Mining of Mineral Deposits

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Innovative solutions for improving energy efficiency in the mining industry

Kanat Zhunussov1, Seidulla Abdullayev1, Rashida Kadyrova2, Olzhas Kurmanbayev3, Nurzhigit Sarybayev1, Ideyat Igembayev3, Maxat Mamadiyarov1

1Satbayev University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

2Almaty Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan named after Makan Yesbulatov, Almaty, Kazakhstan

3Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Farabi University, Almaty, Kazakhstan


Min. miner. depos. 2026, 20(3): 86-96


https://doi.org/10.33271/mining20.03.086

Full text (PDF)


      ABSTRACT

      Purpose. To substantiate solutions for improving energy efficiency in the mining industry through the integration of renewable energy sources (RES), energy management systems (EMS), and hybrid energy technologies, considering their energy, environmental, and economic performance.

      Methods. The study used theoretical analysis, comparative assessment, mathematical calculations, and data processing based on scientific publications and international reports. The main indicators of RES, EMS, and hybrid systems were compared using common energy, environmental, and economic parameters. Calculations were performed using Python with NumPy and Pandas libraries and SMath Solver. Three scenarios were considered: conventional energy consumption, RES integration, and hybrid energy supply.

      Findings. The results indicate that RES integration can reduce energy consumption by 10-30%, while hybrid systems provide a reduction of 15-35% and reported system-efficiency values of 70-90%. EMS can reduce energy consumption by 8-25%, peak loads by 10-30%, and CO2 emissions by 6-20%. Total investment costs for RES projects were estimated at 57.5-156 million USD. For hybrid systems, the required investment ranges from USD 2.5 to 7.5 million, with annual savings of USD 0.5 to 1.2 million and a payback period of up to 10 years, whereas EMS require substantially lower capital investment and have a payback period of up to 6 years.

      Originality. A comparative assessment of RES, EMS, and hybrid energy technologies was performed using a common set of energy, environmental, and economic indicators, which made it possible to identify differences in their efficiency, investment requirements, and implementation conditions.

      Practical implications. The obtained results can be used to support the selection of energy-efficiency solutions for mining enterprises depending on production scale, investment capacity, infrastructure readiness, and expected energy savings.

      Keywords: renewable energy sources; energy management systems; hybrid energy systems; energy efficiency; mining industry; CO2 emissions; energy savings; economic efficiency


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