In this episode of Mining Green, Brett speaks to Richard Bach (Chief Technical Officer) from BluVein. BluVein is developing a dynamic charging technology to help with the electrification of mining equipment fleets, both in underground and open-pit operations. The BluVein technology is game-changing technology for the electrification of the mining industry, as it provides power directly to the vehicles when it's most needed (ie. hauling loaded uphill). This enables electric equipment to have much smaller & fewer batteries, saving on battery cost and simplifying logistics compared to battery swapping.   Tune in to this episode to learn more about the BluVein technology.   Below is a list of the topics we covered in the interview. What is your background and how did you end up working on the BluVein team?How did the BluVein concept come about?Is the technology direction settled?How far along the TRL levels is the technology? (Technical Readiness Levels)What are the benefits of BluVein compared to standalone battery-electric technology?The technology focuses on the biggest load areas in the mine (ie. hauling loaded uphill)What have been the biggest challenges in bringing the technology to market?Partners keen to see the technology progressBalancing the number of partners with the capacity to get work doneHow does BluVein compare to trolley systems?How far off is the technology from being tested onsite?Getting hold of electric equipment for testing is not easyHow soon will the technology be rolled out more broadly?Tailoring the BluVein solution mine by mineCharge On Challenge winIs BluVein modular & adaptable?What is the power required for a BluVein system? The interview can also be watched on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/5QBPEUcVfgg   Links: BluVein https://bluvein.com/ Introduction to BluVein video https://youtu.be/JU2s_mueQVE Inspirit Consulting https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/   Mining Green on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mininggreen/ Mining Green on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mining-green/ Brett Dunstone on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettdunstone/   On the Mining Green podcast, we share inspiring stories of how the mining industry is leading the way to a net-zero future. We'll cover the technologies that will enable the transition (think battery-electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and renewable energy for a start), the challenges that need to be overcome, the benefits that will arise, and how the mining industry can lead the way towards a cleaner future.   Mining Green is brought to you by Inspirit Consulting. Inspirit Consulting is an independent mining consultancy, with a strength in strategic mine planning. We're also passionate about innovative mining technology, and the decarbonisation of the mining industry.   Please get in touch if you need a hand looking at an innovative new approach at your mine site. Contact Brett at brett@inspiritconsult.com.au   Brett Dunstone is the driving force behind Mining Green and Inspirit Consulting. Brett is a mining engineer with 20+ years of experience in the mining industry. He has worked in (or consulted for) many mining operations across Australia (and overseas), both underground and open-pit. He is passionate about technology (particularly electric vehicles) and the financial and sustainability benefits it can bring to the mining industry.

In this episode of Mining Green, Brett speaks to Øystein Rushfeldt, CEO of Nussir ASA.  Nussir ASA is developing a fully electric underground copper mine in the north of Norway.    Tune in to this episode to learn more about the development of the Nussir project.   More info on Nussir ASA can be found on their website here: https://nussir.no/   Below is a list of the topics we covered in the interview. What’s your background? And how did you end up working on the Nussir project?How big is the mining industry in Norway?How is the development of the Nussir project progressing?Is being a “green” mine helping with financing?Was it always going to be a fully electric mine from inception?Will the mine be using renewable energy?What are some of the challenges in making a fully electric UG mine?Benefits of going electric (different mine design)Learning from other electric mines around the worldReason for partnership with EpirocHas being electric helped with the social license to operate?Do the harsh conditions in northern Norway pose an issue?How far off before production starts?Exploration drilling from the declinePotential for a large, long-life mineWhat is the planned production mine life?Clean orebody. Clean, high-grade concentrate   More details on what was covered in the interview can be found on our blog post here: https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/blog/2022/06/24/the-worlds-first-electric-underground-copper-mine-interview-with-oystein-rushfeld-nussir-asa/   The interview can also be watched on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMoAjfRJPNE   Links: Interview blog post https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/blog/2022/06/24/the-worlds-first-electric-underground-copper-mine-interview-with-oystein-rushfeld-nussir-asa/ Nussir ASA https://nussir.no/ Inspirit Consulting https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/ Mining Green on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Mining-Green-108027108520682 Mining Green on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mining-green/   On the Mining Green podcast, we share inspiring stories of how the mining industry is leading the way to a net-zero future. We'll cover the technologies that will enable the transition (think battery-electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and renewable energy for a start), the challenges that need to be overcome, the benefits that will arise, and how the mining industry can lead the way towards a cleaner future.   Mining Green is brought to you by Inspirit Consulting. Inspirit Consulting is an independent mining consultancy, with a strength in strategic mine planning. We're also passionate about innovative mining technology, and the decarbonisation of the mining industry. The sorts of topics we discuss on Mining Green.   Please get in touch if you need a hand looking at an innovative new approach at your mine site. Contact Brett at brett@inspiritconsult.com.au   Brett Dunstone is the driving force behind Mining Green and Inspirit Consulting. Brett is a mining engineer with 20+ years of experience in the mining industry. He has worked in (or consulted for) many mining operations across Australia (and overseas), both underground and open-pit. He is passionate about technology (particularly electric vehicles) and the financial and sustainability benefits it can bring to the mining industry.

