Impact of Process and Energy Efficiency in Mineral Processing on Abatement of Carbon Emissions

Mineral processing industry is facing tough challenges regarding abatement of carbon emissions, the use of water and energy. Mine activities requires bulk material handling, mineral ore transportation with haul trucks and machinery with important use of diesel fuel that produce direct emissions while plant operations have an intensive use of electrical energy with important indirect emissions. Based on available secondary information and own authors´ experience regarding copper mining, this work summarizes an estimation for the impact of process and energy efficiency in mineral processing on abatement of carbon emissions, with results suggesting sustainability of industrial facilities may be strongly affected. A course of action is proposed combining improvements on energy efficiency, process control and renewable energy use, highlighting the role of power electronics, control technology and electrical power processing in mining equipment for mines, concentrators, refineries and co-generation when applicable.