All posts by Paul Moore

Rössing Uranium looks ahead with Phase 4 set to start up in 2027

Bulk handling, Comminution of minerals, Energy minerals, Equipment maintenance, Explosives and blasting, Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, Water management

Rössing Uranium in June 2023 released its 2022 Sustainability and Performance Report. Managing Director Johan Coetzee said the year was a busy one, with a major focus being on finalising the Life-of-Mine Extension (LoME) feasibility study which led to a positive investment decision in February 2023. Phase 4 of the Rössing Uranium mine near Swakopmund in Namibia will be fully operational in 2027 following a 13-year contract mining agreement signed in May this year with Beifang Mining Technology Services.

During 2022, Rӧssing had been operating on an approved LoM plan to 2026, but completed a bankable feasibility study for a Life of Mine extension to 2036. This will be achieved with a further pushback of the existing SJ Pit (Phase 4), fully utilising the 15-year mining licence granted by the Ministry of Mines and Energy in 2021. The objective of the LoME Feasibility Study was to evaluate and document the technical, practical, and economic feasibility to extend the LoM beyond 2026 and issue a Feasibility Study Report to inform the positive investment decision by the Rössing Board of Directors. The plan is the lowest cost extension option available and will benefit from leveraging off the existing processing and infrastructure facilities.

The project requires deeper mining of the same SJ ore-body through a north-eastern extension of the current pit (Phase 4 pushback) to supply the existing process plant with sufficient ore until the end of 2036 at current throughput rates of 9.2 Mt/y. There is a need to proceed with this pre-strip as soon as possible (2024) to gain access to the ore in Phase 4 before the current ore supply from Phase 2/3 is depleted. An extension of the tailings storage facility footprint is also required to accommodate the additional 92 Mt of tailings, which must be dewatered to a higher density (thickened tailings). In terms of the mine layout, haul road 19 ramp was decommissioned in the early part of 2022. This was a landmark change that shows that the open pit is transitioning into the bottom benches. All open pit ramps are now on the north side of the pit, which reaches about 390 m depth.

The operation was Namibia’s first commercial uranium mine started production in 1976. Despite a formal Life of Mine of 2025, the previous majority shareholder, Rio Tinto, was considering early closure in January 2020. The 2019 sale of Rio Tinto’s majority shareholding to China National Uranium Corporation (CNUC), created a limited duration preferential offtake agreement at subsidised prices and at a premium to production cost, assuring a positive cash flow and continued operation.

Looking again at last year, a highlight for Rössing in 2022 was the commissioning of the mine’s new water reservoirs at a cost of N$100 million. These reservoirs provide an additional 60,000 cubic metres of storage capacity, enabling it to continue operating during periods of high sulphur bloom in the Atlantic ocean, resulting in fresh water supply interruptions due to the stoppage of the Orano desalination plant during these periods.

The mine’s production in 2022 was lower when compared to 2021. A total of 16.6 Mt was mined, compared to 20.7 Mt in 2021, with waste and low-grade ore totalling 7.4 Mt. The lower mining volume was due to the stripping ratio of waste to ore reducing as operations move deeper into the pit. 9 Mt of ore was milled, compared to 9.6 Mt milled in 2021. A total of 2,659 t uranium oxide was produced, compared to 2,882 t in 2021.

The mine currently uses a fleet of Komatsu 730E 180 t class trucks which run under trolley assist for the part of the main haul road. Benches are 15 m but in some areas double benching ie 30 m is possible. The mine employs two Cat 994 wheel loaders (FE15 and FE16) which supplement the main loading fleet of four Komatsu PC5500 face shovels and are primarily used to re-handle ore from the ROM stockpiles to feed the two primary gyratory crushers with sufficient material of the correct blend. Two loading units are required to achieve the re-handle tonnes and at times of poor FEL availability, one of the face shovels is moved to the ROM stockpiles to secure the feed to the crushers which reduce the material to – 165 mm. Recently a new Komatsu WA1200-6 wheel loader has been procured, being delivered to site at the end of December 2022 and has just entered service. In fleet management, the mine has just upgraded its Modular Mining DISPATCH FMS to the latest version.

