5
represent a development opportunity for Germany that
goes hand in hand with the energy transition.
“Low-Energy Mine”
The “energy” aspect of the Blue Mining approach is based
on three fundamental principles: Energy efficiency, storage
and distribution, and conversion. Each of these principles
plays a crucial role in minimizing environmental impact
while maximizing operational efficiency. Energy efficiency
focuses on reducing overall energy consumption during the
mining process and ensuring that all operations are car-
ried out with minimal energy loss. The “transformation”
principle emphasizes the efficient movement of resources,
materials and processes to reduce the energy required for
logistics within the mining operation. Finally, the “storage
and distribution” principle involves the introduction and
integration of renewable energy sources and innovative
technologies to transform traditional energy systems into
more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives,
with mines also serving as energy storage facilities.
A low-energy mine (LEB) therefore stands for a mining
operation that strategically minimizes its energy consump-
tion and environmental impact throughout its entire life
cycle. This is achieved through the integration of innovative
technologies, the optimization of processes and a holistic
approach to energy management. In addition, this type of
modern mine has four characteristics that build on the four
basic principles of energy:
1. Energy-efficient Technologies: A LEB relies on the
use of energy-efficient machinery and technologies
in all aspects of its operations, from extraction and
processing to transportation and ventilation.
2. Renewable Energy Sources: A defining characteris-
tic of a low-energy mine is its commitment to tran-
sitioning to renewable energy sources and avoiding
the use of fossil fuels for power generation.
3. Circular Economy Principles: A LEB respects cir-
cular economy principles by minimizing waste,
reusing resources and repurposing mine sites for
energy production or other beneficial uses.
4. Continuous Development: A LEB is committed to
continuously improving its energy performance.
For example, by introducing modern monitoring
and control systems.
In view of the challenges of the mining industry
described above, energy-efficient mining that is not only
environmentally sustainable but also economically viable
and socially beneficial can be achieved if operations follow
the concept of Blue Mining.
Challenges in the Introduction of Modern Energy
Systems
The report “Energy Management in Mining” 19, high-
lights how global demands for decarbonization are trans-
forming energy supply in the mining industry, placing
the electrification of mining operations at the heart of the
transition. This is driven by increasing pressure to reduce
environmental impact, increase operational efficiency,
ensure energy security for remote or isolated areas, harness
technological advancement and meet regulatory compli-
ance. Electrification therefore offers the mining industry a
promising way to address these challenges while contribut-
ing to a more sustainable and efficient future. Furthermore,
the transition to an all-electric mine as well as the switch to
energy management based on digitalization and automa-
tion is still at an early stage 20.
This transition is crucial, as electricity is not only used
for machines such as drills and loaders, but also for lighting
and ventilation of the mine 21. Delevingne et al. presented
several alternatives in mines, from improving energy effi-
ciency to the electrification of gas plants and a switch to
hydrogen as an energy source 22. The introduction of elec-
trical systems in mines is usually associated with significant
changes to the existing infrastructure. In the first phase of
building an all-electric mine, the mine must be redesigned
to optimize and ensure the highest possible operational per-
formance of 23.
Modern mines such as Diavik Diamond, Gold Fields,
DeGrussa Mine and IAMGOLD Essakane are pursuing
two modernization strategies to become independent of
fossil fuels, meet energy demands due to the greater oper-
ating depth of 3000 m below the surface and address the
remoteness of their operations 24. The first is the integration
and utilization of digital smart systems such as IoT and big
data analytics for efficient power distribution and control,
and the second is the diversification of power generation
towards local power generation (microgrids) from renew-
able energy sources. Other developments include sophisti-
cated energy management solutions such as the Distributed
Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), a solu-
tion for managing microgrids consisting of more than one
energy source 25. This system can manage the energy mix of
solar and wind power plants, battery storage and charging
stations for electric vehicles in a single system and is cur-
rently being tested in the USA, Canada and Australia 26. In
addition, research is focusing on the development of digital
energy twins and self-healing power grids 19.
At the same time, despite the benefits, the transition to
an electric mine requires structural changes to the system,
with some of the most important aspects to be considered:
represent a development opportunity for Germany that
goes hand in hand with the energy transition.
