The Coalition for Eco-Efficient Comminution (CEEC) International has announced the winner of its prestigious 2023 CEEC Medal for Technical Research.
The award recognises a pioneering study exploring the feasibility of powering mines exclusively with renewable energy sources.
The winning paper, titled Can We Shift to a New Paradigm of Flexibility in Mining and Processing to Build Mines Powered Exclusively by the Variable Input of Renewables?, was presented at the World Mining Congress in Brisbane, Australia, in June 2023.
The research is a collaborative effort led by Professor Malcolm Powell from the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute, along with experts from various organisations including Inspire Resources, Novamera, Sedgman, EnergyFlex, and Juwi Renewable Energy.
This groundbreaking study challenges the traditional model of continuous mining operations under an unconstrained energy supply.
Instead, it proposes a radical shift towards mine-wide integrated flexible processing powered by variable renewable energy sources.
The research demonstrates the viability of operating mines primarily on solar power, supplemented by other renewable energy and storage solutions.
Professor Powell expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating: “We hope to ignite industry engagement in meaningful technical transformation to massively reduce our environmental impact as we power better societies.”
The co-authors collectively emphasised the importance of global cooperation and sustainable solutions in the mining industry.
Grant Ballantyne, Chair of the Medal Evaluation Committee, praised the research for its transformative potential and innovative approach to integrating renewable energy sources into mining operations.
The CEEC Medal, established in 2012, aims to celebrate outstanding contributions to improving energy efficiency, water management, and emissions reductions in the mining and mineral processing sector.
This year’s winning research aligns perfectly with these goals, potentially paving the way for more sustainable practices in the mining industry.