Rössing Uranium’s new Komatsu WA1200-6

The operation also hails ongoing success from its GroundProbe SSR radar monitoring system with four potentially catastrophic falls of ground properly managed in 2022 without risking people or equipment. The geotechnical team was head-on with guidance and was able to forewarn the operations teams about the impending rockfalls so they could block access to and carefully stabilise the affected areas. Rössing has two units – and acquired SSR114 in 2010 and SSR226 in 2014. The two radars have operated beyond the seven-year lifespan of radar units. These radars are part of the series 1 generation technology of the supplier as compared to the series 3 GroundProbe has recently released. This meant the SSRs the company was using had aged and the relevant software has gone beyond the support of these radars. Some of the critical spare parts on the radar units have become obsolete and unavailable in the market, which made it economically challenging.

Mining Operations, supported by the Projects department, embarked on a project to replace the outdated SSRs to ensure undisrupted monitoring of the south slope and ensure that there is redundancy monitoring to the critical areas (south slope) should one radar become faulty. In addition, the replacement was necessary to ensure adequate management of slope stabilities around the pit. SSR114 was fully replaced and commissioned in July 2022 and this was just before the grace period of software support for this specific radar unit could expire, on 30 August 2022. The SSR226’s support was set to expire on August 30 2023, and this radar has now also been replaced.

Also notable for 2022 was the introduction of electronic blasting technology for pit-limit blasting. This change allows the mine to decrease the amount of energy going into the final pit walls, which helps maintain the long-term stability of the open pit. The technology has since been adopted for all limit blasting at Rössing Uranium.

Rössing contributed approximately 4.4% to world primary production during 2022, with Namibia now being the 3rd largest primary producer of U3O8 globally, after Kazakhstan, (which continues to dominate the market from a supply side), and Canada. No fatalities, permanent disability injuries or significant process safety incidents were recorded in 2022. The All Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR) of 0.43 was lower than the target of 0.48, underlining a commitment to achieving zero harm. The report states: “We were able to achieve this performance safely and efficiently through the commitment and hard work of our own employees, as well as the support from the contractors that are delivering services to us.”

Glencore positions itself to produce over 550,000 t/y of copper in Argentina

Base metals, Mineral commodities, Mineral project development, Mining project news

Glencore International AG and Pan American Silver Corp have reached an agreement for Glencore to acquire the 56.25% stake in the MARA project from Pan American. Under the terms of the agreement, Glencore will pay $475 million in cash upon closing and grant Pan American a copper Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty of 0.75%.

The project was first formed through the integration of the Minera Alumbrera plant and mining infrastructure and Agua Rica project in a joint venture between Yamana Gold, Glencore and Newmont in December 2020. Glencore acquired Newmont’s 18.75% stake in October 2022, bringing its shareholding to 43.75%. Pan American acquired Yamana Gold’s 56.25% stake as part of its acquisition of Yamana Gold Inc in March 2023.

MARA, located in the Catamarca province of Argentina, has proven and probable mineral reserves of 5.4 Mt of copper and 7.4 Moz of gold contained in 1.105 billion tonnes of ore. It has a 27-year mine life based on mineral reserves supported by more than 86 km of drilling.

The brownfield MARA project ranks as one of the lowest capital-intensive copper projects in the world today, owing to the existing well maintained Alumbrera processing plant and associated infrastructure. MARA is expected to be in the top 25 global copper producers when operational, with an expected average copper production over the first 10 full years exceeding 200,000 t per annum (with further material by-product credits).

Glencore says it has extensive institutional knowledge of the asset and the jurisdiction, based on its successful history of running the Alumbrera operations prior to the integration with Agua Rica in 2020. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and regulatory filings. Glencore expects the transaction to be completed in Q3 2023. Upon completion of the transaction, Glencore will become the sole owner and operator of MARA.

