Abstract
Mining operations across the globe are highly energy intensive. To maintain the constant baseload of energy required by mines requires a stable electric grid which the South African national electricity producer has struggled to maintain. The growing demand for energy in the mining sector and the instability of electricity supply have caused mines to turn to fossil fuels (i.e., coal, heavy oils, diesel), and with the volatility of increased oil and diesel prices, operational expenses have increased substantially across the mining sector. With mines located in remote areas and the distorted quality and supply of electricity being transmitted, affecting the functionality of equipment, have led to mines concentrating on decentralising electrical energy sources by using alternative renewable energy for autonomous generation and distribution of electricity.
The mining sector has often been categorised as an industry of high pollution (high GHG emission). To mitigate the impact of the use of fossil fuels and support the green economy and sustainable development goals (SDG7 and SDG13), renewable energy has become an attractive alternative source for mining processes in the form of exploration, extraction, bulk handling, beneficiation and processing. The different renewable energy technologies that will serve as suitable alternative energy sources for mining operations are identified and explored through literature, academic work and technical reports produced both nationally and internationally.
The opportunity to implement renewable energy is attractive but there are considerations that need to be understood in the form of technical specifications, the location of the mine and the surrounding environment, the economic (infrastructure and finances) requirements and the socio-economic effect on the surrounding communities.
This exploratory research aims to contribute to the wider body of knowledge of renewable energy applications within the mining environment in South Africa and understanding the considerations to be adhered to for implementation.
Keywords: Mining operations, Fossil fuels, Renewable energy, Electricity supply.