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1、WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25Pre-Release EditionChanging TidesNavigating the waters of a domestically produced energy transitionIn 2023,the United States achieved a record high for mineral imports,marking an all-time low for supply chain stability.According to the US Geological Surveys(USGS)2023 Minera

2、ls Commodity Summaries report,the US was more than 50%reliant on 51 minerals.The US is also 100%net import reliant for 15 of those 51 minerals,12 of which are deemed“critical”according to the USGS 2022 Final List of Critical Minerals.In 2024,not much has changed.The US is more than 50%reliant on 49

3、minerals and 100%reliant on the same 15.For the country to achieve a secure green energy transition,it is critical to ensure a supply of domestically produced material.The US government pledged net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and that 50%of vehicles sold by 2030 will be electric.To reach carbon ne

4、utrality,90%of electricity must be generated by renewable technologies.It is estimated that 384 mines must be built by 2035 to meet EV and energy storage battery demand alone,according to Benchmark Intelligence.This does not factor in the materials needed for solar panels,wind turbines,or electrical

5、 infrastructure.The outlook is bleak:the share of fossil fuels in global energy use decreased only 4%from 1997 to 2022,according to Vaclav Smils“Halfway Between Kyoto and 2050”report.Though not impossible,to achieve net-zero,affluent countries like the US will incur minimum costs of 20%of annual GDP

6、.Based on 2023s GDP,that would be equivalent to US$5.47 trillion.However,mining of metals and minerals contributed US$185 billion to the countrys GDP in 2023,according to the USGSs 2024 Minerals Commodity Summaries report.The governments aggressive plans to advance the green energy transition lacks

7、the backing of domestically produced raw material.The US is import reliant for the entire battery supply chain,and for the materials needed to produce renewable energy and storage technologies.Geopolitical tensions could sever the USs hopes for a cleaner future at the swing of a pickaxe.“It is in ou

8、r best interest to figure out how to utilize our countrys own resources so that we do not put ourselves in a position where others can dictate what we have access to,”said Tawana Bain,CEO of American Clean Resources Group,a firm turning to tailings to help the US gain self-sufficiency.Image courtesy

9、 of Rio Tinto Kennecott“Addressing climate change and transitioning to sustainable energy are issues beyond a single balance sheet.We will need more partnerships in mining for the next 20 years than the past century.”Nathan Foster,Managing Director Kennecott,Rio TintoProblem SolvedStantec designs an

10、d delivers creative,innovative,and industry-leading USA MINING 2024-25Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONCopper,one of the leading metals for the transition,may not shine a bright as gold,but is equally the United States plunder.Lately,the metal has been treated as

11、 fools gold.Import reliance for copper grew 5%from 2023 to 2024.This reliance will only increase as American demand for copper will far outstrip supply in the coming years.Currently the US is lacking both raw and refined supply,housing only two functional smelters.Despite its critical role in the gr

12、een energy transition and being 46%import reliant on the metal,copper is not defined as a critical mineral by the US government.The USGS even denied a bipartisan request to add copper to the list.Nevada:a lithium islandCapital markets have been hesitant to invest in the lithium space,given the commo

13、ditys poor performance over the past 12 months.The US government has been especially involved in this space.While capital markets require quick returns,the US government is looking longer term,seeing lithium through the lens of green energy transition demand.Given its geology,Nevada has emerged as t

14、he leader in the lithium space.Processing capabilities,however,are lagging.“Nevada is one of the few places on the planet with large enough critical element deposits to support multigenerational activity in mining,extraction,and advanced manufacturing.However,there is a large gap in processing abili

15、ties.Nevada is currently a net exporter of raw critical element ore to China,”explained Frederick Steinmann,director,University Center for Economic Development,University of Nevada,Reno(UNR).In 2023,the UNR received US$1 million in financing from the NSFs Regional Innovation Engines program.“We reco

16、gnize the processing and refining gaps and are attempting to bring in new technologies and improve old ones.We are working with consultancies and venture capital firms to provide information,knowledge,sophistication,and support to move towards commercialization,”highlighted Erica Hall,senior project

17、 manager at UNR.The Biden-Harris administration declared goals of ensuring 50%of vehicle sales will be electric by 2030.Nevada received four federal investments as the US aims to increase market share in the battery space.Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,the DOE awarded a sum of US$4.62 billi

18、on to 35 projects in 2022 and 2023.Three are in Nevada.3 3Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONWESTERN USA MINING 2024-25|PRE-RELEASERecycling:Opening a new treasure chestAt 29 years,the lead time to bring a mine into production in the US is second only to Zambia.Thi

19、s timeline immediately extinguishes any hopes of a domestically sourced green energy transition.Recycling firms are surfacing to provide an alternative.There is an estimated 280 billion t of inactive tailings deposits worldwide,estimated to contain trillions in estimated value of precious,critical a

20、nd strategic metals.Reprocessing this material is a no-brainer according to Bain of American Clean Resources Group:“The reintroduction of minerals and metals that were once considered waste into the supply chain not only diversifies our sources of supply but also advances Americas goal of self-relia

21、nce.This shift has the potential to transform the mining industry in the United States,creating safer job opportunities and redefining the sectors future.The firm is starting with the tailings contained in the 1,183 acres of their Tonopah property in Nevada.In parallel,ABTC and Redwood materials are

22、 recycling batteries in Nevada.With its lithium extraction and battery recycling,ABTC created a loop:“A closed-loop supply chain differs from the traditional hydrocarbon economy,where resources are used once and depleted.For elements like lithium,having strong partnerships,with refiners,manufacturer

23、s,OEMs and others allows us to maintain control over these materials indefinitely,”said Ryan Melsert,CEO and CTO,American Battery Technology Company.Solar panels are providing another type of recycling feedstock,“100,000 t of waste solar panels are generated annually,mostly from California,Arizona,a

24、nd Nevada.By 2030,this is expected to rise to 1 million t,”said Corrado De Gasperis,executive chairman and CEO,Comstock Inc.In 2023,Comstock Metals,a subsidiary of Comstock Inc.,established a commercial demonstration facility.“We are proving that we can economically recycle 100%of end-of-life solar

25、panels.These materials include glass,silica,aluminum,copper,and a high-silver-content metallurgical ore,”added De Gasperis.Walk the plankThere is one critical resource where the shortage is due to limited deposits,not regulations:talent.71%of mining leaders say the talent shortage keeps them from de