Glencore’s other main copper play in Argentina is El Pachon, currently undergoing a full feasibility study. It is a copper and molybdenum project located in the province of San Juan, in Argentina. Located between 3,600 and 4,200 m above sea level, it is approximately 5 km from the international border with Chile. El Pachon is 100% owned and is expected to have a 25-year mine life, producing about 350,000 t of copper per annum.

Redpath Mining South Africa partners with Sandvik for digital training

Communications in mining, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining people, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software

In a milestone that will help to revolutionise mining training and safety practices in Southern Africa, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has provided its state-of-the-art digital trainers to leading mining contractor Redpath Mining South Africa.

“Our digital trainers offer a range of advantages that are set to transform the way mining personnel acquire skills and knowledge,” says Vusi Thobela, Key Accounts Manager at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “These cutting-edge training tools provide an immersive and realistic simulation of mining operations, empowering trainees to gain practical experience in a controlled environment.”

This innovative technology provides trainees with interactive interfaces that closely resemble the controls and displays found on real mining equipment. This ensures a seamless transition from training to on-site applications for trainees. It also enables them to learn and practice safety protocols and emergency procedures without exposing them to the risks associated with real-life mining activities.

The strategic partnership between Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions and Redpath Mining South Africa – under a global framework agreement – signifies a shared vision of promoting excellence and safety in the mining industry. According to Sudesh Deonarain, General Manager Engineering at Redpath Mining, the high-fidelity simulations offered by Sandvik’s digital trainers enhance the training experience.

“Our trainees can familiarise themselves with a range of mining environments, equipment behaviour and tasks, allowing them to hone their skills in a life-like setting,” says Deonarain. “From equipment operation and maintenance to troubleshooting and teamwork, they can practice various scenarios, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.”

He says these cutting-edge tools help to better equip Redpath’s workforce to navigate the complexities of modern mining operations and to ensure safety and productivity. Thobela adds that the accurate simulation of mining equipment and processes allows trainees to develop a deep understanding of the intricacies of operating and maintaining the Sandvik machines.

“This supports increased productivity and reduced downtime, ultimately optimising operational efficiency in mining operations,” he says. “Furthermore, the digital trainers may incorporate data analytics capabilities, providing valuable insights into trainee performance, equipment utilisation and operational efficiency.”

He notes that the data-driven approach fosters continuous improvement in training methodologies, contributing to the overall growth and success of mining operations. “Redpath’s commitment to operational excellence, combined with Sandvik’s leading technology, is paving the way towards enhanced training and safety standards throughout Africa’s mining landscape,” says Thobela.

ABB celebrates 10 years since it reacquired GMD ring motor facility in Bilbao

Automation, Bulk handling, Comminution of minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mineral processing, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Power supply for mines

ABB is celebrating the 10th anniversary since it reacquired ownership of a key gearless mill drive (GMD) system business in Spain on July 30, 2013, which combined the leading ring motor product from Alstom with ABB’s electrical offering for GMD systems. The technology leader marks the milestone with record output in the last calendar year and a high for total number of employees, including women in key roles, at the ABB Ring Motors factory in Bilbao.

ABB says it is demonstrating that the demand for mining equipment to help navigate the world’s energy transition is accelerating. The company’s largest factory in Spain manufactures enormous ring motors used in GMDs, one of the key components of a mine’s grinding mill for processing ores and extracting the metals essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels – copper, gold, and iron, among others. Each motor weighs 400 to 500 t and has a footprint whereby each quarter must be carried on the back of a 12 m flatbed truck.

To support the record number of motors produced at the factory in 2022, ABB recruited more than 40 engineers, technicians, project managers and administration professionals in the last three years. The facility also has a record number of 12 women in key technical and leadership roles, including engineering, production, manufacturing, quality and health and safety.

