Renewables at mines: Difficulties, limitations, possible solutions

Mining and mineral processing have long depended on fossil fuels, not just as an energy source but as feedstocks essential to production. Replacing these with renewable alternatives presents numerous hurdles.

For example, biomass (charcoal) can substitute for coke in certain operations, but large-scale adoption faces constraints in sustainable charcoal supply, transportation costs, and technical adaptation, particularly in steelmaking.

Similarly, hydrogen is considered an environmentally superior option for mineral reduction processes, derived from renewable-powered electrolysis rather than coal. However, its current high production cost makes it economically unviable for widespread industrial use.

Energy is one of the largest expenses for any mine, typically accounting for 15 to 40% of total operational costs. By generating their own power from renewable sources, mines can dramatically lower this significant and recurring expense over the long term.

Cover photo: By ESI Africa