Energy Intensity Trends and Prospects in South African Open-Cast Mine: A case study of a coal mine

Abstract

The mining sector in South Africa is a major energy consumer, relying extensively on diesel and electricity, which results in increased carbon dioxide emissions. This sector represents a significant portion of the nation's electricity consumption and petroleum usage. Given increasing global pressures to lower carbon emissions, companies face an increased desire to focus on energy efficiency as an important strategy. Moreover, the growing expectations from regulators and stakeholders necessitate that companies disclose information regarding energy intensity, carbon emissions, and sustainability practices, highlighting the importance of clear and quantifiable advancements. The environmental impact, rising costs, and operational expenses associated with high energy consumption make it clear that sustainable practices are essential for the future of the industry. This study uses a quantitative methodology to examine energy consumption and intensity at an opencast coal mine in South Africa. The objective is to evaluate trends in energy intensity and identify potential avenues for enhancing energy efficiency within an open-cast coal mining environment. The results indicate that factors such as hauling distance, coal quality, operational sequencing, and seasonal production played a significant role in shaping energy demand at the case study mine. Enhancing energy efficiency leads to a notable reduction in energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, which is essential for tackling climate change and advancing global sustainability effort.