Reliable, available, and connected equipment is essential for mining operations, particularly with poorer ore grades leading to deeper underground exploration and higher energy costs driving greater efficiencies. ABB adds that it has continually invested in the Bilbao factory since it was reacquired from manufacturing company Alstom in 2013 and is well-placed to meet the GMD order demand.

ABB continued: “The durability of the equipment is well-known by mining customers, with the first of its kind delivered in 1969 and still in operation. The technology, upgrades and R&D have evolved to meet today’s requirements. The modern GMD solution includes electric power management, automated control system connectivity and a host of digital and service packages. ABB GMDs have the highest power and availability compared to other driving methods, offering optimum efficiency and power per mill, meaning that mine operators benefit from energy savings and lower operational expenditures.”

“We worked at our capacity in 2022 through efficient work practices and 24/7 operations, and in 2023 we remain fully booked,” said Mikel Torre, General Manager, ABB Ring Motors Spain. “GMDs are the workhorses for mines extracting materials that are essential for the electrification revolution that will help to slow climate change, in line with international targets. Our team has greatly expanded to manage this transition and we have people on the ground making real progress every day.”

“Investment in people, facilities, and infrastructure at our site in Bilbao means we are confident that we can deliver on time and to high levels of manufacturing excellence,” said Joachim Braun, Division President, Process Industries, ABB. “We also continue to invest in digital applications such as artificial intelligence and remote collaborative platforms which mean that our experts around the globe can support our customers quickly and effectively.”

Since 2019, parts of the factory have been refurbished and the management team intends to continue making improvements across the strategically important site near Bilbao’s port. Energy consumption, energy management and decarbonisation measures continue to be taken, including with automation, controls and digitalisation for compressed air and lighting, photovoltaic implementation and heating upgrades.

CCTEG hails success of longwall systems in Chinese underground bauxite mines

Automation, Base metals, Equipment maintenance, Mine shafts and equipment, Mining equipment, Mining services

In China, longwall shearers have successfully been applied in bauxite mines and are operating well. This is the world’s first underground bauxite mining technique using this type of comprehensive mechanised mining technology. The key equipment supplier, China Coal Technology and Engineering Group Corporation (CCTEG), says it transforms coal mining machines into bauxite mining machines for extraction, achieving a mineral recovery rate of over 95% and a low depletion rate of less than 5%. Regular ore sections can produce more than 500,000 t annually.

The first bauxite mine in China to deploy longwall mining was the Wachangping Bauxite Mine in Wuchuan Country, Guizhou Province, beginning with the 1102 panel in 2018. The mine is owned by the State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) and operated by its subsidiary Wuchuan Alumina, which went on to also apply what it calls Technology of Comprehensive Mechanized Excavation (TCME) at Dazhuyuan, one of its other major bauxite mines in Guizhou, in 2019. These mines are feeding a new alumina plant that began operation in late 2020.

The traditional method of underground bauxite mining mainly involves blasting which has low mineral recovery rates, high depletion rates, low mining efficiency, and high production costs. After eight years of exploration, CCTEG’s team proposed a layered section mining method, and a new small drum incline cutting process, which were all first-of-their-kind.

The bauxite mining field has the characteristics of multiple dissolution cavities, faults, and thin and discontinuous ore veins. It also has high hardness and strong erosion characteristics of alumina-rich bauxite ores and cemented soil materials. CCTEG developed a large cutting force low-speed mining system and long-life walking system. The application of these original technologies has significantly improved mining efficiency and grade while reducing production risks.

The new technology and equipment for mining medium to high hardness minerals has broad application prospects not only in bauxite, but also in the phosphate and potash mining industries.

Sika increases macro fibre production capacity in Tennessee

Mine shafts and equipment, Mining consumables, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services

Sika has increased production capacities for macro fibres at its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, thus extending a product line of strategic importance for its Region Americas. With this innovative fibre technology, Sika says it is further strengthening its position as the leading single-source supplier to the mining industry and a strong partner for sustainable construction projects.

