Mining Sector Could Cut Emissions By 25% Through Clean Vehicle Adoption: FIMI

New Delhi, Jun 12 (KNN) India’s mining sector could achieve significant environmental gains by adopting cleaner vehicle technologies, potentially cutting emissions by up to 25 percent and diesel consumption by 30 percent, according to a comprehensive study by the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI).

The research examines the feasibility of adopting electric vehicles, liquefied natural gas, and biodiesel alternatives in non-coal mineral extraction and handling operations.

The study was conducted in partnership with Deloitte under the oversight of a steering committee comprising senior mining professionals from industry and original equipment manufacturers. 

The analysis drew from site assessments at ten non-coal mining locations across Odisha, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, encompassing more than 12,500 hours of equipment operation data.

Current mining operations demonstrate heavy reliance on diesel fuel, which accounts for over 95 percent of fuel consumption in load and haul activities. 

The mining sector contributes approximately 10 percent of India's industrial carbon dioxide emissions, with bulk material movement primarily dependent on heavy-duty trucks ranging from 60 to 100 tonnes. 

The research proposes a structured five-year implementation roadmap featuring phased adoption of alternative technologies. 

The recommended approach includes deploying LNG trucks for long-haul operations, battery electric vehicles for short-haul material movement within mining sites, and hybrid electric retrofits as intermediate solutions, particularly in areas with limited charging infrastructure. 

The study identifies the potential for continuous operations through battery swapping and regenerative braking technologies.

Implementation challenges include elevated upfront capital costs, infrastructure limitations, and technology readiness considerations. 

However, the analysis indicates that total cost of ownership for cleaner vehicles is projected to decrease through economies of scale, policy incentives, and expanded local manufacturing capabilities. 

The roadmap envisions pilot project initiation within one year, progressing toward comprehensive sector-wide deployment by 2029.

The proposed adoption framework combines retrofit solutions, new original equipment manufacturer vehicles, and public-private partnerships for supporting infrastructure development, including LNG refueling stations and electric vehicle charging networks. 

FIMI has recommended incorporating mining logistics into India's National Electric Mobility Mission and providing access to FAME or Production Linked Incentive scheme benefits to assist fleet operators in managing transition costs.

(KNN Bureau)