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Investment in electricity and electrification represents half of global energy spending. As electricity becomes central to modern economies, it is having a significant impact on how industry is powered, particularly in mines.

With renewables leading global growth and nuclear power regaining prominence, the IEA says that though the world faces rising climate and security risks, Africa’s accelerating energy investments and mineral ambitions position it as a critical player in shaping the future global energy landscape.

Africa’s mineral wealth is unmatched – the continent is home to 80% of global platinum-group metal reserves, more than half of cobalt and chromium, and at least a quarter of global manganese, bauxite and graphite deposits.

These resources are vital for clean energy technologies. Since most are currently exported in raw or semi-processed form, African countries are making industrialisation plans that include localisation of mining value chains and skills development, all of which require expansion of transmission and distribution grids.

All of this means Africa’s industrial sector, and mining in particular, is on the cusp of massive expansion alongside its electricity grids.

A path less travelled to unlocking energy efficiency

Why the ‘process approach’ is the key in open cast mining: Is there a methodology to improve energy efficiency in open cast mining? By focusing on reducing the high energy intensity of their processes, the argument is that conventional energy saving efforts often fail to achieve the desired results.

From raw materials to refined returns

Investment trends, policy landscape and beneficiation opportunities: Africa holds the minerals the world needs for the energy transition but not the profits. Yet how do you break this cycle that demands bold policies, smart investment and homegrown beneficiation? 

Driving fuel-efficiency in the pit

How integrated optimisation is revolutionising truck dispatching in open-pit mining: Unpacking a novel fuel-efficiency model aimed at maximising economic benefits and minimising environmental impact, specifically by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through improved fuel consumption and four interdependent goals.

Power to the people

Inside the C&I energy and storage market: Across South Africa’s commercial and industrial (C&I) sector, the conversation around energy is shifting from surviving power cuts to building systems that are cost-competitive, decarbonised, and flexible. It is here that the private sector is powering progress.

Industrial power consumption

Four energy lessons from a coal mine that could save millions: If you’ve ever been surprised by a high electricity bill, imagine that feeling scaled up to an industrial level, where Continuous Miner (CM) machines can demand more than 91,000kWh per month. What would you do?

Renewables at mines

The difficulties, limitations and possible solutions: While renewables such as solar, wind and hydrogen are increasingly being considered for off-grid and hybrid mining applications, the path to large-scale integration remains fraught with technical, economic and structural challenges.

How to power a continental shift

Pathway to Africa becoming a clean energy manufacturing giant: The transition to a green global economy rest on three powerful shifts of advancing to include value-added processing in mining, using renewable energy to create low-emission commodities, and building local industries to manufacture clean technologies.

Cover photo:   adwo123©123rf