Giant diamond miner, Debswana Mining Company has a suite of ambitious green and renewable energy initiatives through which it aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. The company recently launched all-electric vehicle project as part of its ongoing efforts to achieve zero emissions in its mining operations within the next decade. Botswana Guardian reporter Isaac Pheko spoke to the miner.
DEBSWANA’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE PROJECT
BG: Can you provide an update on the implementation and progress of the full electric car recently launched at the Orapa Letlhakane mine?
Debswana: Debswana has deployed electric vehicles at its Orapa, Letlhakane, and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) and Jwaneng Mine as a trial to test the capability of electric vehicles against the tough and rugged mining terrain.
This is an effort to explore sustainable alternatives to the use of diesel in our operations, a key decarbonisation initiative that would significantly contribute towards the achievement of our 2030 carbon neutral ambition.
The electric vehicles are strategically used in different terrains to fully explore their capabilities, reliability, and suitability in replacing traditional combustion engine vehicles. A monthly performance report is produced to evaluate these vehicles, and so far, the feedback from various users has been positive. A comprehensive review of performance will be conducted by the end of 2024 to inform the business direction and pathway regarding electric vehicles.
BG: How has the introduction of electric vehicles impacted operations and sustainability goals so far?
Debswana: Electric vehicles have positively changed the mindset of many within our operations toward climate change. Awareness of the impacts of climate change has increased, and there is a noticeable improvement in understanding the need to transition to electric vehicles. Electric vehicles offer health-related benefits, as they emit no diesel particulates during operation, preventing air pollution, and produce no noise pollution. They therefore contribute positively to our occupational hygiene objectives by eliminating exposure to harmful emissions for our workforce. The greatest impact of electric vehicles on our decarbonisation goals will be realised once these vehicles are rolled out across the organisation following the trial's completion.
BG: Could you elaborate on how the electric vehicle is being powered by existing solar power systems and its impact on reducing diesel consumption costs?
Debswana: Rooftop solar installations across our operations are used to power our electric vehicles, and appropriate charging infrastructure has been set up. Using renewable electricity to charge these vehicles ensures that there are no carbon emissions associated with their use, thereby positively contributing to our decarbonisation drive.
DEBSWANA’S FUTURE GOALS AND STRATEGIES
BG: What are Debswana's specific targets for reducing carbon emissions by 2030?
Debswana: Debswana is committed to being carbon neutral by 2030. Our aim is to reduce our carbon emissions to the lowest possible levels and offset residual emissions.
BG: How does Debswana plan to achieve its goal of being carbon neutral across operations by 2030?
Debswana: Debswana's decarbonisation strategy prioritises the following:
1. Reducing energy intensity: We are implementing various energy efficiency initiatives across the business to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions. 2. Replacing fossil fuels and fossil electricity: We are exploring and deploying green alternatives to diesel and expanding renewable electricity projects in partnership with key stakeholders. 3. Recovering carbon emissions: We are developing plans to offset residual emissions that cannot be eliminated through other measures.
BG: Can you outline the key focus areas and strategies Debswana is employing to reduce energy intensity and transition to green alternative fuels?
Debswana: To reduce energy intensity, we are implementing several initiatives. For diesel, we are using high-performance engines in trucks, cycle time management, payload management, and biodiesel. For electricity, initiatives include using variable speed and soft starter drives on large motors, replacing standard efficiency motors with premium efficiency motors, managing plant idle time, using LED lights, and replacing scrubbers with pulping chutes.
BG: Regarding the implementation timeline for carbon emission reduction initiatives, could you provide insights into the progress made according to the timeline shared in the provided documentation?
Debswana: Planned initiatives are progressing well. However, challenges have been encountered regarding the techno-economic viability of certain technologies, such as large-scale energy storage and hydrogen.
DEBSWANA PARTNERSHIP AND STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION
BG: How does Debswana plan to leverage partnerships, particularly with government institutions and other stakeholders, to accelerate its green energy initiatives?
Debswana: Effective partnerships are critical to accelerating our green energy initiatives. Current collaborations include the Project Energy Development Unit (PEDU) on securing renewable energy through the national Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) on solar energy projects, the University of Botswana and Botswana Oil on biodiesel, and BITRI on electric vehicles.
BG: Can you discuss the role of collaboration with institutions such as BPC and the University of Botswana in achieving Debswana's sustainability goals?
Debswana: BPC is currently developing solar projects in the country, including 100MW in Selebi Phikwe and 100MW in Jwaneng. A memorandum of understanding has been established to facilitate the purchase of renewable power from BPC by Debswana. The University of Botswana is partnering with us on biodiesel developments, with successful trials in mining equipment significantly reducing emissions. We are exploring the upscaling of this initiative.
