The 5th Energy Transition & Emission Reduction Summit for the Metals and Mining Industry took place in Helsinki, Finland, on June 11-12, 2024. Industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders gathered to discuss reducing emissions and decarbonizing the sector. The summit focused on environmental responsibility and sustainability. It provided a platform for debates, practical examples, and creative ideas to promote a greener future.
The two-day 5th Energy Transition & Emission Reduction Summit covered many topics. These included planning to achieve net zero goals and exploring the links between sustainability, ESG, and biodiversity. Attendees participated in workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions to share knowledge and collaborate with peers. This article will summarize the event’s highlights and their value. So, let’s dive in
Sessions At The 5th Energy Transition & Emission Reduction Summit
The 5th Energy Transition & Emission Reduction Summit included a wide range of carefully selected sessions. They were aimed at addressing the most important issues and prospects confronting the mining and metals sector. This was in its efforts to reduce emissions and become more carbon neutral. So let’s examine them in more detail:
The road to transition for the minerals sector: Value chain mapping & cooperation
Dr. Aurela SHTIZA, Director of Industrial Affairs & Raw Materials at the Industrial Minerals Association (IMA-Europe), provided valuable insights in this session. The session delved into mapping current emission levels across mineral companies in the EU, aligning targets with industry standards and global sustainability goals, incorporating NET Zero targets into company-driven initiatives, and encouraging employee involvement in achieving NET Zero targets.
Energy & Mines: Establishing an effective alignment with green energy transition (GET)
Rasmus BLOMQVIST, Managing Director at Grafintec Oy, explored implementing solar, wind, or hydropower solutions for sustainable energy production. Furthermore, the session explored partnerships with green energy providers, evaluating opportunities for integrating renewable energy sources in mining operations and negotiating sustainable energy supply agreements for mining operations.
Battery Immersion Cooling: A way to improve cooling and ensure safety of battery electric equipment
Pierre CHAPELOT, Product & Application Development Engineer at TotalEnergies, discussed the concept and advantages of immersion cooling for batteries at the 5th Energy Transition & Emission Reduction Summit. It includes improved safety and cooling efficiency. He also covered the implementation of immersion cooling in battery electric vehicles and proof of concepts and lessons learned from real-world applications.
The Grid Accessibility & Demand Management
Adina GEORGESCU, Energy & Climate Change Director at Eurometaux, addressed identifying challenges and opportunities related to grid accessibility, smart grid solutions, and their impact on demand management. The speaker also covered strategies for effective demand planning and management and for enhancing the resilience and reliability of the power grid.
EU Critical Raw Materials Act: sprint legislation with ultra-marathon expectations in a global race
Kacper CHMIELEWSKI, Director of the Sustainable Mining Initiative at Euromines, discussed the European way of regulation and adaptation, the current political reality of merging the EU Green Deal with the EU Industrial Deal, the Critical Raw Materials Act and safeguarding Strategic Autonomy, and implementation and next steps, including Strategic Projects and license to operate.
CiDRA’s path as a solution provider for the minerals processing industry
Urs PENNANEN, Senior VP of Corporate Customers at Fortum, introduced CiDRA’s new solutions for the minerals processing industry. These include SONAR flow monitoring for better production control, CYCLONEtrac PST for real-time particle size tracking to enhance grinding efficiency and metal production, and P29 separation tech for grinding larger particles. Furthermore, these innovations boost throughput by over 40%, save energy, and improve water recovery.
Towards carbon-free production of strategic minerals
Ivar S. FOSSUM, CEO of Nordic Mining ASA, discussed the company’s journey towards carbon-free production of strategic minerals, including the stages of development for a new rutile mine, teaming up with nature to minimize environmental impact and the focus on sustainability throughout the mining process.
Outokumpu accelerating green transition across industries
Heidi Peltonen, the VP of Sustainability at Outokumpu explained how stainless steel helps speed up the green transition. She showed Outokumpu’s work in cutting its carbon footprint. Their carbon footprint is 75% lower than the industry average. They achieve this through recycling and have ambitious climate goals that match the 1.5-degree scenario. Moreover, the session at the 5th Energy Transition & Emission Reduction Summit emphasized key technologies needed for a green and just transition, as well as the importance of partnerships and innovations on this journey.
Innovative solutions to improve production and energy efficiency at concentrators
Esko Tahkola is the Business Development Manager for Europe at CiDRA Minerals Processing Inc. Furthermore, the speaker presented new ideas to improve production and save energy at concentrators. He also discussed CiDRA’s advanced technologies.
How the Mining Industry can be a Leader in a Low Carbon Future
The energy consultant Andrew COOPER of Brucejack Mine, Newmont Corporation, and SYNERGISE discussed how the mining sector may take the lead in a low-carbon future. He underlined how important metals and minerals are to the energy shift, especially in the manufacture of batteries for solar panels, electric cars, and gearbox lines. The speaker did, however, emphasize the significance of ethical mining methods in light of the growing emphasis on sustainability among investors and stakeholders.
Panel Discussion: Future financing and investments needed for creating green infrastructure
The panel discussion covered current trends in green financing. It looked at new financing models. It also made predictions of financing for green infrastructure. Additionally, it talked about developing sustainable and resilient green infrastructures.
