Solving the Mining Energy Challenge with Secure and Affordable Renewable Power

Faced with rising energy costs and supply constraints, mines are actively seeking the lowest cost and most stable resource to power remote and grid-tied operations. The 2nd annual Renewables and Mining Summit will bring together senior managers and engineering experts from the global mining sector with energy solutions providers to discuss options for meeting mining’s energy challenges. It provides the essential meeting place for the global mining industry and the renewable energy sector to network and explore project opportunities.


Day 2 - October 16th

7.45
RING OF FIRE BREAKFAST BRIEFING: ENERGY OPTIONS FOR MINES AND POTENTIAL COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Ontario’s Ring of Fire is a 5000 square kilometer expanse with significant deposits of nickel, copper and chromite in a very isolated part of the province. The region has no electricity infrastructure and local First Nations communities are eager to get off diesel-power with some favouring renewables. What role can renewables play in helping drive socio-economic benefits for First Nations communities and providing affordable power for mining operations? Using the Ring of Fire as a case study, this session will examine how energy choices can help build social license to operate and secure energy costs for remote operations.

7.45
RING OF FIRE OVERVIEW: BUILDING SOCIAL LICENSE AND EXPLORING POWER OPTIONS FOR MINES

Christine Kaszycki, Ring of Fire Coordinator, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

8.05
CURRENT INSIGHT FROM LOCAL FIRST NATIONS RESIDENTS ON MINING AND POWER INFRASTRUCTURE

Paul Seccaspina, CEO, Oraclepoll Research

Oraclepoll Research recently conducted a poll with 200 individuals living on First Nations reserves in the Ring of Fire to understand:

Local stakeholder views on energy options for Northern Ontario
Trade-offs and support for mining operations adjacent to their communities
The appetite for mines that provide renewable power for First Nations communities

8.20
PANEL DISCUSSION: WILL RENEWABLES PLAY A ROLE IN POWERING NEW MINES IN THE RING OF FIRE?

Chair: Chris Benedetti, Principal, Sussex Strategy Group

Jason Rasevych, Economic Development Advisor, Matawa First Nations Management

Moe Lavigne, Vice President Exploration & Development, KWG Resources

Gil Lawson, Vice President, Operational Support, GoldCorp

What initial energy plans have mining companies developed to power their operations?

How are mines exploring the role renewables could play in reducing diesel or supplementing grid power if a transmission line is built?

What impact would integrating renewables have on relations with First Nations communities?

What sort of opportunities are there for building partnerships with First Nations on energy infrastructure and how would this build license to operate?

Insight from mines that have partnered with First Nations communities on energy infrastructure

What would it take for renewables to be part of the energy solution for Ring of Fire mines?