Energy efficiency metrics in mine design

The recent implementation of the carbon tax and reductions in diesel rebates, as well as rising fuel prices, have seen the Australian mining industry shift its focus towards improving the management of energy efficiency. Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd (“Leighton”) has identified an opportunity to improve the identification of energy saving initiatives in haulage operations during mine design. Conceptually, it is understood that improved opportunity identification can be achieved through the utilisation of previously developed energy efficiency metrics, titled the Le3 equations. The aim of this project is to ascertain the effectiveness of the Le3 equations in improving energy efficiency and provide a tool to assist Leighton in delivering demonstrated energy efficient mine design concepts to its clients. The project develops an energy benchmark to assist in the analysis of the energy efficiency of haulage operations during mine design. In addition, a case study at the Telfer gold mine is conducted to review the applicability and commercial appropriateness of the utilisation of energy efficiency metrics. The results indicate that energy efficiency metrics are an effective tool for prioritising potential opportunities to reduce the energy intensity of haulage processes