This paper presents the results of a hypothetical case study that evaluates the potential transition of a large copper mining and extraction operation to 90% renewable energy. The case study considers three phases to accomplish such a transition; phase I considers installation of renewable power generation at the site to meet a portion of the current electric power needs, phase II considers conversion of diesel combustion mining equipment to electric equipment, and phase III considers implementation of renewable energy generation coupled with energy storage systems to provide approximately 90% of the total mine site energy requirements. The paper evaluates the results in the context of a range of purchased electric power unit costs ($0.065, $0.100, and $0.135/kWh) as well as various carbon tax scenarios ($0, $5.00, and $37.30/t CO₂). While the case study is hypothetical and considers a range of assumptions, it clearly identifies a pathway to potentially economically viable transitions to a renewable energy platform for mining companies. This represents an approach that mining companies can use to help to meet emissions targets, as well as social responsibility and reporting requirements.

本文介绍了一个假设案例研究的结果，该研究评估了大型铜矿开采和提取作业向 90% 可再生能源的潜在转变。案例研究考虑了实现这种转变的三个阶段；一期考虑在现场安装可再生能源发电，以满足部分当前电力需求，二期考虑将柴油燃烧采矿设备转换为电力设备，三期考虑实施可再生能源发电并结合储能系统，提供大约 90% 的矿场能源需求。该论文在一系列购买的电力单位成本（$0.065、$0.100 和 $0.135/kWh）以及各种碳税情景（$0、$5.00 和 $37.30/t CO₂）。虽然案例研究是假设性的并考虑了一系列假设，但它清楚地确定了一条在经济上可行的向矿业公司过渡到可再生能源平台的途径。这代表了矿业公司可以用来帮助实现排放目标以及社会责任和报告要求的一种方法。