• Skip to main content

Sustainable Copper

CO₂ Emissions

Freeport-McMoRan Slashes Carbon Emissions by 21 Percent

May 4, 2021 by

Copper mining firms worldwide are committed to reducing their carbon emissions. Freeport-McMoRan, one of the world’s largest copper miners, lowered its carbon emissions by more than 21 percent from 2015 to 2019. This puts the company on track to meet the COP21 framework to limit global warming to below 2°C from pre-industrial levels by 2050.

Freeport achieved this dramatic reduction through a unique blend of advances in energy-efficient technologies, equipment recycling and clean-energy deployments at its operations in the Americas.

TACKLING A GLOBAL CRISIS: THE CARBON CHALLENGE

Challenges facing Freeport’s Americas division are particularly relevant. This division produces 70 percent of Freeport’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Between 2012 and 2016, operations in the Americas division experienced a decrease in ore grades, a common issue in the copper mining industry. As a result, the company needed to extract and process larger volumes of ore from greater distances to maintain production levels. Freeport-McMoRan has worked to strategically address this challenge through technological innovation to reduce carbon emissions.

CUTTING EMISSIONS WITH CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

High Pressure Grinding Rolls

The company introduced new high pressure grinding roll technology at its mines in Cerro Verde in Peru—the largest copper concentrating facility in the industry—and Morenci in Arizona between 2014 and 2016.

The grinding rolls work by meshing rocks together at a high force, making them smaller than those produced by conventional mills that use steel balls to break down rock. These high-pressure grinding mills are 20 percent less energy intensive than traditional mills, and they substantially reduced GHG emissions while increasing production at both mines.

On-Site Efficiency with Electrowinning

Freeport also established a new technique that applies electrowinning to sulfide concentrates. This technique involves a concentrate leach process and replaces the conventional smelting and refining of copper. This new process allows several operations essential to copper processing to be done on-site rather than requiring additional transportation and energy expenditure.

Unlike traditional operations, Freeport’s electrowinning technique allows the company to convert molybdenum concentrates into molybdenum oxide—an intermediate molybdenum product—on-site instead of sending it to roasting facilities for processing. Moreover, the technology enables an on-site supply of sulfuric acid for oxide leaching operations, which further eliminates shipping costs. These critical changes have produced major reductions in energy requirements and carbon emissions.

Miles that Matter

Equipment efficiency and longevity is key to reducing carbon emissions, and Freeport is re-examining the foundations of its operations. Freeport is reconstructing its haul trucks to operate for an average of 100,000 hours, more than 20,000 hours over the standard life cycle of trucks in the industry. The company has partnered with Caterpillar dealer Empire Cat to rebuild 465 trucks in total since 2008. Technicians restructure engines, frames and truck beds, allowing Freeport to reuse approximately 70 percent of its fleet. This strategy enabled Freeport to conserve over $1 billion in capital. In 2019, for example, the reuse of 12 haul trucks saved an estimated $60 million.

For each reconstructed truck, Freeport decreases carbon emissions by 325 metric tons. The program has achieved a total reduction of more than 150,000 metric tons over a 10-year period.

Freeport has implemented an innovative program using the Internet of Things (IoT) to enable supervisors in remote control rooms to track and analyze, in real time, environmental conditions and truck and driver performance. This program helps technicians make preemptive changes to increase productivity. According to McKinsey, it allows the trucks to run for 15 percent more time per day than is standard in the industry. This increase in capacity has allowed Freeport to maintain a smaller fleet, reducing carbon emissions from an additional 50 trucks.

In addition to the technical advances to the vehicles themselves, Freeport has initiated several recycling initiatives for its vehicle tires. At Minera El Albra in Chile, a pilot program in 2018 allowed the company to reuse 31 mining equipment tires, reducing the need for 26 new tires. This cut led to a 35 percent decrease in CO2 emissions, or 53 tonnes.

A CLEANER WORLD

A Shift Toward Renewables

In partnership with ENGIE Chile, renewable energy will power 100 percent of Freeport’s Chilean El Abra mine’s on-site electrical requirements by the end of 2021. This gradual replacement of coal-fired power accomplishes the goals spelled out in the country’s COP21 agreement and is enshrined in its nationwide energy priorities.