In this episode of Mining Green, Brett speaks to Asha Black from MaxMine Carbon.   MaxMine Carbon helps open-pit mines reduce their carbon emissions by up to 20%, by reducing their diesel fuel usage in their haul fleets (whilst maintaining production).  Reduced diesel fuel usage also leads to reduced operating costs.   Tune in to this episode to learn more about MaxMine Carbon.   More info on MaxMine Carbon can be found on their website here: https://maxmine.com.au/carbon/   Below is a list of the topics we covered in the interview. How did you end up at MaxMine?What is MaxMine Carbon?Do you use your own hardware?Where did the push for MaxMine Carbon come from?Is there a demand from clients for MaxMine Carbon?How many sites is MaxMine on?Do smaller miners see the value as much as the bigger miners?What savings are possible?Carbon Driver treeWhat are the key variables that drive outcomes? 16:04 What equipment is in the MaxMine Carbon database?What is the benefit of being nominated for awards such as the XTC award?Leaderboards & gamificationOnsite coaching to ensure the system is embedded properly   More details on what was covered in the interview can be found on our blog post here: https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/blog/2022/06/03/interview-with-asha-black-maxmine-carbon/   The interview can also be watched on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/zz5QwKRVq6Y   Links: Interview blog post https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/blog/2022/06/03/interview-with-asha-black-maxmine-carbon/ MaxMine Carbon  https://maxmine.com.au/carbon/ Inspirit Consulting https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/ Mining Green on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Mining-Green-108027108520682 Mining Green on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mining-green/   On the Mining Green podcast, we share inspiring stories of how the mining industry is leading the way to a net-zero future. We'll cover the technologies that will enable the transition (think battery-electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and renewable energy for a start), the challenges that need to be overcome, the benefits that will arise, and how the mining industry can lead the way towards a cleaner future.   Mining Green is brought to you by Inspirit Consulting. Inspirit Consulting is an independent mining consultancy, with a strength in strategic mine planning. We're also passionate about innovative mining technology, and the decarbonisation of the mining industry. The sorts of topics we discuss on Mining Green.   Please get in touch if you need a hand looking at an innovative new approach at your mine site. Contact Brett at brett@inspiritconsult.com.au   Brett Dunstone is the driving force behind Mining Green and Inspirit Consulting. Brett is a mining engineer with 20+ years of experience in the mining industry. He has worked in (or consulted for) many mining operations across Australia (and overseas), both underground and open-pit. He is passionate about technology (particularly electric vehicles) and the financial and sustainability benefits it can bring to the mining industry.

In this episode of Mining Green, Brett speaks to Marco Terruzzin (Chief Product Officer) from Energy Vault. Energy Vault is the creator of a gravity-based, grid-scale energy storage solution that has many benefits compared to other energy storage alternatives, such as batteries and pumped hydro. Low cost (upfront CAPEX & ongoing OPEX)Highly scalable (GWh+)FlexibilityNo degradation in the storage mediumSafe & sustainable (energy storage bricks can be made out of locally sourced materials, even waste materials) Tune in to this episode to learn more about the future of energy storage.   More info on Energy Vault can be found on their website here: https://www.energyvault.com/   Below is a list of the topics we covered in the interview. How did you get into energy storage & Energy VaultQuite a journey to Energy Vault. Do you see it as the way of the future?How has the Commercial Demonstration Unit (CDU) performed in Switzerland? Transition to EVx technologyIs the CDU still operating? Or have you moved on to the next phase? (ie. EVRC)Is EVx more flexible and stable? (compared to CDU)Is it a solution with a broad application?Advantages & disadvantages of Energy VaultHow does the initial capital cost compared to other energy storage solutions?Making the energy storage bricks from waste materialsCan mine waste be used to make energy storage bricks?How long before we see EVx units operating?Are there different challenges in the mining industry?Benefits from being an Electric Mine Consortium memberHas there been interest from Electric Mine Consortium members?Will we be seeing lots of Energy Vault systems soon?Will there be an Energy Vault presence in Australia soon?   More details on what was covered in the interview can be found on our blog post here: https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/blog/2022/04/05/interview-with-marco-terruzzin-energy-vault/   The interview can also be watched on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/VKH4ixYDwEI   Links: Interview blog post https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/blog/2022/04/05/interview-with-marco-terruzzin-energy-vault/ Energy Vault  https://www.energyvault.com/ Inspirit Consulting https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/ Mining Green on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Mining-Green-108027108520682 Mining Green on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mining-green/   On the Mining Green podcast, we share inspiring stories of how the mining industry is leading the way to a net-zero future. We'll cover the technologies that will enable the transition (think battery-electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and renewable energy for a start), the challenges that need to be overcome, the benefits that will arise, and how the mining industry can lead the way towards a cleaner future.   Mining Green is brought to you by Inspirit Consulting. Inspirit Consulting is an independent mining consultancy, with a strength in strategic mine planning. We're also passionate about innovative mining technology, and the decarbonisation of the mining industry. The sorts of topics we discuss on Mining Green.   Please get in touch if you need a hand looking at an innovative new approach at your mine site. Contact Brett at brett@inspiritconsult.com.au   Brett Dunstone is the driving force behind Mining Green and Inspirit Consulting. Brett is a mining engineer with 20+ years of experience in the mining industry. He has worked in (or consulted for) many mining operations across Australia (and overseas), both underground and open-pit. He is passionate about technology (particularly electric vehicles) and the financial and sustainability benefits it can bring to the mining industry.

