ABB: Mining Sector 'Confident' of Path to Decarbonisation

Industries such as smartphones, automobiles, solar panels and even cleaning products all rely heavily on the resources extracted through mining.

This significant sector iis responsible for as much as 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, the process of extracting these essential minerals often results in severe ecological damage including the overuse of water, destruction of habitats and depletion of natural resources.

Despite these challenges, the raw materials derived from mining are crucial for advancing our sustainable energy objectives.

Fortunately, a hopeful vision for reducing the carbon footprint of this essential industry is emerging.

A report from ABB reveals that an impressive 70% of mining leaders are optimistic that decarbonisation can be achieved using existing technologies.

“There is real excitement among business leaders about the role they are playing in supporting the green energy transition and they are taking the issue of mining’s impact on our environment seriously,” says Max Luedtke, Global Business Line Manager for Mining at ABB Process Industries. 

“We see this in the successful roll-out and progress towards sustainability targets, the willingness to invest to reach these goals and the availability of technology that can make real progress, now. 

“However, we must not think it is ‘job done’. A significant minority are struggling to meet their goals.”

Confidence among mining leaders

ABB conducted a survey of 412 mining leaders and experts across 18 countries, aiming to gauge the industry's sustainability progress.

It found that a solid majority, 70%, are confident that significant decarbonisation of mining activities is achievable with the technologies currently at their disposal.

Furthermore, 77% of these leaders recognise electrification, automation and digital innovations as key drivers of transformative change.

Looking at their sustainability targets for 2030, 15% are very confident of success, with an additional 52% fairly confident.

Confidence levels increase for the 2050 targets, with 48% feeling very confident.

The survey also demonstrates optimism for the near future, with more than half of the respondents expecting significant or complete transformations of their mining operations within five years.

As well as this, 81% are aiming for an evolution or transformation of their operational practices.

Challenges to sustainable mining

However, there are hurdles to overcome.

ABB highlights that 44% of surveyed leaders identify a lack of expertise and skills as a significant impediment to their decarbonisation efforts.

Additionally, 46% point to the risk of operational disruptions as a major barrier to sustainable transformation.

Nearly three-quarters of the leaders surveyed believe that a fresh approach to technology and risk management is necessary for mining transformation.

Although the transition to greener technologies will increase the demand for mined resources, 73% view this as an opportunity for the industry.

ABB’s role in supporting sustainable mining

With more than 130 years of industry experience, ABB uses its holistic eMine framework to provide sustainable mining solutions that support all-electric operations, from initial design to ongoing service.

According to ABB, electrifying every truck in every mine would prevent approximately 198,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions daily.

Anke Hampel, Group Head of Sustainability at ABB, says: “ABB with its leading electrification and automation technologies has always helped its customers to run at high performance and become more productive, efficient and sustainable so they can outperform.​​​​​​​

“ABB's new brand positioning sums up perfectly how we are helping to tackle our customers' challenges. I am proud to be part of this effort as at ABB, everything we do is Engineered to Outrun.”

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