The practical challenge is that mines are high-energy, high-utilisation, long-life operations. Haul trucks run 16–18 hours a day, processing plants consume enormous power, and assets stay in service for decades.
Diesel has very high energy density and fast refuelling — so any alternative has to compete on uptime, not just emissions.
On top of that, many mines are remote and off-grid. Electrifying equipment means redesigning the entire power backbone — generation, storage, charging infrastructure — not just replacing engines.
So the real challenge isn’t technology availability, it’s integrating new energy systems into capital-intensive operations without compromising safety, productivity or cost per tonne.
So, what then are the key opportunities for operators to lower lifecycle GHG emissions from mining operations? And what are some practical actions the industry can take?
Hear from Andy Hattersley, Senior Global Product Advisor for ExxonMobil and Julian Soles, who has extensive sector experience from his work with FLSmidth, Anglo and First Mode, in a one-off podcast hosted by ExxonMobil on 21 April. The discussion will explore how mining companies are adapting to the energy transition, key barriers to reducing emissions and practical steps to take the industry into a lower-emissions future. Veteran mining podcast host Rob Tyson will moderate.
Learning objectives:
Barriers to progress in reducing GHG emissions in mining.
Choices and pathways operators are exploring to reduce emissions while optimising productivity.
The anticipated energy mix of the mining haul fleet of 2040.
Practical steps mining operators can take this year to shift their businesses into a lower emissions future.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
As human population and technological reliance grow, the global mining output must increase despite facing the continuous operational challenge of declining ore grades.
The processing of large rocks into fine powder consumes a massive 40% to 60% of a mine's continuous energy, making simple choices like powering down the process incredibly difficult.
Mining operators have historically been risk-averse regarding new infrastructure because core assets are capital-intensive and designed to last for up to 50 to 100 years.
Early data shows that incorporating quick-charging plug-in hybrid battery systems into current diesel fleets can reduce overall diesel consumption by upwards of 30%.
BEST MOMENTS
"Mining is incredibly diverse... whether your mine is on-grid, whether it's off-grid, whether it's above ground, whether it's below ground”
"Because of all those things, mining is generally very risk-averse at adopting new technologies. They want to see it—has it worked somewhere else? Has it worked for that particular ore type?”
"The best thing you can do is not consume—don't consume the kilowatt-hour if you can avoid it"
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail: rob@mining-international.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/
X: https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast
Web: http://www.mining-international.org
GUEST RESOURCES
ExxonMobil LinkedIn channel: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/exxonmobil-global-land-fuels/
ExxonMobil Whitepaper Download Link: https://bit.ly/wp-mining-forward-lower-emission-mining-operations
CONTACT METHOD
rob@mining-international.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/
Podcast Description
Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
