Decarbonising Mining: The Shift Towards Sustainable Operations
Key Ideas
  • Global mining industry, responsible for 4-7% of global emissions, aims for net-zero operational emissions by 2050, with some like Fortescue targeting 'real zero' by 2030.
  • Five key decarbonisation technologies in mining include electrification, alternative fuels, renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture, with wider adoption expected by 2030-2050.
  • Challenges in deploying electrification and hydrogen technologies include battery limitations, power demand surge, infrastructure barriers, and high production costs, with commercial viability forecasted by 2040-2050.
  • Issues like accessing electrical power and developing charging infrastructure pose challenges for large-scale adoption of electric mining vehicles, requiring innovative solutions and investment in technology.
The global mining industry, accounting for 4-7% of global emissions, is under pressure to decarbonise its operations. Efforts are being made to transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy sources to reduce emissions, with a target of achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2050. Scope 3 emissions, originating from activities not owned or controlled by mining organizations, are a significant contributor to the industry's emissions. Electrification, alternative fuels, renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture are highlighted as key technologies for decarbonisation. While some alternative fuels are already in use, challenges like limited supply and technological advancements need to be addressed for wider adoption by 2030. Hydrogen and direct air capture are seen as nascent technologies that may become commercially viable between 2040 and 2050, offering significant decarbonisation potential. However, barriers such as storage, transportation, infrastructure, and cost hinder their widespread adoption. Deploying electric mining vehicles faces challenges in accessing power and developing suitable charging infrastructure, particularly for larger vehicles. Solutions like automatic connection systems and high-capacity, fast-charging battery packs are essential for the productivity and efficiency of electric mining trucks. Overall, the shift towards sustainable and decarbonised mining operations requires a collaborative effort from industry players to overcome technological and infrastructural hurdles.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.