The variation in electricity price directly impacts the economic value that can be achieved by companies employing energy efficient comminution technologies.
In previous blog posts we have shown the variability in the average electricity price in different countries (2 to 320 $US/MWh), and across different mines in the same country (20 to 140% of the country average).
The BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) that will pave the way for greater collaboration between the two organisations.
In addition to the country the mine is operating in, the electricity price can depend on the geographical location, local infrastructure, fuel and generator type, the relevant energy contracts and many other factors.
The decision process around the adoption of energy efficient comminution technologies is a complex one with multiple factors at play. Depending on the company and the individual personal drivers, the weight of different motivating influences may vary between energy cost, environmental concerns, improved productivity, inadequate energy supply, carbon emissions/pricing, community perception, risk avoidance, and others.
Extracting Innovations: Mining, Energy and Technological Change in the Digital Age is co-edited by SMI affiliates Professor Saleem H. Ali and Dr. Tim Grice just published by Taylor and Francis – CRC Press, considers the most contemporary innovations propelling the extractive industries forward while also creating new environmental and social challenges.
Throughout her time in academia, Dee was passionate about the development of students and believed in giving them an opportunity to travel and learn.
As a tribute to Dee and to sustain her wonderful vision, we have established an equivalent fund at UQ – The Dee Bradshaw Travel Scholarship.
The Sustainable Minerals Institute’s Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (SMI-JKMRC) Friday Seminars are an institution to SMI-JKMRC staff, students, friends, alumni and minerals industry guests.
