Abstract
Based on evidence and consensus, it is indisputable that climate change must be addressed urgently, as the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) and short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) have significant effects on ecosystems, biodiversity and human communities. This review aims to estimate the mitigation potential of GHG and SLCP in mining projects submitted to the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA, by its Spanish acronym) between February 1st and December 20th, 2024. The study identifies mitigation measures that address the primary emitting activities of the studied projects.
The main emitting activities were identified by selecting those that represent 80% of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emissions based on publicly available information from the Environmental Assessment Service, considering project type, submission date, status and industrial sector. Projects unrelated to gold, silver, copper, rare earth elements, and salts industries were excluded from the sample. Three mitigation measures were proposed, along with their potential mitigation impacts, based on previous findings and key measures outlined in the Mining Sector Climate Change Plan Draft, on existing studies on GHG and SLCP emissions in Chile and on mitigation strategies proposed by major mining firms operating in Chile. The analysis then estimated the resulting emissions if the measures were implemented.
A total of eighteen projects were analyzed, collectively emitting 6,993,237 tCO2eq. The main emitting activities were found to be off-road machinery combustion (55.0%) and vehicle combustion (26.4%) (see Figure), accounting for 81.4% of the emissions total.
The decarbonizing motorized processes through the use of green hydrogen - powered, electric or biofuel vehicles, promoting a 100% renewable energy matrix, and encouraging energy efficiency was the proposed mitigation measures, identifying fourteen related and in development projects worldwide. It can be seen that, through the adoption of short- to medium-term energy efficiency improvements and the use of biofuels, there is a mitigation potential of 10% and 20% respectively. In the medium to long term, electrification would be the most feasible technology and, when combined with the supply of renewable electricity through direct contracts, scope 1 and 2 emission of zero tCO2eq could be achieved by electrifying all emitting activity. However, consideration should be given to the feasibility of making all holders eligible for this type of contract. On the other hand, green hydrogen has the potential to reduce Scope 1 emissions by 70% to 90%.
Ultimately, this study provides a roadmap outlining the key mitigation measures addressing the highest GHG and SCLP emitting activities, considering the feasibility of their implementation based on the current state and projected enabling conditions. Additionally, this study identifies how the industry has integrated mitigation measures into its operations and ongoing projects. Considering all measures studied, scope 1 emissions have a potential of being mitigated by up to 100% in the long term; however, the feasibility of execution must be taken into account.
Authors
Stephane Herrera | Ingeniero Civil de Minas, SRK Chile
Alex Flores | Senior Civil Engineer in Geography, SRK Chile
Presenter
Stephane Herrera
Date: Tuesday, May 13 | 09:20 am
Location: Ballroom B | Session 2: Climate Change Mitigation
