Identifying and evaluating measures to decarbonise the mining value chain

Summary: The research aims to identify pathways for decarbonising the mining value chain in South Africa. First, the most carbon-intensive processes in existing mining operations are identified. Second, technology options for the country’s decarbonisation efforts are assessed. This involves assessing mining and transport technologies that can reduce emissions, and energy consumption patterns within the value chain, particularly focusing on coal, gold, and platinum minerals operations. Also, this study evaluates emissions across the entire mining value chain, including extraction, refining and downstream manufacturing, based on the extent of available data. Third, current government policies and the regulatory environment affecting mining companies’ decarbonisation decisions are examined. This includes carbon pricing, energy regulations, and climate strategies. Building on this analysis, as a fourth lever, the study will briefly outline the costs and risks of failing to
decarbonise the value chain through the the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment System (SEIAS) methodology, both in terms of its contribution to the climate crisis and the potential economic and operational impacts. Furthermore, this research investigates the extent to which integrating renewable energy sources into high-carbon processes to reduce reliance on fossil fuels is feasible. Ultimately, the objective is to formulate policy recommendations that enable a decarbonised mining value chain while ensuring economic competitiveness within the global mining market, energy security, and socioeconomic stability.

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