26、livering on production targets,according to McKinsey,exacerbating the supply problem further.While the mining industry will consistently add between 11,000 and 13,000 jobs annually for the next 20 years,the number of people entering the workforce dwindles.In April 2023,the US mining sector had 36,00

27、0 job vacancies,up from 27,000 in 2022.US mining graduates declined by 39%,with only 600 mining engineering students across the US in 2022,a sharp decrease from 1,500 in 2015.The University of Arizona,representing approximately 10%of mining engineering undergraduate students,typically maintains an u

28、ndergraduate class size of about 60 students.This,however,has become increasingly difficult.The latest data indicates that the university has maintained steady enrollment in our mining engineering program at a time when enrollment figures nationally have declined 30%,noted Jodi Banta,program manager

29、 and workforce development researcher at the University of Arizona School of Mining and Mineral Resources.A substantial portion of the decline is indebted to a lack of visibility.Banta emphasized:“A major challenge in recruiting talent for the mining industry is its low visibility,making it less att

30、ractive compared to more well-known fields.Many students lack familiarity with mining and struggle to envision a career in it.”This shortage presents an imminent challenge.According to the Society for Mining,Metallurgy,and Exploration(SME),around 220,000 US mining workers are expected to retire by 2

31、029.This mass exodus will leave a significant knowledge and skill gap that must be addressed,particularly as the demand for critical minerals such as lithium,cobalt,and rare earths continues to grow.The talent shortage affects the entire mining value chain from exploration to engineering,operations,

32、and sustainability roles.According to the International Council on Mining and Metals(ICMM),the global shift toward automation and digitalization Educational initiatives in Colorado,like the Colorado School of Mines and Colorado State Universitys,are fostering a proactive approach to the development

33、of much needed human resources for the mining sector.Jeffrey Coffin,COO,Knight Pisold USA45 offices worldwide and a global network of affliates.No matter where you are in the world,chances are weve got your project covered.4PRE-RELEASE|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MI

34、NING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITION“Industry and academia need to collaborate to raise minings profile,emphasizing its role in green energy and national security.Outreach programs and partnerships with local economic development organizations can help improve visibility.”Jodi Banta,Program Manager&Rese

35、archer,School of Mining&Mineral Resources,University of Arizonarequires highly specialized skills,further compounding the talent gap.New roles,such as data scientists,geospatial analysts,and artificial intelligence(AI)specialists,are becoming increasingly vital.“The mining industry is currently cont

36、ending with significant macro trends that hinder effective data utilization,most notably the shortage of skilled talent such as mining engineers and geologists,”noted Rob Hardman,president and general manager for North America at Maptek.In September 2023,the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Re

37、sources introduced the Mining Schools Act of 2023,a bipartisan legislation allocating US$10 million per year,from 2024 to 2031,to a grant program for mining schools in an effort to recruit more students.A solution to the root of the problem must start early in the education system.“Research revealed

38、 a critical lack of awareness about mining careers,highlighted by a survey showing that 60%of American science teachers felt unqualified to recommend mining.To combat this,SMMR launched a mining and minerals teachers academy for high school and middle school science teachers.This is in addition to o

39、ur well established K-12 education outreach program,which reaches over 6,000 students and hundreds of teachers annually,”shared Banta.However,technology can help to fill the expanding void.“This year,we are on track to receive over 20,000 employment applications,a significant increase from last year

40、s 11,000,”started Keaton Turner,founder,president and CEO at Turner Mining Group.“This surge reflects our robust social media efforts to not only promote our brand but also highlight opportunities within the mining sector,particularly in the US,”he continued.The US must urgently prioritize self-suff

41、iciency in critical minerals by increasing domestic production,driving innovation in recycling,and bridging the growing talent gap.These steps are crucial for establishing the nations leadership in the global green energy transition and ensuring economic and strategic stability.The time to act is no

42、w,before external dependencies turn the tide against American energy independence.With the moon full,it is not a question of if the tide will change,but whenand the US must be prepared to rise with the tide.M I N I N G.A R I Z O N A.E D UWere ReimaginingMINING&MINERALS EDUCATIONWere breaking through

43、 the traditional disciplinary silos in education to bring forward the next generation of mining professionals.5 5Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONWESTERN USA MINING 2024-25|PRE-RELEASEProduction and DevelopmentThe green transition catalyzes industry-wide changeTh

44、e primary demand story driving mineral and metal prices is the worlds transition to the green energy economy.Electric vehicles(EVs),photovoltaic cells,wind turbines,energy infrastructure,etc.all require an inexhaustive list of minerals and metals.Within this,EVs receive the most attention.In 2023,ne

45、arly one in every five cars sold was electric,and the number of EVs sold globally in the first three months of 2024 was roughly equivalent to the total number sold in 2020,according to the International Energy Agency.“An EV contains four times more copper than an internal combustion engine vehicle.C

46、harging an EV significantly increases a homes peak electricity consumption,comparable to adding 46 refrigerators.The federal goal of converting half of US households to EVs in the next decade will require substantial increases in electricity generation and infrastructure,”said Nathan Foster,managing

47、 director Kennecott,Rio Tinto.Humanitys second copper ageFor typical commodities,high prices result in reduced demand new supply.Copper is not typical the exorbitant demand for the metal makes it difficult to reduce demand sufficiently,and the supply side cannot keep up.While coppers last cycle was

48、driven by demand from China,this cycle is primarily driven by lack of supply.Recent supply disruptionsCobre Panama coming offline,lower than anticipated production output in Chile,and global reduction in ore grades to name a fewtriggered the metals bull run,leading to its record highs.Of the worlds

49、20 largest copper producing mines,only two are in the Western US Freeport-McMoRans 72%-owned Morenci,responsible for 2.6%of world supply,and Rio Tintos Bingham Canyon,responsible for 1.4%of world supply.However,global tensions have turned the spotlight back onto domestic assets.“As global competitio

50、n for resources intensifies,prioritizing domestic production and reducing dependence on foreign trade will become increasingly important over the next few decades,”emphasized Foster.In 2023,domestic mined copper output in the US declined an estimated 11%from 2022.Output reached 1.1 million t/y,a fiv

51、e-year low.Of the 25 mines that produce copper in the US,17 account for 99%of mine production.The drop in mined copper output can be attributed in part to disruptions at these mines.Copper production across Freeport-McMoRans North American assets dropped 74 million lb for the first six months of 202

