Reviewing the material and metal security of low-carbon energy transitions

The global transition to a low-carbon economy will involve changes in material markets and supply chains on a hitherto unknown scale and scope. With these changes come numerous challenges and opportunities related to supply chain security and sustainability. To help support decision-making as well as future research, this study employs a problem-oriented perspective while reviewing academic publications, technical reports, legal documents, and published industry data to highlight the increasingly interconnected nature of material needs and geopolitical change. The paper considers a broad set of issues including technologies, material supplies, investment strategies, communal concerns, innovations, modeling considerations, and policy trends to help contextualize policy decisions and regulatory responses. Policy options are outlined for each topical section, as well as areas for further research. Together, these recommendations serve to help guide the complex, interdisciplinary approach to materials required for a low-carbon transition

Investigating the Key Parameters of an Agent-Based Model of Mining Community Preferences for Managing Social Risks

Mining companies have started using quantitative tools, including computer models of community interaction, to gain intelligence on social risks surrounding their projects. Models of changes in community preferences regarding mining projects over time are useful for evaluating changes in project risk due to changes in the social license to operate. For example, agent-based models that use information diffusion models and social networks are useful for studying those changes due to information diffusion. However, such agent-based models are sensitive to many input parameters including the parameters of the diffusion model and the average degree of the social network. This work evaluates the sensitivity of such a model to diffusion and network model parameters (probability of imitation, probability of innovation, and average degree) using the first order and total sensitivity indices. The results show that the model is much more sensitive to the probability of imitation than the other two parameters. Thus, to reduce uncertainty surrounding the model\u27s predictions of community acceptance of mining, mines need to obtain accurate estimates of the probability of imitation

Introduction

The goal of this book is to present the current knowledge regarding energy efficiency implications of mining processes and future research directions. This introductory chapter explains the purpose and motivation for this book, provides highlights of the book, provides strategies that a reader can use to read the book, and identifies the key unanswered questions that require further research. It is my hope that this book will be a valuable resource for industry professionals and researchers and stimulate further discussions on energy efficiency in mining

Energy Efficiency in Cable Shovel Operations

This chapter seeks to establish the current knowledge on energy efficiency of cable shovel operations. Additionally, the chapter uses a review of the literature to make recommendations for industrial best practices and for future research to address identified gaps in the literature. The chapter first presents the fundamentals of cable shovel operations and the factors that affect the energy efficiency of shovel operations. Subsequently, the chapter presents an overview of the latest research on cable shovel energy efficiency, which is used as the basis for the recommendations. The chapter recommends that industry practitioners should use the right drive systems for their cable shovels, use data analytics to understand shovel energy efficiency, and carefully evaluate the costs and benefits of energy efficiency initiatives. The chapter also recommends that future research on shovel energy efficiency should: (i) establish theoretical benchmarks for cable shovel operations; (ii) account for human factors in the design of operator guidance systems to assist operators during shovel operations; and (iii) evaluate how effective operator training programs are in improving shovel energy efficiency

Energy-Efficienct Mine Ventilation Practices

Energy efficiency in mine ventilation, which is responsible for a substantial amount of total energy consumption, is of paramount concern in underground mining. Achieving energy-efficient mine ventilation practices is not only important for reducing total operating and energy costs but is also potentially the most effective means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental and occupational health and safety. This chapter presents a comprehensive review of the literature on energy-efficient mine ventilation practices and approaches to provide the current knowledge and research frontiers on energy efficiency in mine ventilation. Successful case studies, which resulted in efficiency increases, are also included to illustrate already existing energy efficiency alternatives and energy-saving opportunities. This review is expected to provide mining professionals a tool for improving current operations and achieving best practices

Energy-Efficienct Mine Ventilation Practices

his book presents a state-of-the-art analysis of energy efficiency as applied to mining processes. From ground fragmentation to mineral processing and extractive metallurgy, experts discuss the current state of knowledge and the nagging questions that call for further research. It offers an excellent resource for all mine managers and engineers who want to improve energy efficiency to boost both production efficiency and sustainability. It will also benefit graduate students and experienced researchers looking for a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge concerning energy efficiency in the minerals industry