EVALUATION AND MONITORING OF GREEN PROJECTS
BG: How does Debswana measure and evaluate the effectiveness of its green energy initiatives and carbon emission reduction strategies?
Debswana: We have developed Key Performance Indicators to track the performance of all initiatives against targets. Efficiency tracking for each site is monitored and reported monthly, with mitigation measures implemented for deviating parameters. Additionally, key risks that could prevent the organisation from meeting its objectives and targets (carbon neutrality by 2030) have been identified. A priority unwanted events report is produced monthly to constantly monitor the risk profile against active controls.
BG: Are there any challenges or obstacles encountered in implementing these initiatives, and how is Debswana addressing them?
Debswana: The time left until 2030 means that the rate of execution and impact must be high. Some technological advancements, like hydrogen, which are mapped in our pathway to achieve 24 percent abatement, are still in their infancy.
To address these challenges, Debswana has taken the following measures:
• Resourcing its structures with a technology manager to continuously scout for emerging technologies and profile them for application by the company. • Regularly engaging with BPC on deliverables of the MoU.
BG: What mechanisms are in place to ensure compliance with sustainability targets and continuous improvement in environmental performance?
Debswana: Sustainability has been integrated into business performance and incorporated into management scorecards and individual performance contracts. This ensures strict compliance with objectives and targets.
FUTURE OUTLOOK OF THE DEBSWANA GREEN INITIATIVE
BG: Looking ahead, what are the next steps or upcoming projects in Debswana's journey towards achieving total decarbonisation and sustainability?
Debswana: There are several large projects aimed at extending the lifespan of our operations with high climate action requirements. The Cut 3 project in Orapa is expected to bring equipment with thorough energy efficiency and power consumption considerations, including haulage trucks, buildings adhering to green building council standards, and trolley assist powered by renewables.
The Jwaneng Underground Project (JUP) carries similar priorities, ensuring that energy efficiency requirements are embedded in all project phases. Additionally, Debswana continues to scout for and embrace new emerging technologies to decarbonise its operations and develop resilience in the face of climate change. With 1.2MW of installed solar capacity already in place, there is an opportunity to further upscale solar installations to reduce reliance on fossil electricity.
BG: How does Debswana plan to stay at the forefront of green technology adoption and innovation in the mining industry?
Debswana: Debswana has established a dedicated climate action structure staffed with suitably qualified and technically competent individuals. The core team has enrolled in the Certified Energy Manager training, an international course that ensures alignment with emerging and global trends.
DEBSWANA’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE PROJECT
BG: Can you provide an update on the implementation and progress of the full electric car recently launched at the Orapa Letlhakane mine?
Debswana: Debswana has deployed electric vehicles at its Orapa, Letlhakane, and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) and Jwaneng Mine as a trial to test the capability of electric vehicles against the tough and rugged mining terrain.
This is an effort to explore sustainable alternatives to the use of diesel in our operations, a key decarbonisation initiative that would significantly contribute towards the achievement of our 2030 carbon neutral ambition.
The electric vehicles are strategically used in different terrains to fully explore their capabilities, reliability, and suitability in replacing traditional combustion engine vehicles. A monthly performance report is produced to evaluate these vehicles, and so far, the feedback from various users has been positive. A comprehensive review of performance will be conducted by the end of 2024 to inform the business direction and pathway regarding electric vehicles.
BG: How has the introduction of electric vehicles impacted operations and sustainability goals so far?
Debswana: Electric vehicles have positively changed the mindset of many within our operations toward climate change. Awareness of the impacts of climate change has increased, and there is a noticeable improvement in understanding the need to transition to electric vehicles. Electric vehicles offer health-related benefits, as they emit no diesel particulates during operation, preventing air pollution, and produce no noise pollution. They therefore contribute positively to our occupational hygiene objectives by eliminating exposure to harmful emissions for our workforce. The greatest impact of electric vehicles on our decarbonisation goals will be realised once these vehicles are rolled out across the organisation following the trial's completion.
BG: Could you elaborate on how the electric vehicle is being powered by existing solar power systems and its impact on reducing diesel consumption costs?
Debswana: Rooftop solar installations across our operations are used to power our electric vehicles, and appropriate charging infrastructure has been set up. Using renewable electricity to charge these vehicles ensures that there are no carbon emissions associated with their use, thereby positively contributing to our decarbonisation drive.
DEBSWANA’S FUTURE GOALS AND STRATEGIES
BG: What are Debswana's specific targets for reducing carbon emissions by 2030?
Debswana: Debswana is committed to being carbon neutral by 2030. Our aim is to reduce our carbon emissions to the lowest possible levels and offset residual emissions.