In 2018, Freeport raised the amount of purchased power from renewable and low carbon sources to 83 percent, a 3 percent increase from the previous year. That year, renewables provided 36 percent of purchased power. Meanwhile, between 2014 and 2019, grid decarbonization led to an additional decrease in GHG emissions from electricity use in Arizona and Peru.

Heat and Solar Power

In Arizona, creative solutions, such as using surplus heat from the sulfur burner at Freeport’s Safford project, makes operations even more sustainable. By using surplus heat, the Safford project generates as much as 15 Megawatts (Mw) of energy for constant use at its processing operations.

At the Miami complex in Arizona, officials have also engaged with a utility partner to introduce a 100 Mw solar plant in 2021 that will supply 5 percent of the yearly electrical requirements.

Wind Power

Following a 2018 agreement, Freeport’s Morenci operations in Arizona will receive 14 Mw of wind power from Wyoming for electricity.

Freeport’s technological solutions to common mining challenges will pave the way for mining practices not only in the Americas but across the world.

Reducing emissions and improving our energy efficiency provides us with cost savings and environmental benefits within and beyond our operating boundaries.” – Richard Adkerson, CEO Freeport-McMoRan

ADVANCING WITH DATA

Freeport has prioritized a data-driven approach to become more energy efficient. To calculate its emissions more precisely, Freeport has contributed numerous scientific studies on its operations and the wider industry. By implementing this knowledge, Freeport has become a top performer in the industry’s reduction of GHGs.

Progress from Precision

Prior to 2018, Freeport relied on estimates based on grid factors from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to measure its delivered electricity. Moving forward, the company has broadened its analysis by incorporating data from its suppliers and utility providers. This strategy enabled Freeport to calculate its electrical GHG intensity more accurately by reporting actual emissions as opposed to estimates solely based on regulatory reports.

In 2019, company officials conducted a comprehensive study of GHG emissions across the Americas. This study gathered data from active copper mines, smelters and refineries in the Americas over the previous seven years, and researchers found these entities represented 60 percent of total GHG emissions.

Making a Difference

This 2019 study prompted Freeport to make technological improvements to reduce GHG emissions, resulting in a 17 percent reduction since 2015. The new data from suppliers and providers reflected a further 4 percent reduction, delivering a 21 percent improvement in emissions. Moreover, the 2019 GHG emissions per tonne of copper cathode were a full 30 percent lower than the Business as Usual (BaU) projections.

By 2030, Freeport forecasts the company will achieve an additional 15 percent reduction in carbon emissions for each metric tonne of copper produced in the Americas relative to 2018 levels.

Whether through its sustainable strategies like reusing trucks, developing new mining techniques, implementing advanced grinding technology or employing creative project-based clean energy initiatives, Freeport McMoRan believes in doing its part to bring about a more green and sustainable mining industry.

About Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Freeport-McMoRan operates large, long-term, geographically diverse assets of copper, gold and molybdenum and is the world’s largest publicly traded copper producer. Its mines include the Grasberg district in Indonesia, one of the world’s largest copper-gold deposits, and major operations in North and South America, encompassing the large-scale Bagdad and Morenci minerals districts in Arizona, the Cerro Verde operation in Peru and El Abra in Chile.

About the Copper Alliance®

The Copper Alliance is a network of regional copper centers and their industry-leading members. It is responsible for guiding policy and strategy and for funding international initiatives and promotional activities. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the organization has offices in three primary regions: Europe, Asia and North America. The Copper Alliance has partnerships and programs in more than 100 countries.

Rio Tinto Advances Clean Energy at Kennecott

July 2, 2020 by

Top Miner Switches to Solar and Wind Power at One of the World’s Largest Copper Projects

Rio Tinto’s Kennecott operations, including its flagship Bingham Canyon copper mine that satisfies 15 percent of U.S. copper demands, are among the most prolific in the world. Kennecott has also become one of the industry’s cleanest, permanently shutting its last coal plant and reducing its carbon footprint by 65 percent. This facility, located 35 miles southwest of Salt Lake City, has become a leader in solar and wind power.

