Assessment of greenhouse gas mitigation options for the iron, gold, and potash mining sectors. (1st February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar Katta, Anil; Davis, Matthew; Kumar, Amit
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 245(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02-01
• Subjects: Abatement cost -- Cost of saved energy -- GHG emissions -- LEAP model -- Mining -- Scenario analysis; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118718
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this study is to investigate greenhouse gas mitigation pathways for the iron, gold, and potash mining sectors in Canada. These sectors have not widely accepted the available cleaner production strategies and so there is potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to fully realize this potential as soon as possible to support efforts to limit global warming. We conducted cost-benefit analyses of implementable greenhouse gas reduction strategies in order to inform policy and industry. Twenty-four greenhouse gas emission reduction options not yet implemented in Canada were identified following a review of current processes and operations at 102 mine sites. We developed a novel model to assess these options, integrating technology diffusion rates and long-term energy-environmental modelling. We found that the maximum greenhouse gas reduction potential can be realized through simultaneously implementing fifteen technology changes, eliminating 21 million tonnes of CO2 eq. by 2050. Furthermore, we showed that the marginal greenhouse gas abatement costs are negative, indicating that the industry would also achieve long-term cost savings if these changes were pursued. Implementing high pressure grinding rolls in iron mining and electric and diesel hybrid haul trucks in underground gold mining and potash mining have the most favorable greenhouse gas abatement costs of −4120, −3096, −701 $/tonne, respectively. These results show that these technology changes should be pursued since both environmental benefit and cost savings would be achieved. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A bottom-up energy model was developed for iron, gold, and potash mining sectors. Twenty-four GHG mitigation options were identified and assessed. Energy consumption reduction potential is 9% through 2020–2050 across the sectors. 10% and 20% of GHG emissions could be reduced in iron and gold mining, respectively. More than 95% of the GHG emission reductions have negative marginal abatement costs.