BG: How does Debswana plan to achieve its goal of being carbon neutral across operations by 2030?
Debswana: Debswana's decarbonisation strategy prioritises the following:
1. Reducing energy intensity: We are implementing various energy efficiency initiatives across the business to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions. 2. Replacing fossil fuels and fossil electricity: We are exploring and deploying green alternatives to diesel and expanding renewable electricity projects in partnership with key stakeholders. 3. Recovering carbon emissions: We are developing plans to offset residual emissions that cannot be eliminated through other measures.
BG: Can you outline the key focus areas and strategies Debswana is employing to reduce energy intensity and transition to green alternative fuels?
Debswana: To reduce energy intensity, we are implementing several initiatives. For diesel, we are using high-performance engines in trucks, cycle time management, payload management, and biodiesel. For electricity, initiatives include using variable speed and soft starter drives on large motors, replacing standard efficiency motors with premium efficiency motors, managing plant idle time, using LED lights, and replacing scrubbers with pulping chutes.
BG: Regarding the implementation timeline for carbon emission reduction initiatives, could you provide insights into the progress made according to the timeline shared in the provided documentation?
Debswana: Planned initiatives are progressing well. However, challenges have been encountered regarding the techno-economic viability of certain technologies, such as large-scale energy storage and hydrogen.
DEBSWANA PARTNERSHIP AND STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION
BG: How does Debswana plan to leverage partnerships, particularly with government institutions and other stakeholders, to accelerate its green energy initiatives?
Debswana: Effective partnerships are critical to accelerating our green energy initiatives. Current collaborations include the Project Energy Development Unit (PEDU) on securing renewable energy through the national Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) on solar energy projects, the University of Botswana and Botswana Oil on biodiesel, and BITRI on electric vehicles.
BG: Can you discuss the role of collaboration with institutions such as BPC and the University of Botswana in achieving Debswana's sustainability goals?
Debswana: BPC is currently developing solar projects in the country, including 100MW in Selebi Phikwe and 100MW in Jwaneng. A memorandum of understanding has been established to facilitate the purchase of renewable power from BPC by Debswana. The University of Botswana is partnering with us on biodiesel developments, with successful trials in mining equipment significantly reducing emissions. We are exploring the upscaling of this initiative.
EVALUATION AND MONITORING OF GREEN PROJECTS
BG: How does Debswana measure and evaluate the effectiveness of its green energy initiatives and carbon emission reduction strategies?
Debswana: We have developed Key Performance Indicators to track the performance of all initiatives against targets. Efficiency tracking for each site is monitored and reported monthly, with mitigation measures implemented for deviating parameters. Additionally, key risks that could prevent the organisation from meeting its objectives and targets (carbon neutrality by 2030) have been identified. A priority unwanted events report is produced monthly to constantly monitor the risk profile against active controls.
BG: Are there any challenges or obstacles encountered in implementing these initiatives, and how is Debswana addressing them?
Debswana: The time left until 2030 means that the rate of execution and impact must be high. Some technological advancements, like hydrogen, which are mapped in our pathway to achieve 24 percent abatement, are still in their infancy.
To address these challenges, Debswana has taken the following measures:
• Resourcing its structures with a technology manager to continuously scout for emerging technologies and profile them for application by the company. • Regularly engaging with BPC on deliverables of the MoU.
BG: What mechanisms are in place to ensure compliance with sustainability targets and continuous improvement in environmental performance?
Debswana: Sustainability has been integrated into business performance and incorporated into management scorecards and individual performance contracts. This ensures strict compliance with objectives and targets.
FUTURE OUTLOOK OF THE DEBSWANA GREEN INITIATIVE
BG: Looking ahead, what are the next steps or upcoming projects in Debswana's journey towards achieving total decarbonisation and sustainability?
Debswana: There are several large projects aimed at extending the lifespan of our operations with high climate action requirements. The Cut 3 project in Orapa is expected to bring equipment with thorough energy efficiency and power consumption considerations, including haulage trucks, buildings adhering to green building council standards, and trolley assist powered by renewables.
The Jwaneng Underground Project (JUP) carries similar priorities, ensuring that energy efficiency requirements are embedded in all project phases. Additionally, Debswana continues to scout for and embrace new emerging technologies to decarbonise its operations and develop resilience in the face of climate change. With 1.2MW of installed solar capacity already in place, there is an opportunity to further upscale solar installations to reduce reliance on fossil electricity.
BG: How does Debswana plan to stay at the forefront of green technology adoption and innovation in the mining industry?
Debswana: Debswana has established a dedicated climate action structure staffed with suitably qualified and technically competent individuals. The core team has enrolled in the Certified Energy Manager training, an international course that ensures alignment with emerging and global trends.
