SustainMine

Purpose

Identify relevant and significant research gaps that CEMI can address and use to demonstrate research excellence related to mines and mining sustainability.

Value Proposition

Issues related to the environment and the sustainability of mines and mining are of increasing interest to mining companies and to society at large. CEMI has determined through stakeholder consultation sessions that research into topics related to energy usage optimization at mines is of specific relevance. An important additional benefit to this planned work for mining companies is the concomitant GHG emission reductions.

Outcomes

Solution Team Members

LCG Energy Management Group

Stratos

Dennis Kemp Consulting

Scoping studies have been completed which clearly indicate the opportunities for energy usage optimization at mines thereby lower operating costs and contributing to operational longevity and, thereby, sustainability. In support of research excellence in the area of energy cost reduction in mines, CEMI has contributed to the hiring of a Research Chair with "an energy in mines optimization focus" in the Dept. of Engineering at Laurentian University. Commencing in July of 2010, initial goals will be to research and develop the means to significantly reduce energy usage at mines through engineering optimization.

It is expected that these projects will build upon current work being undertaken as part of CEMI's Ventilation on Demand (VOD) project, scheduled for completion by March 31st, 2011.

Opportunities to help increase societal awareness of the importance of mining research and thereby enhance the perception of mines and mining are being also scoped.