Rio Tinto today signed an MOU with its customer China Baowu Steel Group, as well as Tsinghua University, to identify methods for the reduction of carbon emissions. For Rio Tinto, emissions at China Baowu, a user of its iron ore, constitute “Scope 3” emissions. Those relating to its energy consumption and its manufacturing operations are known Read More
Leading global mining group Rio Tinto has announced its intention to join World Bank's Climate-Smart Mining Initiative, set to launch this May. The mining group plan to leverage their experience to offer consulting advice in addition to contributing $1 million over five years to the program. With the use of battery-powered electric vehicles rising exponentially, the Read More
Reliable green storage solutions are a key part of the mining industry's transition to high-penetration renewable energy generation. Battery storage can be used to overcome the intermittency problems associated with solar and wind generation, as well as being used as an alternative to diesel in mining fleets. Renewable hydrogen is set to revolutionize both green power generation Read More
November 8, 2018 --- Toronto, ON -- Global mining and renewable energy experts are preparing to meet at the Energy and Mines World Congresstaking place December 10-11 at the Hilton Toronto. The 6th annual event is set to be the largest gathering of senior mining energy decision-makers and renewable energy experts with 300+ attendees expected. “Rising Read More
In an effort to mitigate the effects of climate change, and to provide sustainably-sourced raw materials to increasingly environmentally conscious consumers, major mining companies are turning to renewable power generation options. In July, Chilean copper miner Antofagasta struck a deal with Chilean utility Colbun to power it's Zaldivar copper mine with 100 percent renewable energy. In September, US gold Read More
In an effort to reduce the emissions cost of its products, consumer giant Apple has partnered with metal producers Rio-Tinto and Alcoa with the aim of commercializing a new technology to eliminate GHG emissions from aluminium smelting. As part of its pledge to eventually make all of its products from recycled or renewable materials, Apple has invested $10m in Read More
As recent project announcements show, the number of Australian mining operators seriously assessing and investing in renewables is growing rapidly. Driven by favourable economics and additional benefits including carbon reductions and social license, major and mid-tier Australian mines are adopting renewables. South32 recently announced its 3MW solar farm for its Cannington mine in Queensland for which Read More
The market value of carbon, provided by Ontario's cap and trade program, has increased interest and accelerated development in GHG reduction projects, reports Frederic Picard. As Climate Change Director at Rio Tinto, Picard notes that, in addition to justifying the capital expenditure GHG projects often require, reinvested cap and trade revenue can be used to offset Read More
A $6 billion modernization of Rio Tinto’s Kitimat aluminum smelter is paying off big. The 2014-2015 renovation project increased the smelter’s production capacity by 50% while slashing its emissions by half. Aluminum smelting uses electrolysis, which requires massive amounts of electricity. Thanks to new technologies and B.C.’s hydropower resources, Rio Tinto’s process “create[s] less than one-third Read More
(pictured: Dr. Arnoldus Mateo van den Hurk Mir, general manager of the Renewable Energy and Mining International Observatory) Glencore’s response to soaring energy costs in Australia has sparked calls for more renewables in mining. Last month, copper division head Aristotelis Mistakidis complained to regulators about the 100% spike in energy prices over the last three years, and Read More