52、4,compared to the same period in 2023,due to lower ore Image courtesy of Hycroft Mining“There has been no manganese ore mining in the United States since the 1970s,and the US is now 100%reliant on foreign sources for manganese.The Hermosa project can help fill that void.”Pat Risner,President Hermosa

53、 Project,South32Infographic 1Source:Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024,U.S.Geological SurveyAmericas Import Reliance for MineralsGRAPHITEMANGANESERARE EARTHSZINCSILVERCOBALTNICKELCOPPERLITHIUMTELLURIUM100%100%95%77%69%67%57%46%25%25%The flags represent the countries U.S.depends on the most for each mi

54、neral.6PRE-RELEASE|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONgrades and planned mill maintenance.Record-high snowfall and a conveyor belt failure affected production at the Bingham Canyon minecommonly referred to as Kennecott in Salt Lake City,Ut

55、ah.Ramp up at Nevada Coppers Pumpkin Hollow mine was delayed;operations started in October 2023.The company,however,declared bankruptcy in June 2024,halting operations entirely,taking another domestic copper supplier off the table.2024 started on the right foot.Domestic mines produced 209,000 t in J

56、anuary and February,an 8.29%increase over 2023s 193,000 t for that same period.Production at Kennecott for Q2 2024 was up 30%from the same period last year.First production from the Lower Commercial Skarn,a small underground ore body area was achieved in June 2024,marking the mines return to undergr

57、ound production after four decades and paving the way for first ore from North Rim Skarn(NRS)by Q1 2025.In 2023,Rio Tinto invested US$498 million to begin developing the NRS ore body.The NRS has updated Indicated Mineral Resources of 10.8 Mt at 2.93%copper,1.20 g/t gold,65.97 g/t silver,0.008%molybd

58、enum,detailed Foster.Freeport conducted technical and economic studies in 2023 for a potential expansion project at the Bagdad concentrator to increase copper production by 200 to 250 million lb/y,more than double current production rates.The firm is also working on projects at the Safford/Lone Star

59、 operation to increase copper production to 300 million lb/y.Increased copper production will not necessarily bring the states to where they need to be.Smelting and refining capacity has become the bottleneck,said Paul Harbidge,president and CEO at Faraday Copper:“In the 1970s and 1980s,the Western

60、world shifted away from heavy industry,relocating much of it to China.China built several smelters and now nearly control the production of metals like copper.”The entire US has only two operational smelters:Rio Tintos Kennecott and Freeport-McMoRans Miami.However,Grupo Mexico-owned Asarco has plans

61、 to restart operations at its Hayden complex in Arizona and Amarillo refinery in Texas.Currently,concentrates from the miners Mission and Ray mines are sold to China and Japan,however,said scar Gonzlez Rocha,CEO at Asarco,“once the smelter reopens,we would produce a more finished product,the anode,w

62、hich would be sent to the Amarillo refinery in Texas to manufacture wire rods.This wire rod would be sold primarily on the East Coast of the US.”BUILDING AMERICAS COPPER SUPPLYBOOSTING ARIZONAS ECONOMYCopper is critical to our daily lives.Its used in phones and electrical grids.Resolution Copper cou

63、ld meet up to 25%of U.S.copper demand,create over 3,700 jobs,and generate more than$61 billion in economic growth for Arizona.WE ARE RESOLUTION COPPER,AND WE ARE#COPPERSTRONG.LEARN MORE AT RESOLUTIONCOPPER.COM“Maintaining domestic supply through operational smelters is crucial for US resilience in c

64、opper production.We aim to strengthen these efforts by ensuring consistent supply to meet American demand.”Vicky Peacey,President and General Manager,Resolution Copper7 7Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONWESTERN USA MINING 2024-25|PRE-RELEASECopper developmentTher

65、e are some copper projects with the potential to come online in time to help meet fill the copper supply gap.However,despite the governments outward commitment to the green energy transition,many fear its lack of clear direction when it comes to actually bringing new supply online might act as a maj

66、or impediment.“Despite quotas on EV sales,the government lacks a clear policy for the clean energy transition.It fails to support mining permitting and infrastructure,”emphasized Harbidge.This narrative may shift,as the government becomes cognizant of the dire need to increase production.“Typically,

67、a company like World Copper would focus on exploration and development to expand a deposit.However,given the current deficit and our assets potential to quickly impact production,we decided to move straight into production.The US Government is actively supporting us in this endeavor,and we are worki

68、ng closely with them to ensure it happens,”said Gordon Neal,the firms president and CEO.At Resolution Copper,the Rio Tinto-BHP joint venture,the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied Apache Strongholds request to further hear their case to stop the land exchange between Resolution Copper and the fed

69、eral government.In 2024 the firm signed a Good Neighbor Agreement with surrounding towns,counties and groups.“Over the last decade,we worked closely with local communities to co-design what this mine will look like.The“2023 saw 415 gigawatts of new photovoltaic installations globally;this could exce

70、ed 1 terawatt annually by 2030.Each gigawatt requires 500,000 oz of silver,resulting in more demand for silver than total global annual supply.”Mitchell Krebs,President and CEO,Coeur MiningThe Hayden concentrator and smelter will remain inactive while we determine how to resume operations.Once onlin

71、e,the Amarillo refinery in Texas will also restart,supplying wire rod to the entire East Coast of the US.scar Gonzlez Rocha,CEO,Asarco8PRE-RELEASE|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONproject has evolved significantly due to the input from c

72、ommunities and Native American tribes,ensuring we can coexist with nature,riparian areas,and ancestral sites,”said Vicky Peacey,president and general manager.The pipeline is growing.In March 2024,Arizona Sonoran acquired the 523-acre MainSpring property immediately adjacent to its Cactus project,ena

73、bling the firm to factor the now combined Parks/Salyer deposit with MainSpring into a mineral resource estimate.There was a 1,904%increase to the Measured Category at Parks/Salyer,26%increase to the total M&I and a 60%increase in total Inferred resource.“MainSpring brings an additional 1.9 billion p

74、ounds(all inferred)of copper to the project.A significant amount of mineralization is close to the surface which allows for open pit mining,said George Ogilvie,President and CEO of Arizona Sonoran.Lithium production and developmentLithium took the spotlight in 2022 as the EV craze hypnotized America

75、ns,but the minerals price plummeted 80%over 2023.Compared to copper,the lithium market is immature and high prices lead to demand destruction and new supply.With confusing futures pricing,market leader China made the market opaque,leaving it unclear what a realistic global reference point should be.