Addressing Scope 3 Emissions in the mining value chain – the case study of nickel
Pablo Rodríguez Domínguez is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Sustainability Specialist at the Nickel Institute. He discussed finding different sources of Scope 3 emissions in the mining value chain. Furthermore, the speaker emphasized the need to measure Scope 3 emissions with a life cycle assessment. He also talked about ways to reduce the carbon footprint of mining operations. Additionally, he stressed the importance of following regulations related to Scope 3 emissions at the 5th Energy Transition & Emission Reduction Summit.
Energy-efficient and intelligent mining machinery
Tatiana MINAV, Associate Professor at Tampere University, presented the state-of-the-art electrification and automation of off-road mobile machinery, highlighting impact assessments from ongoing research in this field.
Upgrading underground mine cooling & ventilation systems
The vendor session explored cutting-edge ventilation technologies for underground mines, such as the integration of smart control systems for efficient and automated ventilation, challenges and innovations in deploying effective chilled water solutions, and the adoption of energy-efficient cooling technologies to reduce power consumption and improve operational efficiency.
Practices on carbon-neutral steel with hydrogen, Challenges in Supply chain ahead
Prasanta K MISHRA, Managing Director of LIBERTY Steel Group, discussed practices for achieving carbon-neutral steel production. This is using hydrogen as a fuel source and the challenges associated with this transition, particularly in the supply chain.
Energy Transition needs: more metals, lower costs, sustainable impact
Douglas Morrison, President and CEO of the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation (CEMI), spoke about the need for more metals for renewable energy. Furthermore, he conveyed these metals are important for growing new energy technologies and infrastructure. He also stressed the need to cut costs and reduce the environmental impact of mining at the 5th Energy Transition & Emission Reduction Summit.
Working on the de-carbonization of raw materials: the use of circular economy on the automotive value chain for steel
Ernesto Barceló, ESG Corporate Director at Gestamp, discussed using circular economy principles in the automotive value chain for steel production. Moreover, the speaker focused on ways to reduce carbon emissions from raw materials and lower the industry’s carbon footprint.
Small Modular Reactors for Mining Applications
Diane Cameron from the Nuclear Energy Agency discussed Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for mining operations. She highlighted that SMRs, including smaller versions, are more cost-effective than traditional diesel generators in remote mining sites. Furthermore, the NEA analysis showed they offer a 31% savings in electricity costs on a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) basis. Moreover, the speaker emphasized that SMRs not only reduce emissions but also lower operating expenses. Mining vital minerals like cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements depend on this. Additionally, she emphasized the need for SMRs in the shift to greener energy sources at the 5th Energy Transition & Emission Reduction Summit.
Additionally, a case study was presented by Olli SALMI, Senior Advisor, D.Sc. (Tech) at Suomen Malmijalostus Oy – Finnish Minerals Group. Now let’s get to know about the sponsors for the event ahead.
Who Were The Sponsors At The Summit?
Major players in the business showed their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability by sponsoring the 5th Energy Transition & Emission Reduction Summit. So, let’s take a look:
TotalEnergies Lubrifiants – Silver Sponsor
TotalEnergies Lubrifiants is a top global company that makes and sells lubricants. It operates directly in 160 countries and supplies more than 600 mines every day. The company offers new, high-quality, and eco-friendly products and services. These help mining customers lower their carbon footprint and reduce overall costs.
TotalEnergies Lubrifiants demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and innovation by serving as a silver sponsor. So, as the mining sector transitions to a more environmentally friendly future, the firm hopes to be a vital partner.
CiDRA – Bronze Sponsor
CiDRA showcased its passion for ingenuity and innovation in developing industry-specific product solutions for mines worldwide. The company demonstrated its expertise in improving recovery, process optimization, and reliability with a range of products, including the industry-standard SONARtrac® process technology for flow and entrained air measurements, and the world-class CYCLONEtracTM grind management technology that provides particle size measurements from individual cyclones.
As a bronze sponsor, CiDRA emphasized how its innovative technology and solutions have improved the mining sector and created a more sustainable and productive mining ecosystem.
Fortum – Bronze Sponsor
The goal of the Nordic energy company Fortum is to fuel a sustainable future for individuals, companies, and the environment. One of the cleanest energy suppliers in Europe, Fortum, based its choices on ambitious environmental targets. The company reliably produces and delivers sustainable energy, enabling businesses to grow and reduce their carbon footprint.
By demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, efficient power generation, and a consistent supply of energy as a bronze sponsor, Fortum established itself as a vital partner in the mining industry’s shift to a more ecologically friendly future.
To Sum Up
The 5th Energy Transition & Emission Reduction Summit for the Metals and Mining Industry was a resounding success. It focused on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector in the future. Furthermore, the summit encouraged people to adopt sustainable practices. It inspired attendees to make changes that will help protect the environment. This event aimed to create a future where metals and mining are more environmentally friendly.
Meetings like this are important. They help people talk about these issues and find new ideas. They bring together groups to work towards a mining industry that cares about the environment and society. So, the industry’s future will surely be shaped by the ideas and tactics shared, establishing it as a frontrunner in the worldwide endeavor to slow down climate change and protect the environment for future generations. If you want to attend such events, make sure to look out for future mining events!