In 2016, officials shut three of the company’s four coal-fired plants. The following year, officials idled the last coal-fired plant for maintenance and air quality requirements before formally closing it in May 2019. These transitions occurred with no job losses.

The closure of the last plant followed extensive consultations with local communities and state officials. It also earned Kennecott the 2019 Clean Air Business Partner of the Year Award from Utah’s Clean Air Partnership, a prominent nonprofit in the state.

The transition away from coal has reduced air pollutant emissions by 6,000 tonnes—one million tonnes of CO2 – annually.

Retiring our power plant is an important milestone for our business because it will immediately reduce our emissions to the local airshed, and I’m proud Kennecott is a leader in pairing our electrical needs with carbon-free energy certificates.”

 – Marc Cameron, Managing Director, Rio Tinto Kennecott

Rio Tinto’s decision to retire their power plant is a win-win for our community. Their decision will simultaneously support Utah’s shift toward a low-carbon economy and improve air quality in the Salt Lake Valley”

 – Gary Herbert, Governor of Utah

Clean Energy: Tried and True

Kennecott now meets its energy needs through 1.5 million Megawatt hours (MWh) of clean energy from Rocky Mountain Power, a local regulated electric utility. Sourced in part from a Utah solar portfolio, Rocky Mountain helps the complex generate power from Wyoming-based wind turbines. This supply covers mining, recycling and crushing operations at the facility.

Kennecott draws on natural gas to power its processing facilities, which include one of the world’s most advanced copper and precious metals smelters. It uses diesel power to operate its fleet of 88 haul trucks.

The Green-e ® certification program of the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions, guarantees transparency by issuing certificates to establish that Rocky Mountain generates and delivers clean energy from renewables. It provides a certificate for every Megawatt hour of clean energy it produces. The Division of Public Utilities of Utah regulates the certificate program.

Rio Tinto is committed to playing a part in the transition to a low-carbon economy. This move will significantly reduce emissions associated with our operations in Kennecott and allow us to offer customers copper, gold and silver with a reduced carbon footprint.”

 – Jean-Sébastien Jacques, Chief Executive, Rio Tinto

Exploring Efficiencies

Kennecott officials are constantly developing new ways to increase energy efficiency. The company has deployed a $10 million, 6.2-Megawatt (Mw) combined heat and power (CHP) system at its copper processing facility. The system boasts a superior output that is more than 80 percent energy efficient. Its performance outranks that of separate heat and power systems, which are less than 50 percent efficient. The CHP provides the entire steam supply for the facility, at a rate of up to 70,000 pounds per hour. Meanwhile, it supplies half of the plant’s electricity, with rates of up to 6.2 MW per hour, levels sufficient to power 6,000 homes.

These are only the latest endeavors to make Kennecott’s projects greener. In 2012, officials began smelting scrap, including old copper wiring, into its recycling process. In 2017, they processed over 1.27 million kg (2.8 million lbs.) of copper from recycled scrap, enough to provide the electrical wiring for 6,400 newly constructed homes.

A Sustainable Future

These initiatives continue alongside Kennecott’s recently approved $1.5 billion investment—to commence in 2020)—to support operations at their projects through 2032. This commitment is part of a greater $5 billion dedicated to mine life extension, environmental stewardship and modernization initiatives since Rio acquired Kennecott in 1989.

“This is an attractive, high-value and low-risk investment that will ensure Kennecott produces copper and other critical materials to at least 2032.”

 – Jean-Sébastien Jacques, Chief Executive, Rio Tinto

The funds will allow personnel to improve infrastructure alongside strip waste rock mining in the second phase of the South Wall Pushback operation. The construction, by adjusting its south wall, will enable mineral extraction to move into a fresh area of ore body to deliver nearly a million tons of refined copper between 2026 and 2032. This surge in production will accommodate growing worldwide demands.

Investing in Climate Resilience

In February 2020, officials at Rio announced plans to invest approximately $1 billion in the next five years to satisfy their 2030 climate change targets and 2050 net-zero emissions goal. The measures will include curbing company-wide emissions intensity from 2018 levels by 30 percent.