76、Despite this,demand grows.US demand alone is predicted to increase 29%year-on-year through 2030,according to Fastmarkets data.Global lithium supply is predicted to more than double by 2026.However,if prices remain low,this supply is unlikely to become available.US-based Albemarle held numerous spodu

77、mene concentrate and lithium carbonate auctions in 2024 to boost market transparency.The firm owns the longstanding sole producing lithium mine in the Western US the Silver Peak mine in Nevada,where lithium is produced from brine.Fortunately,2024 brought with it a new lithium supplier in the US:Amer

78、ican Battery Technology Company(ABTC).“In 2021,we were awarded a US$4.5 million Department of Energy(DoE)grant to build an integrated pilot facility to process claystone from our property into battery-grade lithium hydroxide.We completed the pilot plant in 2024 and recently began producing battery-g

79、rade lithium hydroxide”said Ryan Melsert,ABTCs CEO and CTO.The plant will be supplied by the companys 21-million-ton LCE resource.With a US$115 million DoE grant,the firm is working to build a commercial-scale refinery with a 30,000 t/y capacity.“With average annual copper cathode production of 116,

80、052 short tons in the first 20 years,our Cactus project ranks fifth in scale in the US,positioning us as a key supplier to the domestic market.”George Ogilvie,President and CEO,Arizona Sonoran Copper Company9 9Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONWESTERN USA MINING 2

81、024-25|PRE-RELEASEAnother player in the Silver State is only a few years behind,with production scheduled for 2027.Australian-based Ioneer expects a record of decision on their EIA in October and FID by year-end 2024 on their 350 million ton contained ore lithium and boron project.Our initial Phase

82、One project is expected to produce about 22,000 t/y of lithium.This deposit can potentially supply enough lithium to power more than 50 million electric vehicles,assuming current efficiency levels,said Bernard Rowe,managing director.Precious metals productionSilver cannot be overlooked in the green

83、energy transition.Demand is expected to increase 170%by 2030,mainly due to solar panel demand.“2023 saw nearly 500 gigawatts of new photovoltaic installations globally,and experts predict this could exceed a billion gigawatts every year by 2030.Each gigawatt requires nearly 500,000 oz of silver,whic

84、h could result in more demand for silver than total global annual supply,”said Mitchell Krebs,president and CEO of Coeur Mining.2024s completed expansion of the Rochester mine will help Coeur Mining fill the worlds supply gap.“We expect double digit increases for silver,primarily due to Rochesters e

85、xpansion.For 2024,silver production is projected to be between 10.7 million-13.3 million oz,”he highlighted.Despite having limited industrial applications in the green transition,gold is likely to maintain a positive narrative.As climate change raises global economic uncertainty,golds traditional ro

86、le as a safe-haven asset will likely surface,providing source of financial certainty.Critical Minerals Development and ProductionManganese and rare earth elements are key components of EV batteries.Zinc creates protective coatings for solar panels and wind turbines.For perspective,a 100 MWh solar pa

87、nel park requires 240 tons of zinc,according to the World Economic Forum.Both manganese and zinc are used in steel production.Rare earths are used in magnets,which underlie everything that powers modern technology,from electric vehicles and renewable energy systems to advanced medical devices and co

88、nsumer electronics.The US is 100%import reliant for manganese,95%for rare earths,and 76%for zinc.One of a few advanced mining projects in the US,South32s Hermosa project in Arizona was confirmed as the first FAST-41 mining project in May 2023,which will introduce efficiency into the federal permitti

89、ng process.In 2024,South32s board approved a US$2.16 billion final investment decision to develop the Hermosa projects zinc deposit.“It has the potential to be one of the worlds largest zinc producers.The feasibility study for Hermosas zinc-lead-silver deposit also showed an expected initial operati

90、ng life for the mine of approximately 28 years,with potential for further exploration upside,”said Pat Risner,president of Hermosa at South32.With China dominating 95%of rare earth element(REE)production and refining,creative measures are required to reduce the USs import reliance.Energy Fuels saw t

91、his as an opportunity:“Past efforts by US,Australian,European,and Canadian companies to compete in the critical minerals space,particularly against China,have been largely unsuccessful.Our solution involves creating a new“Past efforts to compete in the critical minerals space against China have been

92、 unsuccessful.Our solution involves creating a new supply chain using byproduct monazite and our Utah facility to produce rare earth materials.”Curtis Moore,SVP-Marketing&Corporate Development,Energy FuelsLess than 1%of global cathode production capacity is currently in North America.The four planne

93、d cathode plants will consume more lithium than all the proposed lithium refineries in the USA.”Ryan Melsert,CEO and CTO,American Battery Technology Company10PRE-RELEASE|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONWe need to bring mines online fast

94、er to meet domestic mineral needs.Fast-41 expedites the federal permitting process and is making a difference in Arizona.The passage of the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2024 would prove helpful.The U.S.remains import-reliant for many critical minerals.This is a crucial issue.Steve Trussell,Execu

95、tive Director,Arizona Mining Associationsupply chain using byproduct monazite and our Utah facility to produce advanced rare earth materials,”explained Curtis Moore,SVP of marketing and corporate development.So far,the effort has been successful.“In 2024,we installed a circuit capable of producing u

96、p to 1,000 t/y of neodymium praseodymium oxide(NdPr),enough for a million electric vehicles,”Moore added.Uranium At the World Climate Action Summit of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change(COP28),20 countries agreed on the Declaration to Triple Nuclear E

97、nergy.As the title suggests,the aim is to triple nuclear energys share of the global electricity matrix by 2050 and this was the first COP document backing nuclear energy.Nuclear energy has the lowest carbon footprint of any electricity source and is the least land intensive,according to the World E

98、conomic Forum;a thimble-sized pellet of uranium produces as much energy as almost 3 barrels of oil,more than 350 cubic meters of natural gas and about half a ton of coal.The US aims to capitalize on a domestic nuclear advantage,according to Curtis Moore,senior vice president of marketing and corpora

99、te development at Energy Fuels,the firm he forecasts to be the largest domestic producer by 2026:“There is a significant effort to rebuild domestic nuclear fuel capabilities,particularly in uranium conversion and enrichment,indirectly benefiting mining.”In 2023,uranium purchases to fuel domestic nuc

