An integrated reporting model for pollution mitigation through energy reduction projects

This paper investigates the potential for applying electricity saving projects as a method of reducing the environmental pollution of mines. The study will identify a systematic approach to minimising the mining industry's impact on water and air pollution. A simulation is done to quantify the environmental savings associated with projects done by Energy Services Companies (ESCOs). These savings are then compared to similar projects that have been implemented at mines. Eskom-IDM projects of HVAC International are used as case studies. These electricity and environmental pollution reduction projects are combined into a systematic approach to enhance “green mining”. This study will propose a novel reporting system that consolidates operational ratios that aid ESCOs in identify project potential in an effort to reduce water and air pollution. Significant pollution reduction potential is found and an integrated reporting system is identified. This paper concludes by proposing an online system that can aid governing bodies in monitoring polluting mines. The paper is expanded further and production ratios, which can aid in the identification of project potential, are proposed. The study is limited to water and air pollution as a result of excessive water usage practices on mines in the Witwatersrand region.

[1]  M. Kleingeld,et al.  The effect of peak load shift to off-peak periods on pumping systems , 2011, 2011 Proceedings of the 8th Conference on the Industrial and Commercial Use of Energy.

[2]  John A. Mathews,et al.  Seven steps to curb global warming , 2007 .

[3]  Gumersindo Verdú,et al.  Application of a lumped model for predicting energy performance of a variable-speed vapour compression system , 2010 .

[4]  Jan Corné Vosloo.  A new minimum cost model for water reticulation systems on deep mines , 2008 .

[5]  Gold, Scorched Earth and Water: The Hydropolitics of Development in Johannesburg Paper presented to the Seminar on Water Management in Megacities , 2004 .

[6]  Edward Henry Mathews,et al.  Case study: the effects of a variable flow energy saving strategy on a deep-mine cooling system , 2013 .

[7]  E. Cukrowska,et al.  The chemical characteristics of acid mine drainage with particular reference to sources, distribution and remediation: The Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa as a case study , 2008 .

[8]  H. Hizam,et al.  Mitigating the anthropogenic global warming in the electric power industry , 2012 .

[9]  G. Mudd.  Global trends in gold mining: Towards quantifying environmental and resource sustainability , 2007 .

[10]  T. E. Cloete,et al.  A first order inventory of water use and effluent production by SA industrial, mining and electricity generation sectors. , 2010 .

[11]  J. Durand.  The impact of gold mining on the Witwatersrand on the rivers and karst system of Gauteng and North West Province, South Africa , 2012 .

[12]  Kirsten Halsnæs,et al.  Technical Summary. In Climate change 2007: Mitigation , 2007 .

[13]  Gavin Hilson,et al.  Environmental management system implementation in the mining industry: a key to achieving cleaner production , 2002 .