THE ERA OF CLEAN MINING: SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES FOR A LOW-CARBON FUTURE

By O. Dulguun

Climate change and global warming have become one of the greatest challenges of our time. According to international studies, the mining sector alone accounts for around 9-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. As a fuel- and energy-intensive industry, mining is now among the key sectors that must reduce its carbon footprint.

However, economic growth and mining development often have negative impacts on the environment and ecosystems, making it imperative to reduce these effects. In recent years, major international mining companies have actively introduced advanced technologies and innovations to cut carbon emissions as part of global "green transition." Mongolia's large-scale projects are also aligning with this trend, taking steps to preserve ecological balance and promote sustainable development.

In 2024, global carbon emissions reached a record high of 37.4 billion tons of CO₂ released into the atmosphere. This figure is more than just a statistic - it is a warning reflected in extreme weather fluctuations, water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation.

The same is true for Mongolia. The mining sector, which accounts for 90% of Mongolia's exports, is now evaluated not only by its production and export levels but also by its environmental impact. The old principle of "extract more" has already given way to a new approach: "mine cleaner and smarter."

Oyu Tolgoi, along with other major mines around the world, has set the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. They are actively implementing solutions such as electrification, renewable energy, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and automation. The ultimate aim is not only to combat climate change but also to ensure the sustainable development of mining operations.

TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION, AND RESULTS

A large share of carbon emissions in mining comes from heavy-duty equipment powered by diesel fuel. For this reason, electrification is not only a trend for the future but also the most practical and effective solution today. For example, in 2024, Australia's BHP made a significant industry move by prioritizing investment in the electrification of mining equipment and partnering with Toyota to introduce 5,000 electric vehicles. The company also secured approval for a $250 million electric haul truck system at Escondida, one of the world's largest copper mines, marking the launch of a new-generation project aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions.

The use of renewable energy sources is providing another key boost in reducing emissions. In 2023, Rio Tinto commissioned a 10.5 MW solar power plant at its Gove mine in Australia, enabling the company to cut annual CO₂ emissions by 17% - an achievement that drew significant attention across the industry.

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology has become one of the most actively researched areas in global mining over the past decade. What makes CCUS unique is that it not only reduces emissions but also captures carbon directly from the air, storing it or converting it for reuse.

As a result, major international mining companies are increasing their investments in this field, driving forward experimentation and innovation at a rapid pace.

Anglo American has set a strategic target of achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2040. To reach this goal, the company is implementing carbon-reduction measures not only at its mine sites but also throughout its transportation network. Since 2022, it has deployed vessels under the name "Ubuntu," powered by a hybrid system combining LNG (liquefied natural gas) and conventional fuel. By early 2024, the fleet had expanded to ten such vessels.

These next-generation vessels are estimated to reduce carbon emissions by an average of 35% compared with transport ships running on Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO). They also significantly lower emissions of other harmful pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter - an important step not only in combating climate change but also in protecting marine ecosystems.

These examples demonstrate that combining CCUS with LNG-based solutions provides mining companies not only a clear pathway to reducing carbon emissions but also a strategic advantage in enhancing their "green competitiveness" on the global stage.

Another key avenue for reducing emissions is not only the electrification of equipment but also the use of digital technologies to optimize operations to their highest theoretical efficiency. Equipment failures and unplanned downtime at mine sites lead not only to economic losses but also to wasted fuel, making them a significant source of additional emissions.

Oyu Tolgoi is playing a pioneering role in this field. Its "Smart Copper Production" project leverages artificial intelligence to predict equipment performance, wear, and potential failures. This allows maintenance to be planned in advance, minimizes unnecessary downtime, and significantly reduces fuel waste.

The system has extended equipment service life by an average of 15% and reduced fuel consumption by approximately 8-10%. This not only lowers operational costs but also serves as a clear example of how greenhouse gas emissions can be effectively reduced.

In addition, the Al-based data analytics system is now being used to optimize the entire mining logistics chain - including transportation, energy use, and ore processing. This has positioned Oyu Tolgoi not only as a leader in Mongolia but also as a regional model of a "smart mine."

At the same time, the mine maintains water recycling at over 80% - well above the global average of 60% - and continues to implement environmental initiatives such as tree planting and land rehabilitation, further reinforcing its commitment to ecosystem protection.

The mining sector has reached a point where it can be judged not only by profit but also by its environmental impact. The integration of electrification, renewable energy, advanced carbon capture technologies, and digital innovations is transforming the industry's landscape. The experiences of global leaders such as BHP, Rio Tinto, and Anglo American, along with Mongolia's Oyu Tolgoi, demonstrate that sustainable mining development is not merely a theoretical concept - it is being implemented in practice.

If Mongolia boldly embraces these trends in its mineral sector, it can not only secure economic growth but also establish an international reputation as a "green mining nation," creating a more favorable environment for foreign investment.

Every step taken today shapes the legacy for tomorrow. For this reason, carbon-reduction technologies are essential, not optional. If Mongolia's mining sector follows this path for sustainable development, it could make a tangible contribution to addressing the world's climate challenges.