100、lear power reactors increased 27%over 2022,according to the US Energy Information Administration.Most uranium was sourced from abroad,with 27%from Canada,22%from Australia and Kazakhstan each,12%from Russia and 10%from Uzbekistan.Only 5%was sourced domestically.This,however,will likely increase.In M

101、ay 2024,the President signed the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act into law,unlocking US$2.72 billion in funding to build out the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain.As the world moves deeper into a new era,the importance of securing a reliable supply of essential energy materials cannot be ove

102、rstated.While the green energy transition offers unprecedented opportunities,it also underscores the urgent need for strategic investments,innovative solutions,and government support to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.1 1 11Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDI

103、TIONWESTERN USA MINING 2024-25|PRE-RELEASEWestern USA Exploration in 2024The New Manifest DestinyApart from numerous Native American tribes like the Yaqui,Hopi,Ute,and Washoe,mineral explorers were some of the first to settle the Western US.As the country expanded,the West emerged as a vast,uncharte

104、d frontier,offering a new horizon for those daring enough to venture into its rugged landscapes.The region became a symbol of possibilitya place where the bold could carve out their fortunes from the untapped riches buried beneath the earth.The allure of the West was about the prospect of discoverin

105、g gold,silver,and other precious metals that lay hidden in the mountains and valleys,waiting to be unearthed by those with the grit and determination to find them.In 1890,the Census Bureau declared the Western frontier closed.134 years later,the Western US has become a new symbol of possibility for

106、explorers:an untapped,mineral rich region with the ability to supply the ever-demanding globe.The Western USs complex tectonic history,marked by subduction zones,volcanic activity,and crustal stretching,created the perfect conditions for the formation of mineral deposits.Many copper deposits in the

107、West are porphyry copper deposits,formed from hydrothermal fluids related to the cooling of magma deep within the Earths crust.Over millions of years,these fluids moved through fractures in the rock,depositing copper and other valuable metals like molybdenum and gold as they cooled.The result is vas

108、t,low-grade but highly concentrated deposits of copper,such as those found in Arizonas Morenci and Bingham Canyon mines.These deposits are so large and rich in copper that they have sustained mining operations for over a century,making them some of the most important sources of copper in the world.C

109、opperPorphyry deposits,while typically characterized by evenly distributed mineralization,can exhibit unique geological variations that influence their economic viability.For example,the CuMo deposit in Idaho,a hard rock copper porphyry,presents a distinctive stockwork system.“The nature of our oreb

110、ody provides significant opportunities to lower CapEx.Unlike typical porphyrys where mineralization is evenly distributed throughout the ore body,our deposit has thin,finger-width veins containing the bulk of the copper,molybdenum,rhenium,and tungsten minerals,”said Andrew Brodkey,chief operating of

111、ficer at Idaho Copper.A key aspect of these porphyry systems is the presence of brecciasrock formations composed of broken fragments cemented together by a fine-grained matrix.Breccias,formed by intense hydrothermal activity,serve as both hosts and conduits for mineralizing fluids.As these fluids tr

112、aveled through the fractured rock,they deposited copper and other metals,potentially creating zones of higher-grade mineralization within the broader porphyry system.At Faradays Copper Creek newly discovered at surface breccia are enhancing the economics of the deposit,said Paul Harbidge,president a

113、nd CEO at Faraday Copper:“The first new target we drilled,Area 51,has resulted in the discovery of a cluster of breccias exposed at surface with strong copper mineralization.Assay results include:1.29%copper over 11.36 meters within 45.75 meters at 0.48%copper.”Image courtesy of American PacificAndr

114、ew Brodkey,CEO/COOabrodkeyidaho-,520-850-0274Robert Scannell,CFOrscannellidaho-,415-370-9209Idaho Copper is advancing the massive CuMocopper-molybdenum-silver project in southern Idaho,nearthe capital of Boise.CuMo currently has Measured andIndicated Resources of almost 4 billion pounds of copper,1.

115、6billion pounds of molybdenum,and 170 million ounces ofsilver,making it one of the largest undeveloped copper andmolybdenum projects in the Americas.Using innovative techniques such as ore sorting,IdahoCopper intends to publish an updated Preliminary EconomicAssessment(PEA)in early 2025 with improve

116、d economics andsignificantly less capital than the results from a PEA releasedin 2020.DEVELOPING A WORLD CLASS COPPER PROJECT IN THE USA12PRE-RELEASE|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITION“Arizona is a premier region for copper development.Ou

117、r deposit consists of a skarn-related porphyry system with significant mineralization in skarn.We have not identified the underlying porphyry,but we have several targets.”Stephen Twyerould,President and CEO,Excelsior MiningLithiumThere are two types of lithium deposits in the Western US:brine and cl

118、ay-rich sedimentary deposits.Clay-rich sedimentary deposits form from the weathering of lithium-rich volcanic rocks.In large volcanic calderas or sedimentary basins,volcanic ash and pyroclastic materials accumulate and alter over time into clay minerals.Lithium,released during weathering or hydrothe

119、rmal alteration,is incorporated into these clays,with the depositional environment concentrating the lithium through sedimentation and chemical processes.Jindalee Lithiums McDermitt project is hosted in the volcanic caldera,a major benefit according to Ian Rodger,the CEO:“Lithium sedimentary deposit

120、s are the copper porphyries of the lithium worldhuge,low-grade,generational assets.Our deposit is unique in that it outcrops at the surface,and the rock is very soft,so no blasting or grinding is required.Mining will be very cheap and we expect the waste-to-ore ratio to be around 1.”The shift has be

121、en gradual,but remains beneficial in Clayton Valley said Steve Hanson,president and CEO of ACME Lithium:“The region has a history of lithium production since 1966,offering valuable infrastructure like roads,power,and a skilled workforce.The proximity to Albemarles operation means we are not starting

122、 from scratchthere is already community and employment support for lithium production.”Tim Fernback,president and CEO of Grid Battery Metals,agrees:“Nevadas robust infrastructure and emerging lithium resources present excellent opportunities for advancing mining projects and maximizing shareholder r

123、eturns.”Manifest destinys legacy In 1872,the United States government formalized the opportunity to exploit the USs geological riches through the mining law,a piece of legislation that opened the doors to the mineral resources on public lands.Anyone who could find valuable minerals could stake a cla

124、im.The mining law reflected the broader spirit of the time,a period when the nation was focused on growth,expansion,and the harnessing of its natural resources.The law is still in effect and“is old and complicated,”emphasized Chris Summers,CFO of Burgex Mining Consultants.Claims are also no longer f

125、ree,continued Summers:“The basic maintenance fee has gone up from US$165 to US$200 per claim,which is significant when multiplied by thousands of claims.We are already seeing companies not renewing claims due to the fee increase.While the BLM is mandated to review fees every five years,the magnitude

126、 of this years increase is significant.It is disheartening because we need this investment for the US to achieve its goals,particularly for the green energy transition.”This new chapter in exploration history is not just about conquering the land,but about responsibly harnessing its resources to bui

127、ld a more sustainable and self-reliant future for the United States.The stakes are high,but so too is the potential for a new kind of prosperityone that respects both the land and the legacy of those who first ventured westward.“Although critical minerals lists receive attention,all minerals are vit

128、al,as base metals and other non-critical minerals are essential for utilizing critical minerals.The broader need for various minerals,including copper,silver,and gold,remains crucial.”Benjamin Davenport,Executive Director,Idaho Mining Association1 3 13Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-

129、25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONWESTERN USA MINING 2024-25|PRE-RELEASEExploration and Development“2020s PEA revealed a resource of 2.3 billion mineable tons containing 3.8 billion lb of copper,1.6 billion lb of molybdenum and hundreds of millions of oz of silver,all in M&I.”Andrew Brodkey,Chief Operating Offi

130、cer,Idaho CopperIdaho“McDermitt is the largest Lithium resource in the US,containing 21.5 million t LCE.Our deposit outcrops at the surface and the rock is soft,so no blasting or grinding is required.”Ian Rodger,CEO,Jindalee LithiumOregon Being on private land,Zonia benefits from easier permitting.I

131、t has on-site power,water,and a was pre-stripped,providing a one-to-one strip ratio.We are targeting production within 3-4 years,with the private land resource supporting 70 million lbs/y copper for ten years.Gordon Neal,President and CEO,World CopperRhyolite Ridge contains a boron mineral instead o

132、f clay found in sedimentary deposits,a mineralogy not found anywhere else.Rock is crushed to the size of a golf ball before leaching,easing separation of solids from lithium and boron-containing liquid.Bernard Rowe,Managing Director,IoneerNevada“Metallurgical results show potential to increase throu

133、ghput from 30,000 t/d to 45,000 t/d by adding a coarser grind size and gold as a payable byproduct.Results confirm sulphide recoveries above 94%and concentrate above 30%copper.”Paul Harbidge,President and CEO,Faraday CopperArizonaPitch your projectExploration results at Texas Spring yielded average

134、lithium grades of 2,010 ppm and up to 5,610 ppm.Our Volt Canyon project area is underexplored;initial geophysics and soil sampling suggest a larger lithium accumulating structure.Tim Fernback,President and CEO,Grid Battery Metals14PRE-RELEASE|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25Global Business Reports|WESTERN

135、 USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONWyoming“30%of Whistlers value is copper.We have 1.1 billion lbs copper,(0.7 billion inferred,0.4 billion indicated).We have 2 million oz of indicated and 4.7 million oz inferred gold.Silver is also present.”Tim Smith,CEO and President,US GoldMining Alaska“Halle

136、ck Creek has a zero-strip ratio and consistent mineralization up to 300 m.We achieved 90%reclamation of processed material.Geologic characteristics favor leaching recoveries at 75-90 C,making it less energy-intensive and cheaper.”Donald Swartz,Former CEO,American Rare EarthsAZNVCAAKWYUTCOMTORIDU.S.t

137、otal:$105 billionValue,in billion USD109876543210Value of non-fuelmineral commoditiesproduced in 2023,by stateSource:Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024,U.S.Geological Survey1 5 15Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONWESTERN USA MINING 2024-25|PRE-RELEASEClimate Change

138、Resilience Engineering and consulting for the futureStorm events are less predictable and more volatile.Droughts are intensified.Fires run rampant through the beetle killed pines across the Western USA.Mining is no stranger to harsh climates,however,climate hazards will only become more frequent and

139、 intense,imposing greater challenges to mining operations.Moreover,the US was one of the 195 countries that pledged to limit global warming below 2.0 degree Celsius under the 2015 Paris Agreement.Miner Rio Tinto reported that record snowfall,twice the historical Utah average,contributed to a 36%redu

140、ction in mined copper production in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2022.7.5 million acres of the US,primarily in the West,burned in wildfires in 2022,leading to temporary shutdowns of mines.Mining operations face a critical dilemma:increasing production to help the world mitigate climate impacts,while a cha

141、nging climate lowers production volumes.Engineering and consulting firms are working with miners to overcome this challenge.Battling scarcityThe arid plains of the Western USA were once a boon for miners,as sparse vegetation and fewer trees facilitated exploration for mineral resources of the expose

142、d rock.This dryness,however,is no longer a boon,and for some mining operations it could even be a bust.30%-50%of production for copper,gold,iron ore and zinc is in areas of high water stress,and those figures are predicted to rise,according to a recent study by McKinsey&Company.Within the Western US

143、A,the states of Arizona,Nevada and Utah are those most at risk.However,Colorado,Idaho and Wyoming are not exempt,as precipitation levels fluctuate drastically due to changing climate conditions.Through utilization of innovative technologies,machine learning algorithms,storm prediction modelling,and

144、other measures,engineering and consulting firms are trying to turn the future around for mining operations supplying domestic material for the USAs green energy transition.“Access to water is dwindling due to climate changes effects.The good news is that mining companies have long understood this is

145、sue and ensure they conserve these precious resources through immense pre planning for water use,closed-loop systems,dry stack tailings technologies,and other best management practices and conservation methods,”said Steve Trussell,executive director at the Arizona Mining Association.Jim Norine,vice

146、president,minerals&metals Southwest USA at Ausenco,added:“At most sites,there are limitations on the amount“We conducted a climate risk assessment for a mining complex in Nevada.Traditional climate models may not be reliable,so we must evaluate whether current structures can handle increased weather

147、 events over the mines lifespan.”Paul Stockburger,VP and Sector Leader,Mining,Minerals&Metals,StantecImage courtesy of Rio Tinto Kennecottof fresh water we can withdraw for operational use.Ausenco is deeply committed to minimizing freshwater demand and maximizing water reuse.We recently explored was

148、tewater reuse on several projects;its adoption is increasing across the industry.Another technology that has gained traction is coarse particle flotation(CPF),said Eric Wasmund,vice president global flotation business at Eriez.Floating at coarser sizes makes it easier to extract as much water as pos

