One of the first steps in mining operations is to grind large rocks into tiny particles, a process called comminution. The energy required for this process accounts for approximately 40% of the total energy used by a mining operation. For base and precious metal production alone, it is estimated that comminution accounts for 0.4% of total global electricity use.
But what if that figure could be reduced by 50%? Imagine the impact that would have on global fossil fuel consumption, on CO2 emissions, and on climate change. You may not need to imagine it for long –a technology to achieve this is on the horizon.
Dr Liza Forbes and Associate Professor Kym Runge co-write article for The Chemical Engineer with Mike Mankosa, Jaisen Kohmuench and Luke Vollert.
