June 29, 2016 —- Energy and Mines is delighted to announce the launch of its Energy and Mines World Congress in association with Lightsource Renewable Energy. The Congress will 
take place November 21-22 at the Hilton Toronto and will bring together an international audience of mining, renewables, government and finance experts. This is the 4th annual Toronto event focused on the role renewable energy in driving the competitiveness and sustainability in the global mining sector. The event is part of a global series of Energy and Mines Summits that connect the renewables and mining sectors in key mining markets including Canada, Chile, South Africa, the UK and Australia.
Among the mines confirmed to present at the Congress are senior representatives from Goldcorp, Barrick Gold, Industrias Peñoles, Avalon Advanced Materials, Chilean Metals, IAMGOLD, Primero Mining, KGHM, New Gold, and AurCrest. They will be joined by mines with operations across the globe who are currently evaluating or investing in renewables as a means of controlling and securing power costs, reducing carbon and boosting social license.
In association sponsor Lightsource Renewable Energy is focused on developing, financing, owning and operating utility-scale solar and energy storage solutions for mine operators. At the November Congress, Nick Boyle, CEO of Lightsource, will address one of the biggest barriers facing the uptake of renewable projects in mining – structuring PPAs for mines that meet zero capex requirements. “Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are going to be a major element of future electricity generation,” said Boyle. “PPAs provide two key things – price security and supply security. The beauty of solar energy is that it is scalable, flexible and predictable.”
“We’re entering into a new world of electricity supply where major energy users can actually have a choice in how and where their energy comes from,” Boyle added. “Solar power is at the forefront of this paradigm shift and Lightsource is the clear leader. We have some exciting announcements focused on delivering tailored solutions to the energy needs of the mining industry which we look forward to sharing at the conference.”
“Energy sits at the heart of many of the key challenges mines are facing around operational costs, social license, carbon regulation and, more generally, their ability to compete,” said Adrienne Baker, Director of Energy and Mines. “This is why it is imperative to find sustainable, affordable energy solutions for remote and grid-powered mines which is our aim with this Congress and through our research, Rankings and Awards.”
In addition to Lightsource Renewable Energy, the Congress is being sponsored by Torys LLP, Canadian Solar, G+ Plastics, ESS, Sigma Energy Storage and Export Development Canada. New for the 2016 Congress is an expanded focus on the global market for renewables for mines with case studies from Australia, Argentina, Burkina Faso, Mexico, and Canada. The agenda also includes regional sessions on Mexico, Canada and Africa, where the business case and/or regulatory environments are accelerating mining’s transition to alternative energy. In addition, this year’s event includes new topics that were identified by mining energy decision-makers as critical to their energy strategies including the impacts of carbon cap and trade schemes, electric vehicles and energy storage developments.
Alongside the Toronto event, Energy and Mines will launch its first Awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of companies and individuals who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in renewables for mines. Winners will be selected through a combination of Energy and Mines Rankings to identify the top major and junior mines in terms of their use and commitment to renewables and a selection process completed by a distinguished advisory panel. Awards will be presented at the Energy and Mines Awards gala reception on the first evening of the Congress.
For more information, visit worldcongress.energyandmines.com for more details and contact sukhee.chae@energyandmines.com or + 1 613 627 2787.
About Energy and Mines
Energy and Mines is the leading global information and event media provider for energy management and operations of the mining sector. Through its global Summit series (Canada, South Africa, Chile, UK, Australia) web portal and newsletter, Energy and Mines brings together the mining and renewable energy sectors to drive solutions for affordable, reliable and sustainable power for mines.
Over the last four years, Energy and Mines has built a reputation amongst the mining and renewables sectors as the first point of contact for connection and information on renewables in mining. We have strong links with senior mining leaders, renewable energy developers and key players driving the technology, research and development in this space.