149、sible from tailings before they are deposited in tailings ponds.“CPF improves metal recovery by 3-6%and reduces water usage,as coarser material dewaters more quickly,”Wasmund said.Adapting to extremesAs climate change accelerates,the mining industry faces unprecedented challenges in managing water r

150、esources.Intensified storms and unpredictable weather patterns demand a fundamental shift in the approach to water management.Excess precipitation,as result of intensified storms for example,has the potential for catastrophic effects,like tailings overflow.For this reason,Knight Pisold includes clim

151、ate change modelling as the foundation of their services.“We encourage clients to adopt a predictive site-wide water balance rather than a traditional water inventory tool.This approach allows for risk-informed decision-making regarding water needs,storage/freeboard requirements,and water inventory

152、management.We aim to maintain operational water levels while avoiding excess inventory as the climate continues to change,”explained Jeffrey Coffin,COO USA.16PRE-RELEASE|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONAccurate predictions depend on tra

153、ining models with the right data.Recent climate shifts are challenging traditional models.“Traditionally,we analyze climatic records over a seven-year period to identify the wettest years for our designs.Last winters extreme conditions did not align with this data,resulting in unexpected challenges.

154、We are now expanding our data analysis to include longer historical records,recognizing that periods of significant wetness occurred 100 years ago,”recounted Jeff Parshley,corporate consultant of environment and mine closure at SRK.Other firms observed that the rapid pace of climate change necessita

155、tes moving beyond reliance on recent historical record.“Over the past decade,there have been significant shifts in mining project design due to climate change.We can no longer rely solely on historical data for storm predictions.For instance,while working on drainage in Mexico,we faced a storm much

156、more severe than expected,”warned Norine.Given the uncertainty of climate impacts,contingency planning is essential emphasized Rob Simm,SVP,emergent sector leader,water at Stantec:“Our models are not foolproof.In a project in Alaska,we are developing contingency plans in case our predictions are ina

157、ccurate.”Accepting that not everything can be predicted is key,echoed Paul Stockburger,VP sector leader,strategic pursuits,mining,minerals&metals at Stantec:“While we cannot predict every scenario,we apply probabilistic risk analysis to evaluate the likelihood of specific events.We aim to design for

158、 a high confidence level while focusing on realistic scenarios to protect operations effectively.”Climate change is a global issue impacting mining operations in every continent.Open communication and collaboration will be one way forward,and leaning from other jurisdictions is crucial emphasized De

159、nnis Papilion,executive president,global consulting at Ausenco:“We integrate lessons learned from different regions,not only focusing on climate change,but to understand big-picture impacts and create effective adaptation strategies.”“We increasingly acknowledge the need to factor extreme climatic e

160、vents into our designs and operational plans.Regulatory agencies are beginning to realize traditional storm return period designs may not be adequate for the long-term scenarios.”Jeff Parshley,Corporate Consultant,SRKFor water management,machine learning can aid in the identification of various wate

161、r types and is already frequently used to optimize performance of active or passive water treatment systems both in operations and closure.Tom Meuzelaar,Founder and Owner,Life Cycle GeoThe challenges posed by climate change to the mining industry are formidable,but not insurmountable.As extreme weat

162、her events become more frequent and water resources dwindle,the need for innovative solutions is more critical than ever.The future of mining in the Western US hinges on the industrys ability to innovate and adapt,ensuring resilience in the face of an uncertain climate.1 7 17Global Business Reports|

163、WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONWESTERN USA MINING 2024-25|PRE-RELEASEA Date with DataTechnology firms help miners find love at first byteFacing the challenge of increasing production without opening new mines in the Americas,Freeport-McMoRan turned to artificial intelligence,starting

164、at their Bagdad mine in Arizona.Data access was not the problem a data warehouse stores sensor data collected on a second-by-second basis from the companys trucks,shovels,and stationary machines.The problem was creating and deploying an AI model at scale.McKinsey took the reins creating a model that

165、 boosted production by 5-10%and mitigated US$1.5-2 billion of losses to build a new processing facility.“The project taught us to be more receptive to what the data was telling us,”Image courtesy of Strayossaid Bertrand Odinet,chief information officer and chief innovation officer at Freeport-McMoRa

166、n in the McKinsey case study.Data has long been a buzzword in the industry,much like AI,with vendors touting it as the key to optimize operations,reduce energy consumption,cut CO2 emissions,and boost productivity.Without a doubt,data is the backbone of the industrys advancementsit powers autonomy,AI

167、,machine learning models,and nearly every modern shift in mining.“One of the biggest mistakes we see across the mining industry is doing things the way they have always been done,or worse,relying on“experience”to make decisions in the field without considering the data behind the decision.Sometimes

168、our gut lies to us,and the data disproves our initial reaction to a problem we are trying to solve,”said Keaton Turner,founder,president and CEO of Turner Mining Group.However,data alone is not enough.It is the collection,type,manipulation,and application of data that will provide the benefits that

169、vendors promise.Data simply provides the what.Technology providers in the Western US are working to use data to supply the why and how.Swipe LeftData in the mining industry is like dating;just because there are billions of bits does not mean you will strike gold with every byte.Many vendors increase

170、d the number of sensors in hopes of collecting more data.Looks,however,are not everything:“Adding more sensors increases data volume,but not all data is useful,and if data is not enhancing decisions,the effort may not be worthwhile.To be effective,data must be captured,analyzed,and actionable for de

171、cision makers,”said Derek Cooper,vice president US and Canada at Hexagon.Data amount is subject to goldilocks conditions.“Traditionally,data collection might occur monthly,biweekly,or even biannually due to the time-consuming nature of surveys,which meant mining operations relied on outdated geologi

172、cal models,missing critical changes that could affect production,”said Ravi Sahu,CEO at Strayos.Strayos recently partnered with Wingstra,a drone manufacturing company,reducing the time needed to gather geotechnical data.“This increased frequency enables mining operations to maintain updated geologic

173、al models,improving their mine planning and blast design,”continued Sahu.18PRE-RELEASE|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONThats my typeThe key is not the amount of data,but rather knowing exactly what type of data you need.High quality,unb

174、iased data are best for training models(the AI kind).VerAI Discoveries,an AI-based mineral asset generator,leverages AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze geophysical data profiles from magnetic,gravimetric,electromagnetic and seismic sources of known economic ore bodies.By training their al

