ARCHIVED - Sustainable Development

Report on Plans and Priorities 2011-2012
Electronic Layer of Reporting
Elements of NRCan's Sustainable Development Strategy

FSDS Target 1.1 - Climate Change Mitigation

Relative to 2005 emission levels, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 17% by 2020.

FSDS Implementation Strategy - Clean Energy

1.1.22 Continue to work with industry stakeholders to encourage and promote the adoption and adaptation of new technologies such as information and communications technologies, biotechnology and clean energy technology. (IC, NRCan)

You will find below details about NRCan's activities that contribute to this implementation strategy:

Green Mining Initiative

This activity is nested within NRCan’s Program Activity Architecture (PAA) as follows:

• Strategic Outcome 2 - 
  Environmental Responsibility
  
  
  • Program Activity 2.2 - 
    Ecosystem Risk Management
    
    
    • Sub Activity 2.2.1 - 
      Green Mining Initiative
      
      

Description

Recognizing the need for innovative technological solutions to advance sustainable mining, the Green Mining Initiative (GMI) (PAA 2.2.1) was launched in 2009 as a proactive effort to improve Canada’s mining environmental performance. GMI research aims to find alternative means for waste disposal, reduced water use and protection of air quality at all stages of the mining cycle.

As an example, NRCan collaborated with Canadian mining equipment manufacturer Mining Technologies International to develop the world’s first hybrid mining vehicle - a diesel-electric scoop tram, which has a significant positive impact on the economic viability and competitiveness of underground mining operations, and energy costs associated with ventilation as well as the health of mine workers. Activities going forward in the next three years will be aimed at transitioning from the first world-wide prototype to a pre-commercial scoop tram model.

Relationship to FSDS Target

Extending the life of a mine often means extracting from greater depths. Ventilation is one of the most significant operating costs, and uses of energy, in deep as well as shallow mines. Because it always burns fuel in optimal engine conditions and that its peak power demand is supplied by batteries, the hybrid scoop tram can achieve greater efficiency and much lower emissions compared to similar size conventional equipment performing the same tasks. As a result, it uses less carbon-based fuel and requires less energy-intensive ventilation and air heating / air conditioning to maintain the same air quality for miners. Thus, promotion of adoption of the scoop tram, under Sub Activity - Green Mining Initiative, indirectly contributes to FSDS Target 1.1 - Climate Change Mitigation.

Non-Financial Performance Expectations

FY 2013-2014.

Indicator

• Number of underground hybrid equipment used in Canada.

Other FSDS Linkages

Sub Activity - Green Mining Initiative also contributes to FSDS Target 2.1 - Air Pollutants through the following implementation strategy:

• 2.1.23 - Undertake research, development and deployment of new technologies to reduce GHG and other air pollutant emissions.