Decarbonising the Mining Industry: Realistic Strategies for a Lower-Emission Future
Debates surrounding climate commitments often focus on decarbonising the mining industry because of its far-reaching influence on global emissions.
Though emissions from many sectors have stabilised or shown modest declines in recent years, the same cannot be said for the heavy fossil fuel activities connected to large-scale resource extraction. Records indicate that since the mid-19th century, worldwide CO2 concentrations have climbed by more than 30%, fuelled by approximately 35 billion tonnes of annual CO2 releases tied mostly to human enterprise. Efforts to limit temperature rises to 2°C under the Paris Agreement call for decisive measures across every industrial domain, and mining is no exception.
Within the past decade, transparency groups and environmental organisations have shed light on the scale of mining-related emissions. A report from CDP highlighted that, around 2015, half of the planet’s industrial greenhouse gas emissions could be traced back to a small cluster of 50 corporations engaged in high-output fossil fuel ventures. Coal-focused extraction outfits ranked among the largest contributors on this list, occupying two of the top five positions. Against this backdrop, halting carbon release from mining is an urgent objective, primarily because many extraction firms rely on energy-intensive processes and transport methods.
Yet, the sector has started to shift. Many mines aim for improved sustainability, although the targets are often incremental rather than aligned with final decarbonisation goals. Pledges to trim emissions by a certain percentage are a step forward. Still, experts assert that a more strategic vision is necessary, focusing on the threshold needed to keep warming below 2°C. Attaining that threshold demands innovative approaches that incorporate renewable power, reimagined industrial workflows, fossil-fuel-based transportation reductions, and day-to-day efficiency improvements.
Reducing mining emissions while maintaining output is challenging, but multiple strategies exist. Decisions depend on unique factors such as a mine’s geographical setting, stakeholder interests, regulatory constraints, and resource mix.
Renewable Electricity and Storage
A key reason mining is well placed to adopt renewable power stems from the high percentage of its overall emissions that come from electricity usage. Certain facilities run on diesel generators, especially when distant from significant grids. Switching to solar or wind can reduce pollution and reliance on volatile fuel costs. Over the past decade, solar photovoltaic (PV) module prices have declined consistently over the past decade, making on-site arrays a viable option for large-scale mining sites.
Energy storage (ES) also holds promise. Although many associate it only with lithium-ion batteries, the broader category includes pumped-hydro and compressed-air solutions. Storage helps offset intermittent output from solar or wind and can ease peak demand on local grids. A well-chosen storage system can stabilise supply and operate continuously in locations with inconsistent power access, reducing downtime linked to unexpected energy disruptions.
Process and Technology Adjustments
Cutting carbon isn’t limited to the power supply. Process changes can also yield noticeable gains. Data-driven decisions, facilitated by Internet of Things (IoT) devices, help mining operators anticipate failures, schedule maintenance more precisely, and refine production lines. An operator who knows precisely when a conveyor belt requires attention is better placed to avoid extended downtime and eliminate needless energy usage.
Drones are increasingly used for site evaluation and surveying, offering safer, more efficient data collection. One example from a copper mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo showed that drone surveys created faster, safer, and more accurate assessments than ground-based methods. Gathering data through UAVs minimises time spent in active pits, thereby reducing disruptions to ongoing extraction. Similar gains arise from digital analytics in blasting, rehabilitation, and inventory measurements.
Electrification of Machinery and Vehicles
When discussing emissions in mining, large haul trucks and diesel-powered machines come immediately to mind. Replacing them with electric alternatives is one of the fastest ways to reduce local pollutants and noise. These vehicles have fewer mechanical components that can fail, lowering servicing needs and improving reliability. They also emit fewer fumes, which is especially helpful in underground sites where ventilation and safety hazards present ongoing hurdles.
Several manufacturers offer battery-powered drills, bolters, and loaders. Although initial cost hurdles and charging times still exist, some operators have tackled these through battery swap systems or scheduled charging during production lulls. The concept of an entirely electrified mine is no longer speculative, as certain facilities in Canada have taken steps to remove diesel from underground operations altogether. Electric mining equipment cuts emissions and removes the logistical challenges of transporting fuel to remote sites.
Transport is another area set for transformation. A few equipment makers are pursuing hybrid or fully electric haul trucks, sometimes with regenerative braking features that recharge batteries as trucks descend slopes. Others are testing autonomous fleets to maintain consistent speeds, resulting in improved energy management and fewer collisions. The melding of automation and electrification marks a turning point for how raw materials are carried from the pit to the processing plant.
Practical Steps for Progress
Decarbonisation is not a one-step process but requires a phased approach. Companies seeking tangible reductions in carbon output need not only technological upgrades but also robust corporate oversight. Transparent governance underpins investor confidence, helps address regulatory demands, and signals genuine accountability to local communities. Setting targets tied to climate science and publishing clear, data-driven results can elevate a firm’s standing among stakeholders.
The following roadmap outlines short, mid, and long-term strategies mining firms can adopt:
Short-Term
- Renewable Adoption & Data Analytics: Integrate solar or wind power where possible, especially at mines reliant on diesel generators. Use Internet of Things (IoT) devices and predictive analytics to optimise maintenance schedules and minimise unnecessary downtime.
- Target Setting & Disclosure: Adopt interim goals aligned with warming thresholds below 2°C, and release regular progress updates. Demonstrating consistent achievements can strengthen relationships with policymakers and communities.
Mid-Term
- Hydrogen & Automation: Investigate hydrogen-based haulage solutions for open-pit operations and automate key steps in extraction and transport. This shift requires planning for external risks, such as stressed water resources or disrupted supply lines, which boards and executives should address through climate risk assessments.
- Resilient Infrastructure: Factor potential climate hazards like extreme storms into site designs. Invest in protective measures and flexible logistics that sustain operations under unpredictable conditions.
Long-Term
- Full Electrification & Advanced Refining: Convert a majority of machinery to electric or hybrid systems, supported by grid improvements or on-site energy storage. Explore emerging smelting and processing methods that reduce pollution and cut power use.
- Continuous Monitoring & Adaptation: Keep evaluating climate risks and adjusting strategies. Engage with science-based initiatives to refine emission targets, update governance frameworks, and adopt promising innovations that emerge over time.
A Word on Exhibitions and Suppliers
With the industry evolving, staying updated on decarbonisation technologies is essential. Gatherings that bring mining stakeholders together remain a powerful catalyst for building consensus. A global mining machinery exhibition can connect site managers with the latest environmentally progressive hardware, including prospects for electrification and new data integration platforms. There is also a surge of interest in advanced solutions from mining safety equipment suppliers, who have begun offering products that reduce carbon output while safeguarding workers.
As more operators pivot toward lower-emission extraction, now is an opportunity to learn how these strategies can translate to tangible gains. If you plan to present solutions or discover innovations at the next event, consider sending an exhibit enquiry. This step allows you to connect with professionals aiming to refine their efficiency, cut emissions, and increase profitability.