From fuel consumption to net-zero goals: The equipment revolution reshaping mining operations

One of the most energy-consuming yet vital aspects of the mining sector is the use of heavy machinery. From wheel loaders to draglines, every mechanism has an opportunity to become more streamlined, reducing its fuel consumption and carbon footprint. Eventually, these continuous improvements could help the industry inch closer to net-zero goals, all by focusing on equipment.

Electrification of mining vehicles

Eliminating diesel reliance is the most foundational transition stakeholders can make. Everything – including excavators and articulated dump trucks – can achieve electrification and receive power from renewable energy. This reduces Scope 1 or on-site emissions. Diesel displacement is the primary objective for committed organisations, which includes electrification alongside alternative fuel use, hybrid equipment, and trolley-assist systems.

This is expected to occur over the next 10 to 15 years, which will mitigate immediate impacts and inspire optimisations throughout operations. The value chain – or Scope 3 emissions – accounts for 60% of mining emissions, so encouraging the energy transition and electrification of its fleets and machinery is crucial, alongside what happens on jobsites.

Hybrid vehicles with components like electric variable transmissions are also valuable replacements as companies make gradual steps toward 100% electrification. These are more efficient than their diesel counterparts, cutting annual fuel costs and boosting productivity.

Predictive and proactive maintenance with connected assets

Most organisations schedule maintenance, which can lead to either excessive or insufficient parts and fuel replacements. Each extreme produces waste and pollution, from motor graders and blast hole drill components ending up in landfills when they are still usable to entire bulldozers being discarded because they did not receive proper care and upkeep.

Achieving net-zero with equipment requires more data and oversight. Telematics, sensor-based technologies, and analytics are pivotal in predicting and responsibly reacting to potential issues. These visualisations can accurately suggest maintenance needs without doing too much or too little. This prevents equipment failures, cuts downtime, and helps the workforce become more knowledgeable about their machinery.

Integration of renewable energy sources

On-site solar panels or wind turbines could easily enable electric machinery charging stations to function without fossil fuels. However, numerous other applications for renewable energy can enhance equipment performance in pursuit of net-zero goals. One mining company transitioned to 100% renewable energy in April 2022, resulting in a 38.2% reduction and total greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to 0.75 MtCO2e.

Changes like this reduce Scope 2 emissions from machinery, which is facilitated by assets such as power purchase agreements. It makes these technologies more accessible and affordable to mining organisations, encouraging faster implementation of more sustainable equipment usage.

Driving a greener mining future

Negligent usage and poor maintenance of equipment throughout the mining industry – including supply chains – are among the most straightforward areas for improvement in a sustainable sector.

To achieve net-zero emissions, stakeholders must tackle the most offensive influences on adverse environmental impacts. This includes the harmful effects of diesel and the damaging marks of metal in landfills, among other issues. If enterprises implement these ideals into their environmental strategies, it will help the industry prosper.

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