Sustainably Powering the Mine of the Future
The mining sector is a vital part of the Canadian economy, but it is also extremely energy-intensive: it relies heavily on fossil fuels, especially in remote operations. By the time a remote mine in Canada is decommissioned, it has typically consumed 400 to 800 million litres of diesel fuel and emitted one to two million tons of carbon dioxide, accounting for over 20 per cent of its overall operating costs. With ever-growing concerns about climate change, the mining industry is actively seeking alternative energy solutions to shrink its carbon footprint.
Dr. Seyed Ali Ghoreishi-Madiseh, Canada Research Chair in Advanced Mine Energy Systems, is developing such solutions in the form of novel, ultra-efficient, renewable energy systems for mining operations.
Having clean, inexpensive and sustainable sources of energy available on-site will enable the Canadian mining industry to diversify its energy sources, reduce its consumption of fossil fuels and carbon emissions, and cut costs. Ultimately, the new systems developed by Ghoreishi-Madiseh and his research team will help create a new generation of mines that support the industry’s ability to compete globally and improve its long-term sustainability.