“Low-Energy Mine”
The “energy” aspect of the Blue Mining approach is based
on three fundamental principles: Energy efficiency, storage
and distribution, and conversion. Each of these principles
plays a crucial role in minimizing environmental impact
while maximizing operational efficiency. Energy efficiency
focuses on reducing overall energy consumption during the
mining process and ensuring that all operations are car-
ried out with minimal energy loss. The “transformation”
principle emphasizes the efficient movement of resources,
materials and processes to reduce the energy required for
logistics within the mining operation. Finally, the “storage
and distribution” principle involves the introduction and
integration of renewable energy sources and innovative
technologies to transform traditional energy systems into
more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives,
with mines also serving as energy storage facilities.
A low-energy mine (LEB) therefore stands for a mining
operation that strategically minimizes its energy consump-
tion and environmental impact throughout its entire life
cycle. This is achieved through the integration of innovative
technologies, the optimization of processes and a holistic
approach to energy management. In addition, this type of
modern mine has four characteristics that build on the four
basic principles of energy:
1. Energy-efficient Technologies: A LEB relies on the
use of energy-efficient machinery and technologies
in all aspects of its operations, from extraction and
processing to transportation and ventilation.
2. Renewable Energy Sources: A defining characteris-
tic of a low-energy mine is its commitment to tran-
sitioning to renewable energy sources and avoiding
the use of fossil fuels for power generation.
3. Circular Economy Principles: A LEB respects cir-
cular economy principles by minimizing waste,
reusing resources and repurposing mine sites for
energy production or other beneficial uses.
4. Continuous Development: A LEB is committed to
continuously improving its energy performance.
For example, by introducing modern monitoring
and control systems.
In view of the challenges of the mining industry
described above, energy-efficient mining that is not only
environmentally sustainable but also economically viable
and socially beneficial can be achieved if operations follow
the concept of Blue Mining.
Challenges in the Introduction of Modern Energy
Systems
The report “Energy Management in Mining” 19, high-
lights how global demands for decarbonization are trans-
forming energy supply in the mining industry, placing
the electrification of mining operations at the heart of the
transition. This is driven by increasing pressure to reduce
environmental impact, increase operational efficiency,
ensure energy security for remote or isolated areas, harness
technological advancement and meet regulatory compli-
ance. Electrification therefore offers the mining industry a
promising way to address these challenges while contribut-
ing to a more sustainable and efficient future. Furthermore,
the transition to an all-electric mine as well as the switch to
energy management based on digitalization and automa-
tion is still at an early stage 20.
This transition is crucial, as electricity is not only used
for machines such as drills and loaders, but also for lighting
and ventilation of the mine 21. Delevingne et al. presented
several alternatives in mines, from improving energy effi-
ciency to the electrification of gas plants and a switch to
hydrogen as an energy source 22. The introduction of elec-
trical systems in mines is usually associated with significant
changes to the existing infrastructure. In the first phase of
building an all-electric mine, the mine must be redesigned
to optimize and ensure the highest possible operational per-
formance of 23.
Modern mines such as Diavik Diamond, Gold Fields,
DeGrussa Mine and IAMGOLD Essakane are pursuing
two modernization strategies to become independent of
fossil fuels, meet energy demands due to the greater oper-
ating depth of 3000 m below the surface and address the
remoteness of their operations 24. The first is the integration
and utilization of digital smart systems such as IoT and big
data analytics for efficient power distribution and control,
and the second is the diversification of power generation
towards local power generation (microgrids) from renew-
able energy sources. Other developments include sophisti-
cated energy management solutions such as the Distributed
Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), a solu-
tion for managing microgrids consisting of more than one
energy source 25. This system can manage the energy mix of
solar and wind power plants, battery storage and charging
stations for electric vehicles in a single system and is cur-
rently being tested in the USA, Canada and Australia 26. In
addition, research is focusing on the development of digital
energy twins and self-healing power grids 19.
At the same time, despite the benefits, the transition to
an electric mine requires structural changes to the system,
with some of the most important aspects to be considered: