South32 powers forward with battery-electric vehicle trials: A green shift in mining operations

South32, the mining and metals company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, laid out its greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction strategies at the outset of its existence, committing to a long-term objective of attaining net zero operational GHG emissions by 2050 within the first year of its inception. Furthermore, the company has introduced a mid-term goal of reducing its operational GHG emissions by 50 per cent by 2035, using its 2021 financial year as the baseline. It has already implemented several initiatives to accomplish this target.

The company's climate change strategy is centred around several key pillars:

1. They aim to reconfigure their product portfolio, prioritizing base metals crucial for the shift towards a low-carbon world.
2. The company is committed to reducing carbon emissions by decarbonizing its operations, particularly focusing on the four major contributors that constitute 93 per cent of its emissions profile, which include Hillside Aluminium, Mozal Aluminium, Worsley Alumina, and Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (IMC).
3. They are actively assessing and responding to the potential physical impacts of climate change on their operations, focusing on building resilience.
4. The company is dedicated to collaborating with industry partners to foster innovation and collectively address shared challenges within the value chain while actively working towards decarbonization.

The company has made significant progress in these four objectives since focusing on them. There have been notable developments regarding portfolio reshaping, including advancements in base metal projects and acquiring a significant stake in the operational Sierra Gorda mine in Chile.

In the 2023 fiscal year, the company converted its first coal-fired boiler to natural gas as a transitional measure at Worsley Alumina, potentially reducing CO₂e by up to 205,000 tonnes annually. Additionally, they successfully converted 18 per cent of pots at Hillside Aluminium to the energy-efficient AP3XLE technology and completed four out of five EnPot trials. Furthermore, detailed design and execution planning began for a commercial-scale trial of the CSIRO ventilation air methane mitigator technology at IMC.

When it comes to collaboration and innovation to address shared industry challenges, South32 can highlight its participation in the Electric Mine Consortium (EMC). This consortium comprises several companies aiming to expedite progress toward achieving fully electrified, zero-carbon, and zero-particulate mines.

South32, as the leader of both the electrical infrastructure workstream and the energy supply and storage workstream within the consortium, has committed to taking substantial measures on behalf of the industry. In the energy supply and storage workstream, they conducted a comprehensive market scan for long-duration energy storage solutions through an expression of interest. This initiative garnered submissions from more than 20 vendors, aiming to address seven consortium members' specific needs.

According to South32's most recent Sustainable Development Report, “The knowledge gained informed a pre-concept study of thermal energy storage at Worsley Alumina and a related steam electrification study.”

If you want to gain a deeper understanding of sustainability practices within the bauxite mining sector and the industry's efforts to promote environmental responsibility, we recommend delving into AL Circle's specialized industry report titled "Sustainability in the Aluminium Industry." This comprehensive report provides valuable insights into sustainable practices and green initiatives within the sector.

The company is building on its experience of trialling the Cat R2900 XE diesel-electric loader in Queensland's Cannington operation. They plan to conduct trials at Cannington for at least 12 months, testing three battery-electric light utility vehicles and a battery-electric integrated tool carrier. These trials aim to demonstrate the viability of electric vehicles for underground mining, considering safety, reliability, range, and capability.

The Bortana EV, designed for underground mines, utilizes the chassis of the Agrale Marruá and electric technology from 3ME, addressing emissions, heat, and maintenance concerns. It is intended to enhance safety and health in mining operations.

The BIT120, BME's second-generation 20-ton Integrated Tool Carrier, offers zero diesel emissions, reduced noise, vibrations, and low heat output based on a converted Volvo platform L120F.

Charging infrastructure is already in place at Cannington for all four pieces of equipment. The insights gained from these trials may inform plans for the Hermosa project in Arizona, USA, which South32 has considered for using battery-electric underground equipment.

Additionally, South32 supports ongoing developments with BluVein1. This system enables dynamic powering and charging of electric vehicles suitable for small-scale underground truck configurations, offering an alternative to static or fast charging methods.