Enhanced Measurement and Verification Practices in Deep-Level Mines: The Current State

Abstract

This article explores operational challenges in mining, with a focus on energy management amid depleting ore grades and rising costs. The urgent need for innovative energy management systems and strategies is highlighted by analyzing the unexplored landscape of mine energy budgeting and forecasting and identifying gaps in current practices. Drawing from the literature, this paper offers new insights into energy budgeting and the evaluation of energy efficiency initiatives by integrating traditional and advanced measurement and verification (M&V) techniques. M&V practices are crucial for energy management, particularly in deep-level mines, with a focus on practical knowledge and advanced methodologies. Key findings from this study show that integrating advanced M&V techniques with unplanned events is crucial to improve the financial management of mines. By leveraging these key findings, this article proposes a roadmap of the next seven milestones needed in advanced M&V research to aid effective energy management in a mining environment. If executed successfully, a practical method for applying advanced M&V processes to deep-level mining operations can be constructed. Such a generic method will enhance mining companies’ energy efficiency initiatives and improve financial management practices on a global scale.

Keywords

• South African gold mining industry
• energy management
• budgeting
• measurement and verification (M&V)
• deep-level mines
• unplanned events