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Decarbonisation and Electrification in Mining: The Shift Towards a Sustainable Future
04 Mar, 20256 minutes
The mining industry is fundamental to global infrastructure, however it also contributes significantly to climate change. According to a report by UK Parliament Post, the industry uses over 8% of the world’s total energy each year to produce metals and contributes to 10% of annual greenhouse gas.
Because of this, there is an urgent push to transform mining operations, with decarbonisation and electrification becoming essential to meeting global climate targets and ensuring a sustainable future.
Investors, governments, and consumers are all increasingly demanding that companies adopt cleaner practices and reduce their environmental footprint. To achieve net-zero status by 2050, the sector will likely need to reduce at least 85% of its emissions by 2050, according to McKinsey & Company. 
In response, the mining sector is undergoing a transition as it implements innovative technologies and changes existing practices in an attempt to lower carbon outputs.
This article will explore key decarbonisation strategies, discuss the exciting opportunities electrification offers, and identify the talent challenges mining companies are experiencing.
What is Decarbonisation in Mining?
Decarbonisation in mining is the process of reducing and eliminating carbon emissions from mining operations. Driven by stricter regulations, increased investor pressure, and innovative technological advancements, decarbonisation is transforming practices across the mining industry.
The overall goal of decarbonisation is to shift the industry away from dependence on fossil fuels towards a model that aligns with climate goals, such as the Paris Agreement targets. Many industry leaders are now committing to net-zero targets, with the International Council on Mining and Metals pledging its members to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050.
As well as reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, this transition also secures the sustainable supply of critical materials needed for emerging technologies. There are several pillars of decarbonisation followed to achieve this:
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Mining companies are embracing innovative digital technologies, such as IoT sensors, digital twins, and machine learning algorithms, to continuously monitor and optimise energy usage. These technologies are capable of detecting issues in real time and forecasting energy demands to reduce waste and costs.
For example, some mines have implemented automated ventilation systems that adjust airflow based on activity, ensuring only the necessary amount of energy is used at any given time.
Renewable Energy Integration
Integrating renewable energy sources into mining operations is transforming power supplies at remote sites. Companies are building on-site solar farms, wind turbines, and even small-scale hydropower systems to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and reduce energy costs. 
Renewable power purchase agreements and off-grid renewable installations are becoming increasingly common, offering reliable, low-carbon alternatives that guarantee energy availability in remote locations.
Low-Carbon Processing Technologies
Innovations in processing technologies are crucial to reducing energy consumption and emissions during ore extraction and refining. New methods include:
The adoption of more energy-efficient grinding and milling technologies
Improved chemical processing techniques
The use of inert atmospheres during smelting
Bioleaching and biomining
Sensor-based ore sorting
These advancements are setting new industry standards for sustainable mineral processing, allowing companies to innovate and thrive more efficiently.
Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage
CCUS technologies capture CO₂ emissions at the source, preventing them from entering the atmosphere. In mining, this involves capturing emissions from equipment or processing plants and then either storing the CO₂ underground or repurposing it for industrial use, such as the production of synthetic fuels or building materials.
New projects are even exploring the use of mining tailings as natural carbon sinks, which could have a major impact on global decarbonisation.
Digitalisation and Optimisation
The digital revolution in mining is accelerating decarbonisation by using advanced analytics, automation, and AI to streamline operations. Digital twins and real-time monitoring systems can provide detailed insights into energy consumption and equipment efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient mining landscape.
How Electrification Contributes to Decarbonisation
Electrification in mining involves transitioning from traditional diesel-powered machinery to electric-powered alternatives, such as trucks, drills, and loaders. This change is crucial for decarbonisation because it directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps mining companies meet stricter environmental regulations. 
For example, electric haul trucks and loaders reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts and reduced vibration. Industry leaders like Fortescue Metals Group and BHP are already trialling electric fleets and advanced charging systems, demonstrating their commitment to playing their part in the energy transition.
In underground mines, where ventilation is a major expense due to the need to disperse diesel fumes, electric vehicles can significantly reduce ventilation costs while improving air quality for workers. In open-pit mines, the use of electric equipment contributes to a safer work environment by minimising noise and reducing the risk of fuel-related hazards.
The demand for electrified infrastructure is growing across both underground and surface mining operations. As mines invest in on-site renewable energy sources like solar farms or wind turbines to power electric fleets, they create their own low-carbon ecosystem that contributes to their sustainability goals.
Major Development Projects in Mining
BHP
BHP have been a key innovator in decarbonisation. Their detailed roadmap sets an ambitious target to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% by 2030, compared to 2020 levels. To achieve this, BHP are investing in renewable energy projects across their sites, including the development of on-site solar and wind farms that aim to power heavy equipment and processing plants.
Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto have revealed a decarbonisation roadmap that targets net-zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050. They are taking significant steps to transition their operations by integrating renewable energy and implementing energy-efficient technologies. Rio Tinto are also investing in autonomous electric-powered machinery and advanced process automation, which have already contributed to reducing emissions by up to 15% in recent years.
Anglo American
Anglo American are at the forefront of electrification initiatives since launching a protype of their ‘nuGen ZEHS’ hydrogen-powered mine haul truck in 2022. The company’s commitment to exploring alternative fuels is part of a wider strategic vision to modernise their fleet and optimise energy use across operations.
Vale
In Brazil, Vale are transforming their operations by integrating innovative, low-emission technologies. They are replacing their aging diesel vehicles with advanced electric rolling stock, which significantly cuts carbon emissions while reducing air and noise pollution in densely populated areas.
Challenges of Decarbonisation and Electrification
High Initial Costs
Significant funds are required to buy new equipment and build the necessary infrastructure. Rio Tinto, for example, have committed to spending between $5 and $6 billion on decarbonisation projects by 2030. Although long-term savings from reduced fuel consumption and maintenance can eventually offset these investments, the upfront costs can limit adoption, especially for smaller companies and startups. 
Infrastructure Limitations
Many mining sites are located in remote areas where grid capacity is limited, which makes the transition to electrified systems more complex. Upgrading power grids, building charging stations, and ensuring a secure battery supply chain are challenges that require significant investment and planning. These upgrades also require permission and coordination across multiple stakeholders, which can delay the integration of new technologies.
Technological Development
Although promising technologies are emerging in mining, there is still a noticeable gap between early-stage prototypes and fully operational solutions. This restricts these developments from being scaled up, leading to some companies being hesitant to commit to solutions that haven’t been tested in real-world mining conditions.
Regulation Challenges
There are many rules and regulations that mining companies must follow and they vary by region, which makes it difficult to plan and implement decarbonisation projects effectively. As a result, companies often find themselves balancing environmental goals with strict regulations, which can delay the adoption of new technologies.
Skills Gaps
Decarbonisation requires a workforce skilled in using new technologies and processes, however there is a shortage of specialised talent in areas such as renewable energy integration, battery technology, and data analytics. This makes it more difficult for companies to transform their practices, so large-scale training programs are needed to bridge this gap and upskill existing employees. 
In-Demand Roles in Mining Decarbonisation and Electrification
Renewable Energy Engineers
Engineers are in high demand to design and implement on-site renewable power solutions tailored for remote mining sites. Their skills contribute to a reliable, clean energy supply that reduces dependency on fossil fuels.
Battery and EV Specialists
With the industry transitioning from diesel-powered equipment to battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, battery and EV specialists play a key role in developing and integrating sustainable fleets.
AI & Automation Experts
AI and automation experts are required to optimise operations through data analytics and machine learning. Their role in streamlining processes and monitoring energy usage directly contributes to process efficiency and energy conservation.
Hydrogen & Alternative Fuel Specialists
Specialists in hydrogen and other alternative fuel sources are pioneering sustainable solutions and pushing the limits of what’s possible in heavy machinery and transportation in the mining industry.
The Future of Sustainable Mining
Over the next decade, decarbonisation efforts in mining are expected to accelerate as the industry aligns with global climate targets. According to the World Bank, 3 billion tonnes of metals and minerals will be required to build the infrastructure required to meet global climate commitments, and the production of minerals such as cobalt and lithium could rise by around 500% by 2050. 
Technological advancements such as green hydrogen are poised to revolutionise heavy equipment power sources, providing a cleaner alternative to diesel. Advanced battery technologies are also evolving to offer longer run times and faster charging capabilities, further improving electric fleets.
AI-driven energy optimisation is also expected to transform mining operations by enabling real-time adjustments and predictive maintenance, ensuring that energy is used more efficiently across the board. These innovations should reduce emissions significantly while improving productivity and lowering long-term costs.
However, the pace of this transition relies on a robust talent strategy. As mining companies invest in decarbonisation and electrification technologies, hiring and upskilling professionals with expertise in these fields becomes crucial. The industry’s future will be defined by its ability to attract and develop the specialised workforce required to implement and maintain these sustainable innovations.
Executive Search Specialists in Mining
At CSG Talent, our dedicated mining executive search team specialises in identifying and placing the future leaders and skilled professionals needed to drive decarbonisation and electrification initiatives. We can work closely with you to create a tailored hiring strategy that aligns with your sustainability targets, supports scalable growth, and positions your company at the forefront of innovation in this rapidly evolving industry.
If you're looking to build a team of skilled professionals capable of thriving in today’s competitive mining landscape, contact CSG Talent today.
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