In this episode of Mining Green, Brett speaks to Graeme Stanway (from State of Play) about the Electric Mine Consortium. State of Play was one of the founding members of the Electric Mine Consortium back in 2020.   The Electric Mine Consortium was set up as a collaboration between a number of different mining companies, OEMs, and technology providers to help facilitate the transition to an electric mine. The mining companies include the likes of Goldfields, South32, OZ Minerals, Evolution, Newcrest, Blackstone Minerals, along with OEMs such as Sandvik, Epiroc, ZERO Automotive, and some other tech suppliers such as Energy Vault.   Electric Mine Consortium is made up of six different working groups. These are energy storage, mine design, heavy underground equipment, light and auxiliary equipment for underground, and electric infrastructure, and the newest one being surface and long haulage.   More info on the Electric Mine Consortium can be found on their website here: https://www.electricmine.com/   We covered a lot of ground in the interview with Graeme, particularly around what the Electric Mine Consortium is doing and why. However, we also covered some bigger questions, such as switching perceptions of the mining industry through decarbonisation. Below is a list of the topics we covered in the interview. Why was the Electric Mine Consortium formed?How are the 6 Electric Mine Consortium working packages progressing?What are the schedules/timelines for these different working packages?How does the Electric Mine Consortium operate? How is it funded? How were the working packages decided?Would government funding help achieve your goals faster?Fostering innovative thinking/collaboration between mining companiesWhy are members joining the Electric Mine Consortium?Applying carbon pricing in studiesOnsite technology trialsLearning from the Canadian experience & other overseas electric operationsRethinking mining for electric miningElectric Mine Consortium foundation members & organic member growthFuture of the Electric Mine ConsortiumAreas outside of the Electric Mine Consortium’s current working groups (processing etc)Decarbonisation of the mining industry. Is there an appetite for it?Switching perceptions of the mining industryCarbon metrics   More details on what was covered in the interview can be found on our blog post here: https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/graeme-stanway-electric-mine-consortium   The interview can also be watched on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/oicslcwKznA   Links: Interview blog post https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/graeme-stanway-electric-mine-consortium Electric Mine Consortium https://www.electricmine.com/ You can also download their latest report "Electric Mine Consortium: A Case Study on Transformative Collaboration" from this page Inspirit Consulting https://www.inspiritconsult.com.au/ Mining Green on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Mining-Green-108027108520682 Mining Green on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mining-green/   On the Mining Green podcast, we share inspiring stories of how the mining industry is leading the way to a net-zero future. We'll cover the technologies that will enable the transition (think battery-electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and renewable energy for a start), the challenges that need to be overcome, the benefits that will arise, and how the mining industry can lead the way towards a cleaner future.   Mining Green is brought to you by Inspirit Consulting. Inspirit Consulting is an independent mining consultancy, with a strength in strategic mine planning. We're also passionate about innovative mining technology, and the decarbonisation of the mining industry. The sorts of topics we discuss on Mining Green.   Please get in touch if you need a hand looking at an innovative new approach at your mine site. Contact Brett at brett@inspiritconsult.com.au   Brett Dunstone is the driving force behind Mining Green and Inspirit Consulting. Brett is a mining engineer with 20+ years of experience in the mining industry. He has worked in (or consulted for) many mining operations across Australia (and overseas), both underground and open-pit. He is passionate about technology (particularly electric vehicles) and the financial and sustainability benefits it can bring to the mining industry.