At the International Mining and Resources Conference and Expo (IMARC) in Sydney, mining executives are focused on decarbonisation challenges and digital solutions and collaborations to reshape the mining industry.
Yesterday (day two), Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia CEO Rebecca Tomkinson spoke on a panel about collaborative ways to support the energy transition.
“We don’t save the climate by not having industry in our nation,” she says.
“Indeed, we accelerate the problem. The price of electricity has doubled in the last three years in the West Australian context. Already the operating model is costing you more at a time when commodity prices are being compressed.”
Mining giant BHP’s (ASX:BHP) approach to decarbonisation featured prominently during the panel discussion, with insights from head of strategic service Gabrielle Sycamore and Vice President of procurement Sebastian Greco.
Sycamore framed the transition as an “existential opportunity and challenge” for the industry, highlighting the importance of engaging with communities, specifically traditional owners.
Meanwhile, Greco pointed to BHP’s targets of cutting emissions by 30% and reaching net zero by 2050.
“This transition will require more effort, more collaboration, and more investment,” Greco says.
“We estimate that a multi-billion-dollar spend is required to execute our operational plans for the next five years.”
BHP’s plans include transitioning to renewable energy, testing zero-emission trucks, and partnering with equipment manufacturers to expedite technology adoption.
In parallel, at IMARC yesterday there was a wide-ranging discussion focused on how partnerships and advanced technology drives productivity, improves safety, and supports ambitious decarbonisation goals.
Executive Vice President of Hexagon Mining Dave Goddard opened the session on the Middle East’s ‘first digital gold mine’ — the Mansourah-Massarah Project.
The project integrates advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability, as part of Saudi Arabia’s vision to modernise the mining sector and boost domestic gold production.
Goddard spoke about the value of early planning and collaborating to build a fully digital operation.
“We can sit down and be very clear about where the value proposition is, how to reduce dilution, and how to optimise the value of the asset in the ground,” he says.
Goddard adds that there is an urgency for mining companies to see digital tools as part of a lasting partnership rather than a ‘one-off’ transaction.
Meanwhile, Ma’aden Executive Vice President of base metals and new minerals Duncan Bradford spoke about the company’s partnership with Hexagon and how it has brought essential digital capabilities to Saudi Arabia.
“We need to work with Hexagon to help us bring that technology and automation into Saudi,” Bradford says.
Both companies are focused on a long-term, collaborative approach.
IMARC is a premier gathering attracting over 9,000 delegates from more than 120 countries. Mining.com.au is in attendance and will be providing updates.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: IMARC
