VANCOUVER (miningweekly.com) – Renewable energy information provider to the mining industry Energy and Mines has released the initial results of the first global rankings of renewables used by mining companies, identifying that the top 21 mining companies use wind and solar energy to power their operations.
The ‘Energy and Mines Renewables in Mining Rankings’ also reports on the market size of wind and solar for mines showing current installed capacity at 943 MW, comprising 352 MW solar photovoltaic (PV), 39 MW solar thermal and 551 MW of wind.
The companies in the rankings include major mining houses and junior operators from across the globe, with project sizes ranging from 180 MW to 0.01 MW.
“These 21 mining companies are leading the way in energy innovation and have implemented milestone projects that provide models for other mines to follow. This universe represents current installed capacity of renewables for mines. Based on the number of projects in pre-development and the increasing regulatory and economic drivers, these numbers are expected to grow steadily,” commented Energy and Mines director Dr Andrew Slavin.
Energy and Mines commissioned independent research to produce these rankings, which will provide a yearly benchmark of the use of renewables in the mining sector. This year’s rankings outlines commissioned and operational wind and solar projects directly associated with operational energy use by mines. Future rankings will include bioenergy, as well as hydro and geothermal projects.
The rankings research also reveals the prevalence of renewables for nonoperational use by mines, including renewables on reclaimed mine sites, for which there is currently around 1 100 MW of installed capacity. The research also provides insight on additional areas of collaboration between renewables and mines, including climate impact reduction and business diversification strategies.
COMPETITION
The rankings will be used to inform the selection process for the ‘Energy and Mines Renewables in Mining Awards’, which will be presented to mining and renewables leaders on November 21, in Toronto.
“Based on the rankings, we have compiled a shortlist of companies in six award categories and are now asking the global mining and renewables industries to nominate companies in these and seven other categories. Our aim is to recognise and celebrate the use of renewables in the mining sector,” stated director Adrienne Baker.
The nominations process runs until October 8, and will be supported by an international jury of mining and renewables experts.
The final Energy and Mines Renewables in Mining Awards and Rankings Report will be announced as part of the Energy and Mines World Congress on November 21 and 22, in Toronto.