001-45_EJQR10_FALL26_PT - Flipbook - Page 34
Why may mining competitiveness depend less on what gets built and more
on how quickly it performs?
A mining project only creates value once it is operating reliably and
producing. A project can have a strong resource and a well-designed
facility, but if it takes longer than expected to reach stable production, the
economics can change signi昀椀cantly.
That is why the ability to move e昀케ciently from construction and
commissioning into reliable operations is becoming increasingly
important. The competitive advantage isn’t simply having the right
infrastructure in place; it is being able to get that infrastructure
performing as intended, and then continuously improve its performance.
This puts greater emphasis on operational readiness, integration and the
use of data. Mining companies that can shorten the learning curve during
ramp-up and make faster, better-informed decisions can be better
positioned to respond to changing market conditions.
How is cleantech assisting in environmental performance of mining projects?
Cleantech helps mining companies understand and manage their environmental
performance in a more connected way. Technologies such as electri昀椀cation, energy
management, automation and digital monitoring can help companies identify where
energy and resources are being used and where improvements can be made.
For example, more e昀케cient electrical and automation systems can help reduce
energy consumption, while digital tools can provide greater visibility into operational
performance. This is important because environmental performance and operational
performance are increasingly connected. Using energy more e昀케ciently can support
both emissions reduction goals and the overall economics of a mine.
The opportunity is not simply to add individual clean technologies to an existing
operation, but to integrate them into the way the mine is designed and operated so
they contribute to performance over the life of the asset.
Environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important across the mining
project lifecycle, from permitting and project development through to operations,
monitoring and closure. As Canada’s mining sector looks to develop critical mineral
projects, there will continue to be a need for environmental expertise alongside
engineering, technology and operational capabilities.
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