Synthetic macro fibres are based on an innovative technology for the constructive and static reinforcement of concrete construction. The macro fibres are cost-efficient. Construction times are shortened given that no assembly of conventional reinforcement structures is required, and they significantly enhance the properties of cured concrete, surpassing traditional steel reinforcement. “In addition, the innovative technology enhances sustainability in construction. Its use allows the concrete structures’ lifespan to be considerably extended compared with steel reinforcing. These are important factors that have a positive impact on green building ratings such as the international LEED certification system.”

Christoph Ganz, Regional Manager Americas: “The United States is experiencing a booming trend in the construction of new industrial and sustainable production facilities, including gigafactories and data centres. This surge in construction is driving a high demand for macro fibres, which are used in manufacturing of abrasion-resistant slabs and industrial flooring. On top of this, there is growing demand for macro fibres in the US, Canada, and Latin America in shotcrete applications to stabilise excavations in tunnelling and mining. This smart investment will allow us to make further advances in our market penetration throughout Region Americas, unlocking the potential offered by strong growth markets on a targeted basis.”

Sika already has a strong presence in the mining industry in Latin America and Canada, which was significantly expanded through the acquisition of King Packaged Materials Company in 2019.
Building on this foundation, the recent acquisition of Thiessen Team USA has further solidified Sika’s position in the American mining sector. “Reshoring of industrial know-how from Asia is triggering substantial investment in the construction of new production plants. This also opens vibrant sales markets for Sika’s macro fibre technologies in the US.”

De Beers delivers first production from Venetia Underground

Diamond mining, Mine operation news, Mine shafts and equipment, Mineral project development, Mining people, Mining project news, , ,

De Beers Group has celebrated a key milestone with the delivery of first production from underground operations at its Venetia Mine in Limpopo, South Africa. The overall construction of the underground mine is now 70% complete, with construction and production ramp-up continuing over the next few years.

Venetia Mine, South Africa’s leading diamond mine, ceased open-pit mining operations in December 2022 after 30 years of production from the Tier 1 asset. De Beers embarked on the $2.3 billion underground expansion in 2012, in what represents the biggest single investment in the country’s diamond mining industry in decades. The highly mechanised underground operation will deliver up to 7 Mt/y of kimberlite ore to produce ~4 Mct/y of diamonds.

Moses Madondo, Managing Director of De Beers Group Managed Operations, said: “The investment in taking the world-class Venetia Mine underground enhances De Beers Group’s global production for the long term and is an indication of our commitment to South Africa. Our incredible team of employees and contracting partners have pulled together fantastically to achieve this major milestone of first production from the underground operation. We look forward to seeing this high performing team continue the good work as we ramp up production over the next few years, bringing profound benefits to our workforce, our host communities, commercial partners and South Africa as a whole.”

The underground project currently employs 4,300 people, mostly from the host communities of Musina and Blouberg Municipalities. De Beers commissioned a $10.5 million training centre in June 2021 as part of its operational readiness framework to enhance the transformation of people, processes and systems for the successful transition from open pit to underground mining. To date, a total of 180 employees have successfully transitioned to underground operations without any job losses for Venetia Mine’s permanent employees.

Sandvik DR413i bolsters intelligent rotary blasthole range

Automation, Base metals, Equipment maintenance, Explosives and blasting, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Steel and iron ore

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions says it is introducing the Sandvik DR413i, the fourth drill rig in its intelligent rotary blasthole range. Purpose-built for high-altitude hard rock mines, the “Sandvik DR413i represents the natural evolution of Sandvik D90, known across the globe for its consistency and durability.”

Described as ideal for iron ore and copper applications at altitudes up to approximately 15,000 ft (4,500 m), the Sandvik DR413i can drill a hole diameter range of 9 7/8 to 13 3/4 in (250 to 349 mm). Its power pack is designed specifically to support high-altitude drilling, enabling impressive performance without an oversized rig.

