Digital technologies for energy efficiency and decarbonization in mining
O. Asa’d, Michelle Levesque
Abstract
Several mining companies have set targets to decarbonize their operations by the year 2050. At the same time, there is pressure on the mining sector to increase the supply of minerals needed for clean energy technologies. Digital technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things are reshaping the way the mining sector works. This literature review identifies examples of current digital technologies implemented in mining operations and highlights their reported benefits. Although several benefits were reported, mining companies tend to focus on safety, productivity, and cost. Energy and greenhouse gas reductions are commonly overlooked, despite having the potential to shrink the mining carbon footprint. Quantifying the energy and greenhouse gas emission reductions achieved through implementation of digital technologies could strengthen the business case to enhance their adoption and help the mining sector reach decarbonization goals.