Repair of mining components and transportation of new parts: emissions reduction and sustainability

The import of new mining components resulted in 862 kg CO2 equivalent per ton transported, per kilometer traveled.

A report by Aisoncore determined the carbon footprint emitted by the purchase and repair of mining assets.

The report was conducted by measuring machinery that was repaired during mid-2022 and 2023 at mining companies in Chile.

It was determined that repairable assets (meaning heavy machinery used in mining) have an average repair time of 108.7 days, from the time they leave a mine until the supplier returns them to the mine. During the repair process, we also measured the time spent on a monthly basis on internal management to send components for repair, which amounts to 10.16 days on average. This is equivalent to almost one working week, highlighting the importance and dedication that the mining companies devote to this process.

From an economic perspective, the repair of components represented a significant savings, with an average monthly average of more than USD$2 million, versus the purchase of new components. This figure demonstrates the effectiveness of repair compared to the purchase of new components, which in turn contributes to greater profitability in the mining sector.

A secondary effect or positive externality produced by preferring repair versus the purchase of new spare parts, is that it strongly encourages the development of the local supplier matrix in the regions where the operations are located and thus the associated productive chaining.

Carbon footprint emitted by purchasing new components.

In the same report, the carbon footprint emitted by the repair of a component versus the purchase of new equipment was determined. For this measurement, variables such as weight, distance and greenhouse gas emissions due to transportation were used.

The report determined that the average weight of machinery purchased and repaired in mining is 2,296kg, this considered machinery such as actuators, hydraulic accumulators, frames, bucket arms, pumps, hydraulic cylinders, differentials, final drives, diesel engines, electric motors, radiators, truck hoppers and bulldozer truck transmissions. In addition, the average distance between component suppliers worldwide and Chilean mining companies was studied, with an average of 10,949 km. With these factors, we also calculated the greenhouse gas emission factor associated with the maritime and land transportation used for the transfer of these components.

The average carbon footprint estimate calculated by Aisoncore and based on the import of new mining components resulted in 862 kg CO2 equivalent per tonne transported, per kilometer traveled. To better understand this figure, we can compare it to common sources:

1 kg of CO2 emitted is equivalent to keeping a 15W light bulb on for 6 full days.
A 20″ LCD TV with 45W on for 2 full days.
A 5 km gasoline car trip with an efficiency of 11 km/lt.
Travel 4,900 km with an average gasoline-powered vehicle.
Fully charged 144,511 cell phones.
Consume 507 liters of gasoline.

In comparison, when a decision is made to repair a component instead of buying a new one, the amount of CO2 emitted drops to 375 kg of CO2 equivalent. This represents a drop of more than 56% in emissions.

This data highlights the environmental impact that can be avoided by repairing components instead of importing new ones. The mining industry, by opting for this practice, not only promotes efficiency and economic savings, but also contributes to a significant reduction of the carbon footprint.

Original study by Aisoncore.
Note by Agustín de Vicente , March 26, 2024

Go to original publication in reporte minero

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