The Sandvik DR413i bridges a gap between the Sandvik DR412i (8 to 12 1/4 in, 203 to 311 mm) and the Sandvik DR416i (10 5/8 to 16 in, 270 to 406 mm). Customer feedback from those two models played a crucial role in development of the Sandvik DR413i, the first unit of which has already been sold to a US iron ore mine.

The Sandvik DR413i “is powerful, productive and precise, and continues our long tradition of developing innovative technology to help drill-and-blast customers improve productivity and reduce cost,” said Dave Shellhammer, President of the Rotary Drilling Division at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “As demand for our intelligent rotary blasthole drills grows, this expansion of our range underpins our customer-centric approach.”

The Sandvik DR413i delivers a single-pass capacity of 55.7 ft (17 m) and 115,000-pound (52,160-kg) weight on bit. A travelling centraliser reduces pipe flex, producing cleaner, straighter holes. The rig is equipped with Performance iDrill and Navigation iDrill onboard automation solutions to increase accuracy and productivity. The Sandvik DR413i is also the company’s latest scalable automation solution: AutoMine® can extend onboard features to enable line-of-sight, control room or fully autonomous operation.

Key Sandvik DR413i features work collectively to increase productivity. The Sandvik Intelligent Control System Architecture (SICA) provides the operator with real-time feedback regarding the machine’s performance and health, eliminating guesswork. SICA and onboard automated features such as Auto Drill and Auto Cycle ensure hole-to-hole quality and consistency.

The Sandvik DR413i also reduces personnel-to-machine contact while maximising component life. Its maintenance-friendly design reduces the time needed for scheduled and unscheduled tasks, improving safety and ROI.

The new rig also supports customers’ sustainability needs. Intelligent system load management helps reduce carbon emissions and extend component life, improving operating costs. The compressor control system matches compressor volume to application, reducing fuel burn and resulting environmental impact while improving hole quality.

Tribe Tech agrees sale of first gen autonomous RC rig to Anglo American

Automation, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services

Tribe Technology, the developer and manufacturer of autonomous drill rig and sampling technology, has announced an agreement with global mining company Anglo American for the deployment of its first generation autonomous Reverse Circulation Drill Rig.

The TTDS GC 700 RC Drill Rig will be manufactured at Tribe Tech’s facilities near Belfast, Northern Ireland, with the sample system to be built at the company’s facility in Perth, Australia.

While being among the most common mineral exploration methods globally, traditional RC drilling, due to the high-intensity nature of the process, coupled with the large, heavy industrial equipment involved, can be an extremely hazardous practice with numerous safety procedures required by those operating the rig.

Tribe Tech developing a autonomous RC drill rig, capable of not only removing the workforce risk but projected to be able to significantly increase drilling productivity.

Tribe Tech Chief Executive Officer, Charlie King, commented: “We are excited to announce our partnership with Anglo American to deploy our game-changing equipment. I have no doubt that in the future, autonomous drilling will become the norm in the mining industry as responsible management teams now have a commercial technology available to them to ensure minimal harm in the exploration drilling sector.”

He added: “Tribe Tech was born from a real desire to improve safety and efficiency in the mining industry, and we are proud that Anglo American is the first miner to embrace our autonomous RC drilling technology.”

Kinross refocuses ESG efforts for the future

Comminution of minerals, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining

Gold mining major Kinross has released its 2022 Climate Report in which J. Paul Rollinson, the President and Chief Executive Officer discusses how it is translating ESG Strategy into Climate Change Action. He states: “We continue to take important steps to address climate change through renewable energy projects, power purchase agreements, electric autonomous haulage partnerships, and energy-efficient opportunities across our sites.”

Kinross remains committed to a comprehensive GHG reduction plan and has already set an interim intensity reduction target of 30% per ounce produced of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030 based on our 2021 baseline of 970 kg of CO2e per Au eq oz produced.

It says its Climate Change Strategy is multifaceted and enhancing the resilience of our business to climate change is one of the five key focus areas of the strategy. “Growing the role of renewable energy in our overall energy portfolio is integral to our strategy, as renewable energy sources contributed 22% to the total energy we consumed in 2022.”

For example, its Tasiast solar project at the Tasiast mine in Mauritania is currently under construction and, once completed, will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to overall company GHG reduction targets. The Tasiast solar plant is a key component of the Climate Change Strategy. At a capital cost of $55 million, we expect the Tasiast plant to provide annualised fuel savings of 17 million litres of heavy oil, with a payback of less than five years. This translates into an 18% reduction of GHG emissions from the power plant over life of mine. Annualised GHG emissions reductions are estimated at 50 kilotonnes CO2e and 22.5% of Tasiast’s energy generation will be from renewables.

Approximately, 90% of Kinross’s emissions come from the power grids it relies on and the mining fleets it has deployed in our operations. “We continue to work with local energy providers for low-carbon options such as the power purchase agreement for 100% renewable power in place at our La Coipa mine in Chile. As to our fleets, we are in discussions with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to explore conversions to Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) as the technology develops.”

Kinross also continues to assess and implement energy efficiency projects which are not only positive business decisions, but that also reduce its energy use and carbon footprint. Most of these initiatives are generated, assessed and executed by its site teams as part of normal operations.

Fort Knox in Alaska continues to improve the energy intensity of its mill by using autogenous grinding (AG), which optimises energy efficiency versus throughput, along with other improvements throughout the mill. At the mine haul routes were also re-designed and optimised to be shorter to the Victoria Creek waste pads.

At Tasiast, energy intensity improved year-over-year by 35% to 726 MJ/t of ore processed from 1,130 MJ/ t processed, a significant improvement due to a 75% increase in tonnes of ore processed. Energy efficiency savings and fuel savings were obtained when running powerhouse two at better efficiencies. Haul routes were also shortened reducing the number of trips required. A QA/QC program led to a reduction in the number of blast drill holes that needed to be redrilled.

At Round Mountain in Nevada, Kinross completed a strategic optimisation project, recommissioning an electric shovel to reduce the use of a diesel-fuelled loader. The project was completed in September 2022. In the fourth quarter, the mine saved over 60,000 litres of diesel fuel, and a reduction of 162 tCO2e, due to using the electric shovel in place of the diesel loader. The project is anticipated to achieve monetary savings of approximately $7 million over four years. Over at the Bald Mountain mine, also in Nevada, relocation of fuel skid close to the hauling path of trucks to minimise travel time to the fuel skid.

At Paracatu in Brazil, a hauling fleet optimisation project led to using the existing fleet to produce the required hauling capacity in the mine plan, removing two scheduled purchases of haul trucks from the mine-plan. Two loaders were also replaced with a Cat 7495 electric rope shovel.

As approximately 90% of Kinross’ current Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are from mine fleets and power generation, a significant part of its GHG reduction strategy also involves strategic partnerships with equipment manufacturers and energy suppliers.

Initiatives underway include an agreement with Komatsu to take an active role in its zero emission haulage solution, which will target the development of zero-emission haul trucks. Kinross is providing team members, application data, fleet performance requirements and the joint analysis necessary for assisting in product development and evaluation throughout the journey to a net-zero large-scale mining vehicle.

Kinross has also been supporting research since 2018 through an industry consortium with the Canadian Mining Innovation Council (CMIC) to develop a Conjugate Anvil Hammer Mill (CAHM) and MonoRoll, a new crushing and grinding system that could radically reduce energy use in comminution circuits. The project is currently in pilot scale testing, after which mine site testing will occur.

Work is also underway with research and innovation opportunities such as hydrogen power, battery technology, and carbon sequestration and mining electrification.