Between 2008 and 2019 absolute emissions from managed operations were reduced 46 percent and emissions intensity fell 29 percent.

Officials for Rio, which has ceased mining for coal, have stressed that they acknowledge global warming as a “critical global challenge.” They have called on industry associations to join their efforts to move decisively to address the problem.

As climate change continues to pose an existential threat to the planet so, too, does it endanger mining sites the world over. In a time of unprecedented uncertainty, Rio Tinto and Kennecott are making great scalable strides in the international fight to effectively mitigate climate change. It is an effort that will pay dividends for mining and the planet alike.

About Rio Tinto Kennecott

Rio Tinto Kennecott is a fully integrated mining operation just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S., and a fully owned unit of Rio Tinto. For more than 110 years, Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine. In addition to Bingham Canyon, the subsidiary possesses other facilities at South Jordan in the Salt Lake Valley including a refinery, a concentrator and a smelter.

About Green-e® certification
A program of the San Francisco-based nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions, since 1997, Green-e certification is a global leader in clean energy transparency. The initiative empowers businesses and people to buy verified clean energy. Green-e also promotes the advancement of renewable energy technology, markets and policies. In 2019, it certified over 62 million Megawatt hours (MWh) in retail business.

About Rocky Mountain Power
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Rocky Mountain Power is a utility which provides safe, reliable affordable and sustainable electricity. Committed to developing renewable resources, Rocky Mountain provides services to one million customers across in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

About the International Copper Association
The International Copper Association’s brings together the global copper industry to develop and defend markets for copper and make a positive contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., ICA has offices in three primary regions: Asia, Europe and North America. ICA and its Copper Alliance® partners are active in more than 60 countries worldwide. For additional information, please visit www.copperalliance.org.

Scaling Innovation and Sustainability: Codelco Mobilizes Electricity, AI and High Tech for Green Copper Production

February 29, 2020 by

In Chile, miners are boosting efficiencies while reducing carbon emissions and cost. Codelco, a global leader in copper production, is making significant technology charges at its mines that are among the largest and oldest in the industry.

Codelco, the Chilean state copper miner, is transforming its assets to maintain production levels and increase their lifespan amidst rising costs. It has dedicated $40 billion to upgrade its facilities over 10 years (2019 – 2029). Technological innovations—from artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to electric vehicles—are key to the strategic plan. The changes will lower the company’s carbon footprint, in line with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and follow the Master Plan for Sustainability developed in 2016.

Automation, Optimized

In April 2019, Codelco announced that it contracted Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, the equipment manufacturer, to supply a high-technology, production-automation system. “AutoMine” will be used at Codelco’s Chuquicamata mine—located in the Antofagasta region—to transition it from an open-pit to an underground mine.

AutoMine allows Codelco to fully automate a newly-acquired fleet of Sandvik LH621 loaders. The system is also highly adaptable and permits manually operated machines to continue to function alongside automated equipment, allowing technicians to gradually expand the scope of the programmed equipment.

The system covers automated and remote operations ranging from individual machines to multiple, full fleets. This flexibility ensures a seamless transition to automation over time. Sandvik’s systems have operated for over 2.5 million hours at hundreds of sites around the world without an injury to date.

Additionally, in May 2019 Codelco released plans to introduce the AutoMine fleet solution to operate trucks at the El Teniente mine in Machali. This mine ranks as the largest underground copper mine in the world.

In 2004, in an earlier partnership with Sandvik, this mine became one of the first in the world to utilize semi-automated load haul dumpers (LHDs) to extract ore. It then used AutoMine to fully automate the LHD fleet in the Pipa Norte and Diablo Regimiento sections of the asset.

We are proud Codelco continues to choose Sandvik as a strategic partner for its most innovative projects. Our technology will drive even safer, smarter and more productive mining.”

– Patricio Apablaza, Vice President for Andean and South Cone, Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology

In addition to AutoMine, Codelco utilizes Sandvik’s OptiMine Analytics. The software collects and analyzes data from all stages of the mining process. It continually assesses the viability of the equipment in use and applies predictive analytics to forecast potential changes. The program enables users to operate more safely and productively.

AI and Copper: The Future is Now

At its Division Ministro Hales (DMH) mine near Calama, Codelco has joined Uptake, a Chicago-based leader in artificial intelligence (AI), to monitor its mining equipment. The collaboration will cover grinding mills, crushers, roasters, haul trucks and pumps.

We are excited to partner with Codelco given their forward-thinking to accelerate not only their operations but the industry. Their data-first approach is outstanding and sets the tone for what is possible.”

– Jay Allardyce, Uptake Executive Vice President of Industry, Product and Partnerships

Uptake’s programs will assess the functioning of these machines to ensure they continually perform at optimal capacity. The programs will enable specialists to project maintenance needs before they develop to avoid interruptions in operations. Codelco aims to introduce an integrated system that will span all of the miner’s active projects.

Deploying artificial intelligence will allow Codelco to make the best use of operational data and allow us to boost mining productivity, reduce costs and maintain safe machine operations.”

– Jaime Rivera, Codelco General Manager, Andina Division

Specifically, Uptake’s Asset Performance Management (APM) software will bring data science and analytics to the mining sector. It provides Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-agnostic predictions, insights and recommendations that can be used at any asset. The data analytics tools allow Codelco to forecast changes that will impact revenue.

Fully Loaded with Electricity

In May 2019 Codelco announced plans to add its first hybrid loader to El Teniente mine’s fleet to reduce its carbon footprint.

The load-haul-dump (LHD) machine, constructed by Japan’s Komatsu, is mainly powered by electricity, using diesel only to generate electrical power. This LHD possesses a Switched Reluctance (SR) Hybrid Drive that stores excess energy and resupplies it as needed.

LHD offers acceleration rates that are nearly double conventional, mechanically propelled LHDs. Officials with Codelco estimate that Komatsu’s LHD product will lower overall costs by an estimated 30 percent and fuel costs by 20 percent.

Once Codelco expands its electric fleet further, experts forecast the changes could bolster overall outputs by 10 – 20 percent and decreasing emissions by 25 percent.

The company already has deployed an electric-powered underground scissor lift—operating at a cost 70 percent less than the diesel-powered model—and with a 100 percent noise level decrease. Meanwhile, these scissors emit up to 90 percent less heat than machines with diesel engines.

The addition of Komatsu’s LDHs will add to Codelco’s robust electric portfolio. The miner already uses two fully-electric buses to transport mine employees from Rancagua to El Teniente, 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level. It also runs a 100 percent electric-powered bus for residents in the town and provides free transport for local school children. This year it is adding an electric minivan to circulate in the interior of the Chuquicacamanta mine.

Using our mines to full effect is a key driver for our business. Automation and optimization are critical to getting the most from our mines and keeping our people safe while we do it.”

 – Andrés Avendaño, Operations Manager, Chuquicamata Codelco

About CodelcoSandvik

Based in Santiago and established in 1976, Codelco (Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile or the National Copper Corporation of Chile) is a Chilean state-owned firm and the world’s largest copper miner with 19 percent of global red metal reserves. Codelco is also one of the largest molybdenum producers anywhere with 24,000 tonnes produced in 2018.

About Sandvik

Sandvik AB is a Swedish firm founded in 1862 which specializes in high technology engineering services for the mining and construction industries. These include tools and tooling systems for equipment, industries and advanced industrial heating. With a presence in 160 countries Sandvik has about 42,000 employees.

About Komatsu

Komatsu Ltd. is a Japanese multinational firm and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of mining and construction equipment, along with other industrial equipment including lasers and electric generators. Headquartered in Tokyo and founded in 1921, Komatsu has 59,000 employees.

About Uptake

With headquarters in Chicago and offices in Silicon Valley, Washington D.C., Toronto and Dubai, Uptake is a premiere provider of artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT software for industrial firms. Uptake combines data analytics and machine learning with strong industry knowledge to create enhanced safety, reliability and productivity. Uptake is used by global customers of all sizes to leverage data, creating pioneering efficiencies and market advantages.

About the Copper Alliance®

The Copper Alliance® is a network of regional copper centers and their industry-leading members. It is responsible for guiding policy and strategy and for funding international initiatives and promotional activities. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the organization has offices in three primary regions: Europe, Asia and North America. The Copper Alliance has partnerships and programs in more than 100 countries.

