October 1, 2015, Toronto, ON – The Honourable Bill Bennett, BC Minister of Energy and Mines, is confirmed to provide a keynote presentation at the 3rd annual Energy and Mines Toronto Summit taking place October 22-23. Minister Bennett will discuss potential collaboration between the mining and renewable energy sectors to drive down operational energy costs for mines and engage surrounding communities. Minister Bennett, who has extensive experience working with both sectors, will address an international audience of mining operators, renewables and finance experts who are joining the Summit to discuss solutions for affordable, reliable and sustainable power for mines.
“The cost of energy is a big challenge in the mining industry, especially for off-grid operations that face costly logistical and sometimes environmental hurdles in powering their projects. This summit plays an important role in bringing government and industry together to discuss how the sustainable use of alternative energy sources can help power mines in British Columbia,” said Minister Bennett.
“We are delighted to have Minister Bennett speaking at the Toronto Summit which has attracted many junior mining operators this year who are eager to understand how to drive down operational savings with new energy solutions,” said Adrienne Baker, Director, Energy and Mines. “His participation in the Summit will provide much appreciated insight on the potential for collaboration between mining operators, renewables and remote communities in BC. It will also help drive further discussions throughout the day on how this could work in other key mining jurisdictions.”
With 350 mining and renewable professional expected, this high-caliber event provides mining operators with details on the costs, practicalities and finance solutions for integrating renewable energy into their power supply. Many mining attendees are currently evaluating power options for new operations and are interested to know whether renewables can assist with diesel abatement. For international renewable energy providers and finance experts, the Summit provides a unique networking and information-sharing platform to discuss potential projects and collaboration with mines.
The agenda for Energy and Mines Toronto Summit includes 25 senior mining executives sharing their energy strategies, including representatives from Anglo America, AngloGold Ashanti, Avalon Rare Metals, Barrick Gold, Glencore, Hudbay Minerals, IAMGOLD, Kinross Gold, Kirkland Lake Gold, Lake Shore Gold, MGX Minerals, Rio Tinto, Roxgold, Rubicon Metals, Stornoway Diamond, Teck, TMAC Resources, U3O8 Corp, and Western Copper and Gold.
Caterpillar is the Principal Sponsor and Hatch is the Main Sponsor of this Summit which showcases the very latest renewable energy projects for mining operators. Other sponsors include Northland Power, Tugliq, SolarReserve, Renergetica, Canadian Solar, Pattern Development, Canada Clean Fuels, Panasonic, G+ Plastics, Sonnedix, and Sussex Strategy Group.
Along with the latest case studies of renewable energy projects for mining operators, the event focuses on critical topics for mines and renewables attendees including financing solutions, and building energy partnerships with key stakeholders including First Nations communities reliant on diesel.
About Energy and Mines
This Summit is part of a global series of events organized by Energy and Mines to draw links between the mining and renewables sectors and drive solutions that help address mining’s energy challenge for affordable, secure and sustainable power. Alongside the Toronto Summit, the company organizes events in London (January, 28-29, 2016), Santiago (May 2016) and Johannesburg (June 2016). Energy and Mines also produces content and reports to support the growth of affordable and reliable power for mines. www.energyandmines.com