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Net Zero Emission Mining

Addressing the challenge of emissions reduction in Western Australia’s mining industry.

The Challenge

This strategic focus area aims to reduce the carbon footprint, lower overall energy costs and improve the energy efficiency of the Western Australian mining sector through harnessing collective efforts, enabling decarbonisation to become an opportunity for the sector, not a cost.

Context

With a global shift towards decarbonisation, the need for mineral resources to support the energy transition places Western Australia at the forefront of a significant economic opportunity.

Western Australia supplies the minerals used for wind and solar energy generation, electric vehicles, and battery storage which will enable the international community to achieve the Paris Agreement goals of net zero emissions by 2050.

With this opportunity also comes a challenge, in ensuring new and increased demand for these resources meets rising environmental, social and governance (ESG) expectations and does not negatively impact on the competitiveness of the mining sector.

Innovation is needed for our mining sector to capture this opportunity, develop new ways of working and transform how energy is generated and used. The lead time to new technology development and deployment means preparations need to start now.

Current Activities

M10447 – Wetland in a Box (EnphytoBox®) – a smart water treatment system to support the decarbonisation of water in mining
M10443 – Stationary Mine Electrification (FBI CRC)
M0533u – Assessment, design and operation of battery-supported electric mining vehicles and machinery (FBI CRC)