Electrification transforms the mining landscape in B.C.
By Amanda Fitch, P.Eng., Regional Director, Mining and Metals Market, Western Canada
When it comes to reducing carbon emissions, the mining industry has two roles to play. First, it needs to meet and supply the growing demand for minerals that are essential to decarbonization. Second, it needs to make profound changes to reinvent an industry that has been established for over 100 years and reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions.
Driven by social and economic imperatives, the mining industry in British Columbia is undergoing significant changes, prompting various stakeholders to speed up their shift toward cleaner energy.
With many mines in the province starting their renewable energy transition, the focus is turning toward transport, which accounts for most of the sector’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Electrifying transport operations can make it possible to fight climate change and meet GHG reduction targets while improving worker health and safety with cleaner air and reduced noise and vibration.
Electrification can also lower operating costs over the long term and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, future-proofing operations. Since digitalization and electrification also tend to go hand in hand, production forecasting accuracy can also increase while the mine improves its ESG report and supports social acceptance.
For example, implementing a trolley-assist system (TAS) with an onsite electrical substation can have a substantial impact on fuel consumption and corresponding greenhouse gas emissions. Implementing a TAS on a haul ramp segment can lead to a significant reduction in GHG emissions when compared to using diesel-powered haul trucks. It can also reduce operating costs by tapping into hydroelectric power instead of diesel. This approach can improve truck-cycle time, enabling mines to haul more minerals in a shorter timeframe.
There may also be public funding opportunities in your area to assist with feasibility studies and the actual electrification process, as there are in B.C. through BC Hydro and the CleanBC Industry Fund.
However, this transition is neither quick nor easy; electrifying transport requires a great deal of planning. This can mean adapting facilities, supporting employees in adopting new work methods, and investing substantial funds upfront.
Making an informed decision requires a detailed assessment using a life-of-mine plan. Some factors that must be considered include the remaining mine life, the availability and location of resources to extract, the development options for the mine site, and the impact of electrification on mining activities, as well as any tax and government incentives.
There are also other options to consider if electrifying transport is not feasible. Using a conveyor or train, tapping into alternative fuels, and even optimizing routes to reduce vehicle distances can all be viable options. Many promising technologies are also currently under development that should enable more mines to one day electrify their transport.
About BBA
BBA has been providing a wide range of consulting engineering services for over 40 years. Today, its engineering, environmental, and commissioning experts team up to quickly and accurately pinpoint the needs of industrial and institutional clients. The firm’s expertise is recognized in the energy and natural resources industry. With 20 offices in Canada and internationally (USA and Chile), offering clients local support and field presence, BBA provides some of the industry’s most innovative, sustainable, and reliable engineering solutions.
