Can sustainable formal mining that reduces environmental pollution be ensured?

Did you know that formal mining in our country is one of the main sources of economic income? In 2022, this sector represented approximately 15% of GDP, according to Central Bank figures. Ministry of Energy and Mines. In addition, Peru is a major producer of metals and minerals such as gold, copper, silver, lead, zinc, iron, tin, molybdenum, and others.

In that line, Mining companies They have an important role in ensuring the sustainability of this activity and in decarbonizing the economy on a global scale. That is, reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere to reduce environmental pollution. In fact, in 2016, in Paris AgreementOur country is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the national level in the sectors of energy, industry, transportation, forestry and agriculture.

he “MINSOS PROJECT: The Regional Cooperation for the Sustainable Management of Mining Resources in the Andean Countries notes that with the signing of this agreement it is demonstrated that “the mining sector in the Andean countries has the potential to contribute to economic and social growth and to achieving significant environmental development.” To promote sustainable development and in line with the requirements of the region 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda“.

Renewable energies to reduce environmental impact

It is important to remember that the energy sector feeds the mining sector. Therefore, “it is essential to provide a reliable, safe and flexible supply of energy for its operations, preferably from renewable sources, such as hydropower, solar and wind,” said Jorge Gimac, Business Development Manager at ISA REP.

In this context, Juan Manuel Lopez, Commercial Director of Statcraft Generator Peru, says, “Both sectors can work on measures that optimize electricity consumption in mining operations and implement energy solutions tailored to each need, such as Energy efficiencycharging centers for electric mobility, self-generation, Peak shaving“, among other things.”

Below, we tell you about some of the initiatives Renewable energy The National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy (SNMPE) has highlighted:

1. Statecraft: Sell ​​and certify renewable energy to customers for free, from the Statkraft generator. This is part of a trend in mineral and mineral buyer markets to demand from producing mining companies certifications and information about the traceability of the mineral so that it is produced using clean energy and with lower carbon emissions.

2. Southern Peak Mining Company LP: In 2020, this mining company, which operates the Condestable mine, became the first mining company in Peru to obtain renewable energy certificates: it signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Statkraft Perú, which will allow it to obtain 18 MW per year until 2033 for electricity supply.

3. This old one: In 2021, this mining company partnered with Engie Energía Perú and implemented renewable energy systems that cover a significant portion of the mine’s electrical needs. With this, it became the first mining company in Peru to use 100% renewable energy provided by the Punta Lomitas wind power plant in Ica. SNMPE highlights that this sets a precedent for other mining companies in the country.

4. Enel: The energy supplier has positioned itself as an attractive option for the mining industry. In addition to energy saving, it offers electric mobility solutions for the industrial sector, such as installing electric chargers from 7 kW to 300 kW, which can be used for small units for heavy loads.

There is a need for clear support between the public and private sectors

Statkraft believes that changing the energy matrix to one that does not pollute as much, through private initiative, is not enough. “It also requires greater State support To expedite the processes of land acquisition, permits, easements, etc. in electricity generation and transmission projects.

ISA REP representative, Jorge Güímac, adds that work must be done on two main factors: “improving the management of social and environmental impacts so that everyone can the owners “Stakeholders realize the great benefit that new generation and transmission projects bring, and are adapting legislation so that competition is generated between renewable and conventional energy sources.”

SNMPE points out that across these projects, it is clear that there are many mining units being used Conventional renewable energiessuch as those resulting from hydroelectric power plants, and non-conventional ones, such as those resulting from solar and wind power plants.