South32 chief executive Graham Kerr says the company’s Hermosa zinc, lead, and silver mine in Arizona could be 100% powered by renewable energy.
A pre-feasibility study of the mine’s Taylor deposit is expected to be completed next year and the company is discussing its power supply with energy utilities. Other measures, such as electric vehicles, could render the project carbon neutral. (FINANCIAL REVIEW)
The size of the mine would determine whether utilities can supply enough renewable-sourced power for all its needs. In case of a shortfall, there still is time to locate an additional renewable energy facility at the site.
”It is a place that’s very positive for solar because of the temperatures you get there,” says Kerr.
Hermosa could also consider innovations such as electric vehicles, both above and below ground. These vehicles do not release exhaust and that would reduce the outlay on capital costs of ventilation and airconditioning.
The mine may also use energy-efficient technology such as “ventilation-on-demand.”
As a result, the Hermosa project could be carbon neutral from the get-go, says Kerr, noting this is feasible for a brand new mine.
However, retrofitting an existing mine for carbon neutrality is more difficult.
Read the FINANCIAL REVIEW article HERE.
Image Source: South32 Image Gallery – Hermosa