Codelco Builds More Sustainable and Responsible Copper Supply Chains

February 29, 2020 by

Beyond innovations in AI, automation and electric technology, International Copper Association member Codelco is leading efforts to achieve new levels of transparency within the copper industry. The miner has teamed with Nexans, a Paris-based leader in advanced cabling and connectivity, to make advancements in sustainability. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 12 January 2018 to strengthen the existing commercial relationship between Nexans and Codelco. The primary aim of the MOU is to develop and implement environmental, community friendly and ethical processes in the copper industry that promote sustainable practices.

The two companies have created procedures to ensure and document the sustainable production of copper along the entire supply chain. They trace the origins of the copper from its extraction at Codelco’s mining sites, through its delivery to and processing at Nexans-owned facilities, and end with its sale on the market. This partnership produced the first “carbon-neutral” shipment of copper cathodes in 2018.

Both Nexans and Codelco are directly and strongly linked within the copper value chain and understand how critical it is for all industry sectors to ensure sustainable and responsible supply chains.”

– Pascal Portevin, Senior Corporate Executive Vice President, International and Operations, Nexans

Copper is one of the planet’s most prized resources. This combined initiative with Codelco reinforces Nexans’ ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. From start to finish, Codelco yields an excellent track record of sustainability and efficiency in extracting the red metal so critical to today’s world.

About Codelco

Based in Santiago and established in 1976, Codelco (Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile or the National Copper Corporation of Chile) is a Chilean state-owned firm and the world’s largest copper miner with 19 percent of global red metal reserves. Codelco is also one of the largest molybdenum producers anywhere with 24,000 tonnes produced in 2018.

About Nexans

Based in Paris, Nexans S.A. is a global firm and one of the largest manufacturers of cable while specializing in the fiber optic sector. Founded in 2000, with a presence in 40 countries Nexans has 26,000 employees and is active in four main business areas: power transmission and distribution, energy resources, transportation and buildings.

About the Copper Alliance®

The Copper Alliance® is a network of regional copper centers and their industry-leading members. It is responsible for guiding policy and strategy and for funding international initiatives and promotional activities. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the organization has offices in three primary regions: Europe, Asia and North America. The Copper Alliance has partnerships and programs in more than 100 countries.

 

ICA Members at the Core of Climate-Smart Mining

February 29, 2020 by

Rio Tinto and Anglo American Join Groundbreaking World Bank Fund

Mining is one of the planet’s most resource-intensive industries, requiring vast amounts of water, energy and other natural raw materials. Yet copper is also critical to clean technology—from electric vehicles and batteries to wind turbines and solar panels—and elemental to a low-carbon future.

The race to mitigate climate change poses a major challenge for the copper industry. According to World Bank officials, by 2050, the rate of extraction and production of minerals must double to sustain current renewable energy requirements. Extracting minerals rapidly, while abating climate change and creating prosperity for host nations and populations, is more important than ever.

On 1 May 2019, International Copper Association (ICA) members Rio Tinto and Anglo American joined the government of the Federal Republic of Germany to become the founding donors of Climate-Smart Mining Facilityof the World Bank, the first fund to support an international expansion of sustainable mining. The mining sector represents 11 percent of global energy use and the Facility will support clean technology use at mines worldwide. Aligned with all UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Facility will assist developing nations hosting metal and mineral reserves that are critical to electricity and the renewable energy transition.

Foundations for Climate Smart Copper

The Climate-Smart Mining initiative follows the publication in 2017 of a World Bank report, The Growing Role of Minerals and Metals in a Low-Carbon Future, which analyzes the role mining plays in a low-carbon energy future. It finds that demand for metals and minerals—including copper, lithium, graphite and nickel—will soar by 2050. Meanwhile, updated 2018 World Bank forecasts indicate this pressure will continue to grow for countries committed to the COP 21 Paris Agreement to keep global carbon emissions beneath a 2° Celsius increase.

The World Bank invested $2 million to establish Climate-Smart Mining and in May 2019, Anglo and Rio committed $1 million each, becoming the first corporate donors of the fund.

