Mines can reduce their carbon footprint by repairing equipment instead of buying new ones

Note from Agencia Andina, Peru

Of the total emissions in Peru, 3% come from mining.

So far in 2024, the mining sector has been developing an exponential increase; up to February of this year, mining exports grew 13.2%, closing at 3,223 million dollars.

Sin embargo, la minería tradicionalmente ha sido asociada con una alta emisión de carbono debido a su uso intensivo de maquinaria pesada y procesos energéticamente demandantes.

A recent study by Aisoncore calculated the carbon footprint emitted by the purchase and repair of mining assets versus the purchase of a new one. For this measurement, variables such as weight, distance and greenhouse gas emissions due to transportation were used.

"The estimate of the average carbon footprint for purchasing new components in mining, mainly with imports, generated 811 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent per ton transported, per kilometer traveled. In comparison, when the decision is made to repair a component instead of buying a new one, the amount of CO2 emitted drops to 591.5 kg of CO2 equivalent, representing a reduction of more than 27% in emissions", commented Patricio Rojas, CEO of Antara.
This measurement considered the main suppliers of mining and industrial machinery repair present in the mining regions of Peru and to better understand this figure, we can compare it with common sources. Opting for component repair is equivalent in reducing:
2,440 kilometers driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle.
-71,952 cell phones charged.
-67 gallons of gasoline consumed.
-301 kg of burned coal
"The premise of this analysis is to raise awareness that extending the useful life of components and machinery used in the mining industry through maintenance and repair not only generates economic savings, but is also a key approach to a more responsible and sustainable mining industry," concluded Rojas.

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