Selection and Evaluation of Economic and Emission Reduction Benefit of a Mine Electrification System for Transportation in Deep Opencut Copper Mines

Abstract

The Paris Agreement's global decarbonization drive has heightened the need for sustainable energy options, shifting focus away from fossil fuels. Copper, a crucial metal in this transition, will face increased demand, necessitating deeper opencut mines. However, this poses issues as traditional fuel-intensive trucks used for mine haulage result in substantial Scope 1 emissions and rising operational costs. This study addresses the urgency to explore alternative mine haulage systems that minimize fuel consumption and associated emissions while maintaining economic viability. It evaluates potential systems at "The Copper Pit," a Latin American copper mine, based on capital cost, operating cost, flexibility, safety, technological readiness, and emission abatement potential. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Method, weightage values for each criterion are calculated, resulting in a prioritized ranking table. Trolley Assist truck haulage emerges as the most promising alternative, showcasing impressive savings of up to 87% in fuel consumption and associated emissions, and an 80% reduction in running costs. Economic advantages are affected by diesel and power prices, with the carbon tax having the smallest impact. The study recommends a feasibility study for Trolley Assist implementation in the Copper Pit and a staged approach to minimize risks. Despite being less flexible and requiring upfront capital, Trolley Assist holds promise for deep copper mines, significantly reducing emissions and operating costs, ensuring sustainable and profitable mining operations.