The Facility seeks to raise $50 million from the private sector and will deploy its financing over five years to promote the sustainable extraction of minerals and processing of metals. It will work in collaboration with governments, operators and other stakeholders in frontier and emerging market nations. World Bank officials have said they hope automakers and governments—and other miners—will join the initiative.

The World Bank supports a low-carbon transition where mining is climate-smart and value chains are sustainable and green. Developing countries can play a leading role in this transition.”

 – Riccardo Puliti, Head of Energy and Extractives Practice, World Bank

The Facility will assist governments to create strong legal frameworks, policies and regulations to promote sustainable mining and economic growth. It will offer technical advisory support and address the needs of at-risk communities and ecosystems. Climate-Smart Mining will connect researchers from academic institutions with officials from government and private sector organizations to foster the dissemination of information about issues in sustainable mining. It will focus on methods to incorporate clean energy into mining projects, recycle metals and minerals, limit deforestation and utilize geological data.

With their extraction, processing and associated facilities worldwide, Anglo and Rio bring wide-ranging, technical expertise to the initiative.

Anglo’s Smart Energy Angle in Chile

In July, Anglo announced that all of its operations will be powered by renewable energy in approximately two years at its flagship Los Bronces mine as well as its El Soldado and Chagres projects in Chile. In March 2019, Anglo fitted a floating island of solar panels on a tailings pond at the Los Bronces mine to bolster efficiencies at the complex 65 miles (104 km) from Santiago.

With these changes, Anglo will be on track to reduce its total carbon emissions by an estimated 70 percent in Chile.

Mining cannot continue its long path of simply scaling up to supply what the world needs. We need to do things in dramatically different ways if we are to transform our footprint and be valued by all our stakeholders. Our first responsibility is to reduce our energy and water usage and our emissions.”

 – Mark Cutifani, Anglo American CEO

Rio Tinto Kennecott and Climate-Smart Copper

In May, Rio announced that its Kennecott project in Utah will shutter its last existing coal-fired power plant and transition to wind-based power. The change will make the project 100 percent-clean energy driven, slashing its footprint by one million tonnes of carbon dioxide. In all, this move puts the miner on track to meet its 2020 target to reduce carbon emissions intensity by at least 24 percent against a 2008 baseline.

Climate-Smart Mining will encourage developing nations to reuse metals and minerals in an environmentally holistic manner. When it comes to recycling copper, Rio Tinto is ideally poised to offer strategic advice given the output from its highly prolific Kennecott facilities.

Beginning in 2012, Rio Tinto Kennecott started introducing recycled scrap metals, like old copper wiring, into its smelting processes. Now the mine satisfies 15 percent of U.S. copper demand through mined ore and recycling. In 2017, in particular, Kennecott processed 1270 metric tonnes (2.8 million pounds) of copper from recycled scrap, a volume that could yield electrical copper wiring sufficient to fill 6,400 newly constructed homes.

We want to be part of the solution on climate change and the best solutions will come from innovative partnerships across competitors, governments and institutions. We look forward to supporting the Climate-Smart Mining Facility by contributing not just funding but also expertise as a leader in sustainable mining.”

 – Jean-Sebastien Jacques, Rio Tinto CEO

Anglo’s “Forest Smart” Mining in Finland

Metals and minerals often exist in and near forests worldwide and Climate-Smart Mining will prioritize work to protect this valuable ecosystem. The initiative will endeavor to halt deforestation while encouraging sustainable land use and reclamation of abandoned mines.

Anglo has led important innovations in its approach to environmental protection at its Sakatti project, a large copper-nickel-platinum discovery located 150 km (93 miles) north of Finland’s Arctic Circle. All drilling at Sakatti takes place in environmentally sensitive areas. Anglo conducts the drilling during winter months—under close supervision by Finnish regulators—to limit impacts. Experts at Anglo contracted a local company to utilize a closed drilling system to minimize waste discharge and water use.

World Bank researchers cite Anglo as a leader in environmentally sound techniques for its work at Sakatti in the 2019 report, Making Mining Forest Smart. Anglo officials draw on consultations with a strong network of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders to minimize their effects on the local ecosystem. The World Bank report notes Anglo’s extensive partnership with top NGO Flora and Fauna International assists the company in strengthening its biodiversity management on and around the asset.

