on October 22-23?
A: I’m looking forward to meeting solar technology providers to approach and discuss the potential options to supply remote operations. I would like to hear about new and economical alternatives for energy supply.