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The Mining and Technology Industries as Catalysts for Sustainable Energy Development

Author

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  • Katundu Imasiku

    (African Center of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development, University of Rwanda, Kigali 4285, Rwanda)

  • Valerie M. Thomas

    (School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

Abstract

The potential for mining companies to contribute to sustainable energy development is characterized in terms of opportunities for energy efficiency and support of electricity access in mining-intensive developing countries. Through a case study of the Central African Copperbelt countries of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, energy efficiency opportunities in copper operations and environmental impact of metal extraction are evaluated qualitatively, characterized, and quantified using principles of industrial ecology, life cycle assessment, and engineering economics. In these countries the mining sector is the greatest consumer of electricity, accounting for about 53.6% in the region. Energy efficiency improvements in the refinery processes is shown to have a factor of two improvement potential. Further, four strategies are identified by which the mining and technology industries can enhance sustainable electricity generation capacity: energy efficiency; use of solar and other renewable resources; share expertise from the mining and technology industries within the region; and take advantage of the abundant cobalt and other raw materials to initiate value-added manufacturing.

Suggested Citation

  • Katundu Imasiku & Valerie M. Thomas, 2020. "The Mining and Technology Industries as Catalysts for Sustainable Energy Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:24:p:10410-:d:461159
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Oluwaseye Samson Adedoja & Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku & Yskandar Hamam, 2025. "Multicriteria Decision-Making for Sustainable Mining: Evaluating the Transition to Net-Zero-Carbon Energy Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-32, May.
    2. Etienne ESPAGNE & Hugo LAPEYRONIE, 2023. "Energy transition minerals and the SDGs. A systematic review," Working Paper ebe0968c-fce0-4ce9-b3b6-b, Agence française de développement.
    3. repec:ocp:rpaper:pp-2110 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Igogo, Tsisilile & Awuah-Offei, Kwame & Newman, Alexandra & Lowder, Travis & Engel-Cox, Jill, 2021. "Integrating renewable energy into mining operations: Opportunities, challenges, and enabling approaches," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 300(C).
    5. Landry Signé & Chelsea Johnson, 2021. "Africa’s Mining Potential: Trends, Opportunities, Challenges and Strategies," Research papers & Policy papers on Commodities & Energy 2104, Policy Center for the New South.
    6. A. Akofa Amegboleza & M. Ali Ülkü, 2025. "Sustainable Energy Transition for the Mining Industry: A Bibliometric Analysis of Trends and Emerging Research Pathways," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-21, March.

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