Rio Tinto’s Techniques for Mapping Copper

Climate-Smart Mining will support the use of geological data to locate minerals, and Rio has developed critical expertise in cutting-edge techniques. In July, Rio subsidiary Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc. began a high-tech airborne survey over northern Saskatchewan’s Wollaston Copperbelt, to identify copper deposits.

Working with a geophysical contractor, Rio used a helicopter-mounted magnet to survey for high-resolution information. This assessment helped to identify high-grade copper layers of sediment to guide drilling at Janice Lake, a copper deposit site in the region.

Society’s expectations of mining have increased and this has now extended into the investment community in an even greater way …. What we are experiencing now is qualitatively different.”

– Arnaud Soirat, Head of Copper and Diamonds, Rio Tinto

With pioneering sustainability practices at their copper mines, facilities and other assets—all pillars of the SDGs—Rio Tinto and Anglo American offer outstanding examples for Climate-Smart Mining. Their funding and leadership have helped set into motion the critical work of this initiative. These ICA members are blazing a trail for other miners to follow in tackling one of the most crucial challenges of our time.

About Anglo American

Anglo American Plc is a diversified multinational mining firm based in London and Johannesburg, South Africa, and is a major copper producer with four red metal mines in Chile. One of the world’s largest miners, it has 69,000 employees and was founded in 1917.

About Rio Tinto

Since its founding in 1873, Rio Tinto Plc has become one of the world’s leading diversified mining multinationals. With headquarters in Melbourne and London, it has 50,000 employees and red metal operations across Australia, Mongolia, Chile, the U.S. and Indonesia.

About the World Bank

The World Bank, part of the World Bank Group, is a global international financial institution headquartered in Washington, D.C., which gives loans to nations pursuing capital projects. In addition to climate mitigation, the Bank’s other focuses include energy access, food security, poverty reduction and other shared prosperity. As of last year, the largest recipients of World Bank loans, spanning a portfolio of 1,200 projects, included India and China.

About Los Bronces

Over 50 percent Anglo American-owned, the Los Bronces copper mine is 20 percent owned by Mitsubishi, and also controlled by Chile’s state-owned Codelco and joint venture (JV) partner Mitsui. Both hold the remaining 29.5 percent stake for the asset, which lies 3,500 meters (2.2 miles) over sea level.

About Rio Tinto Kennecott

Rio Tinto Kennecott is a fully integrated mining operation just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S., and a fully owned unit of Rio Tinto. For more than 110 years, Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine. In addition to Bingham Canyon, the subsidiary possesses other facilities at South Jordan in the Salt Lake Valley.

About The Copper Alliance®

The Copper Alliance is a network of regional copper centers and their industry-leading members. It is responsible for guiding policy and strategy and for funding international initiatives and promotional activities. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the organization has offices in three primary regions: Europe, Asia and North America. The Copper Alliance has partnerships and programs in more than 100 countries.

Building Better: A Guide to Copper in Green and Healthy Buildings

September 16, 2019 by

What material can contribute to green and healthy buildings in 128 different ways?

Copper.

Creating a smart, sustainable world starts with buildings. An impressive and dynamic array of designs, technologies and products are available to support smarter green and healthy buildings. By using copper, the sustainable building community will create structures with features that not only preserve the integrity of the environment but also promote occupant health and wellbeing.

 

Learn How to Get Credit with Copper

From improving air quality to saving water, occupants and owners will benefit from a green and healthy building constructed with copper. With an infinite lifecycle, antimicrobial properties, high electrical conductivity and a dynamic range of uses, copper’s 128 uses in commercial building construction help to achieve one-third of the 420+ credits, features and provisions recognized within LEED version 4, WELL version 1 and ASHRAE 189.1.

The Copper Alliance® released a guide on the essential role copper plays in buildings. This covers everything from electric vehicle charging to solar glare control—with plenty of applications in between.

Learn how to get credit with copper and read the full guide

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Go to Next Page »

Copyright © 2025 · Genesis Sample on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in