Save a Generator, Use a Dam: Alaska's miners are refining energy efficiency.

• Author: White, Rindi
• Position: MINING

Mining gets a bad rap as an industry that literally digs in the dirt, yet miners strive to clean up their act with innovative tools and techniques. Efficiency is at the front of mining companies' business plans, not just for the bottom line but for the sake of good stewardship.

"At Kinross, we strive to incorporate energy efficiency strategies into all aspects of our operations and projects, including mine planning, transportation, metallurgy, electricity consumption, fuel management, and power generation," says Anna Atchison, director of external affairs in Alaska for Kinross Gold Corporation, the Ontariobased operator of the Fort Knox mine north of Fairbanks.

Last February, Kinross leaders outlined a Climate Change Strategy, budgeting $50 million in 2022 toward environmental, social, and corporate governance-related capital expenditures. One example was an agreement to purchase 100 percent renewable power at its LaCoipa project in Chile. To achieve that, Kinross is using electric shovels, solar power at the mine camp, and an ore conveyor to reduce the need for haul trucks.

In Alaska, the strategy translates to biweekly internal meetings discussing fuel savings opportunities at Fort Knox and monthly internal meetings to identify power opportunities, as well as regular collaboration with Golden Valley Electric Association. Kinross also invested in upgrades to its belt system to run faster and therefore save power. An autogenous grinding method reduces the energy intensity of the mine's milling circuit.

The mill at Fort Knox will also process gold from the Mann Choh project being developed near Tok, with ore hauled by a fleet of trucks. Kinross is purchasing fifty new trucks that exceed the latest US Environmental Protection Agency emissions standards, resulting in a 90 percent reduction of PM2.5 (particulates less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that cause haze and can penetrate deeply into lung tissue). Although particulate pollution has no direct impact on climate change, air quality has been a concern of residents along the haul route.

Kinross says its strategy is in line with its corporate values and its commitment to sustainable mining.

Community Partnership

In Southeast Alaska, mines near Juneau have access to abundant energy from local hydropower projects, yet minimizing consumption still pays off.

Hecla Greens Creek mine, located on the City and Borough of Juneau's slice of Admiralty Island, is the largest customer of Alaska Electric Light b Power (AEL&P), which produces nearly 100 percent of its power through five...