A Decarbonization Leader
Considerations when electrifying mines
Québec is known as a global decarbonization leader. In the past months, the province saw further pioneering moves in the worldwide push to electrify the mining industry. Leveraging a home advantage of having an almost 99% renewable grid based on hydropower, Québec players have tested, failed, and implemented new technologies to reduce carbon emissions at several mining sites.
Necessary CapEx requirements
Reducing the capital intensity of the mine is an agenda no mining firm can divert from. From an investor standpoint, an Accenture survey indicates that 59% of investors want mining companies to aggressively pursue decarbonization, while 63% are willing to divest from companies that fail to meet decarbonization targets. Adria Power Systems introduced in 2024 a mine-duty charging infrastructure tailored for battery-operated mining machinery. President of Adria, Jean-Francois Couillard, said: “Québec companies are increasingly embracing electrification not only for efficiency and productivity but also due to factors like low electricity costs and investor preferences for sustainable projects. We are witnessing a shift away from fossil fuels.”
In the months ahead, Nouveau Monde Graphite will use Caterpillar’s first battery-electric 793 large mining truck at its Matawine mine, while Eldorado Gold will operate Québec’s first-ever fully-electric truck at its Lamaque mine. Efficiency was a big component behind the major’s almost C$5 million investment for one truck: its speed is 30% higher because the engine is more powerful and the loading capacity is 50 t instead of 45 t with diesel equipment. Swedish giant Epiroc also made strides in the province in 2024, with the first fully autonomous Epiroc Minetruck in the world now running in a Québec mine, Charlie Ekberg. Epiroc Canada’s general manager, said: “Québec is active at the moment with automation and electrification. Several mines are currently operating our BEV equipment and new mines have begun planning for future BEV equipment additions to their fleet.”
An agile blend of global heavyweights and local talent means Québec has the potential to be a world leader in mining electrification, automation, digitalization, and connectivity. Epiroc partnered with Val d’Or-bord Meglab to open North America’s first Regional Electrification Center in May 2024. Meglab (now part of Epiroc Electrification Solutions) general manager Kim Valade saw a steep increase in technologically advanced demands from its customers (notably automation pushes at Agnico Eagle’s Odyssey mine), and explained: “In the future, it will become increasingly challenging to undertake a project without automation and electrification. The industry is ready to learn and adapt, and there are several reasons for this growing interest, including cost savings, efficiency, and, most importantly, reducing our environmental footprint.”
From extraction, smelting, leaching, and transportation processes, Québec’s mining industry is active in finding ways to decarbonize. “Converting these processes to electricity or hydrogen can significantly lower their carbon footprint,” explained Pietro Di Zanno, country director of Hy2gen Canada Inc., which is building a project in Baie-Comeau aimed at decarbonizing the province.
While powering hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and equipment is not yet democratized globally, miners might seriously consider this alternative in the future as part of reducing their environmental impact.
“Québec companies are increasingly embracing electrification, not only for efficiency and productivity, but also due to factors like low electricity costs and investor preferences for sustainable projects. The shift away from fossil fuels is driven by cost and social and environmental factors.”
Jean-François Couillard, President, Adria Power Systems
Making green energy work in the harsh North
In 2023, Québec experienced a series of extreme weather events, including devastating forest fires, destructive ice storms, massive flooding, and even tornadoes. Experts warn that these incidents are likely to become more frequent in the future. Implementing green energy equipment at mining sites in Northern Québec faces several challenges due to extreme weather conditions, and as Québec’s mining industry will increasingly have to look northwards to dig and produce critical minerals, adapting electric equipment to temperatures averaging -20 to -30 degrees Celsius will undoubtedly be a key industry focus in the coming months.
One of the primary issues is battery performance. Cold temperatures significantly reduce the efficiency and lifespan of batteries used in electric vehicles and other green equipment. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity and take longer to charge in freezing conditions. Additionally, extreme cold can cause mechanical parts to become brittle and more prone to failure. Hydraulic systems, seals, and lubricants may not perform optimally, leading to increased maintenance and downtime. This reliability issue is compounded by the remote location of mining sites, where the harsh environment and limited accessibility make maintenance more challenging and costly.
Another significant challenge is the establishment of energy infrastructure. Green equipment, especially electric vehicles, requires robust charging infrastructure. Setting up and maintaining such infrastructure in remote, cold regions is logistically challenging and expensive. Heavy snowfall, ice, and limited daylight hours during winter months further impede operations and the mobility of green equipment. Olivier Jacques, director of Groupe Gilber’s mining division, said: “The extremely cold conditions in our workplaces mean that the battery performance for electric equipment remains a challenge. While some mines are exploring electric projects, it is not currently a widespread requirement for us to convert our fleet to green energy. This is something that is surely bound to change, and that we are anticipating in the upcoming years.”
Looking ahead, Québec miners will want to strengthen their position as early adopters of electric technologies. With recent large investments and the setting up of an electrification center, one can expect more new technologies coming out of Québec, a province where innovation is part of the ethos.
“Québec's mining industry is at the forefront of innovation in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”
Francis Fournier, President and CEO, Corem
Article header image by Robert Lowdon Photography, courtesy of Metso