175、gorithms on this data,VerAI enhances the probability of identifying new economic mineral deposits.Here is Lorraine Godwin,vice president commercial,on why unbiased data is so important:“Our improved success rate is primarily attributed to our rigorous approach to data utilization and AI model refine

176、ment.We prioritize high-quality,unbiased geophysical data.This approach minimizes interpretation errors and ensures our AI models are trained on the most accurate and reliable information available.By continuously advancing our AI algorithms through rigorous validation,we achieve higher success rate

177、s across different geological settings and mineral types.”Made to performOnce you find the right data match,it is all about performance.With the right data foundations in place,technology firms across the Western US are tailoring their models to specific deposits,thereby boosting productivity and sa

178、ving valuable time.When given the proper data training,AI and machine learning(ML)are transforming the industry from the ground up.Maptek is helping mining companies understand the true value of their resources by using AI to dig deeper.“We are witnessing significant AI adoption with Maptek DomainMC

179、F,where ML analyzes drill hole or other sample data to create unbiased resource models.By considering structural elements and assessing data comprehensively,our cloud-based technology saves geologists from labor-intensive and time-consuming data manipulation.This innovation allows clients to generat

180、e preliminary models in hours instead of months,”said Clayton Fritz,sales manager of North America at Maptek.Micromine is also playing the field with ML,streamlining the resource geologists workflow with Micromine Origin Grade Copilot,launched in November 2023.Ben McDonald,mining solutions manager,e

181、xplained how the model leverages data to speed up resource estimation:“By leveraging advanced neural networks,Grade Copilot learns complex patterns in geological data to create comprehensive and robust models swiftly and autonomously.What once took weeks to accomplish manually can now be achieved in

182、 hours,and in some cases,mere minutes,freeing up valuable time for higher-level thinking.”Yokogawa,meanwhile,is all about organizing the relationshipbringing structure to the data romance with their Collaborative Information Server.“By integrating the handling of all kinds of data from plant equipme

183、nt,devices,and systems,this solution facilitates the optimized management of production activities across an entire enterprise,”said Greg Heiges,mining business development manager at Yokogawa.And the relationship does not stop at the border.This server also contributes to the globalization of the m

184、ining industry.Peter Rowland,Canada solution sales manager,chimed in:“We share advancements and insights across regions;they are supported by tools such as the Collaborative Information Server,which provides remote data access.”Lok Home,President and CEO,RobbinsBen McDonald,Mining Solutions Manager,

185、MicromineLorraine Godwin,Vice President Commercial,VerAIEric Wasmund,VP Global Flotation Business,Eriez1 9 19Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONWESTERN USA MINING 2024-25|PRE-RELEASEPerformance anxiety In the complex and ever-evolving world of data-driven solutions

186、,it is easy to feel overwhelmed,especially when every provider seems to have a different idea of what is best.The lack of standardization among technology providers only adds to the already significant and sometimes daunting complexity.As Matt Blattman,director of technical services at Hecla Mining,

187、pointed out in Seequents“Beyond the Hype:How technology can drive mining operations performance”Insights Paper:“We would like to standardize,but within our own company,with four different mines,four different types of deposits,and four different mining methods,it is hard to find something that fits

188、every situation.”This challenge has led leading data solution providers to fine-tune their approaches,ensuring they are not just offering a one-size-fits-all solution,but something more deeply tailored and highly personalized.As Sahu puts it:“During onboarding,we understand the specific problems and

189、 KPIs the client wants to address.Within the first six months,we achieve at least one KPI improvement.The AI model becomes more calibrated to the specific site as we gather more dataaround 5,200 data sets are required to achieve accuracy.”This gradual,get-to-know-you approach allows operators to dip

190、 their toes in before taking the plunge.This is crucial as it builds confidence and fosters trust in the new technology.And it is paying off:“When clients see the value,they are more inclined to extend their contracts and integrate our platform further into their operations,”Sahu added.Life Cycle Ge

191、o,a firm specializing in ML services,observed a similar trend,said Tom Meuzelaar,the founder and owner:“Model performance improves as operators collect more data.However,gaining buy-in and trust from operators when it comes to ML is typically a gradual process.Operators need to see tangible benefits

192、such as time and cost savingsand understand how a machine learning approach improves upon established practices before fully committing to new models.”Ultimately,finding the right solution is like finding the right partnerit is a journey that requires exploring different options and assessing how we

193、ll they align with your needs.Sometimes,you need to go on a few data dates before you find the perfect match.The process may seem slow,but it is essential for long-term success.Remember,before you say,“I do”,that it is all about compatibility and performance.High-quality,relevant data forms the foun

194、dation for a successful partnership,allowing both parties to bring out the best in each other.There is no need to rush the relationship because once the perfect match is made,the relationship will blossom,allowing for significant productivity gains and smarter decision-making.It is not just about th

195、e initial attraction;it is about long-term compatibility and growth.True success comes from continually refining and enhancing models,ensuring they remain aligned with the ever-evolving needs of the operation.It is also beneficial to note that not all relationships are meant to last.Flexibility and

196、a willingness to evolve are vital.In the end,the key to a lasting relationship is finding a partner that not only meets your needs today but is adaptable enough to grow with you into the future.20PRE-RELEASE|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDI

197、TION“The mining industry is currently contending with significant macro trends that hinder effective data utilization,most notably the shortage of skilled talent such as mining engineers and geologists.”Rob Hardman,President and General Manager,North America,Maptek“More frequent data collection mean

198、s operators can address issues before they escalate,leading to proactive risk management.Safety is paramount in the mining industry,and our technology helps provide data that highlights risk factors.”Ravi Sahu,CEO,Strayos“To tackle workforce challenges,we established a training center with simulator

199、s for underground haul truck operators and muckers.Trainees experience real-world scenarios in a safe environment.”Keith Jones,General Manager,Small Mine Development “Our hardware captures data for production analysis,revealing how effectively equipment is used.Customers can identify ways to boost p

200、roduction without new investments.”Ashok Amin,Segment Manager,Americas,Bulk Material Handling,Bosch Rexroth“We will likely receive over 20,000 employment applications,an increase from 2023s 11,000.This surge reflects our robust social media efforts to promote our brand and highlight opportunities wi

201、thin the mining sector.”Keaton Turner,Founder,President and CEO,Turner Mining Group“AI-based strategies are becoming more recognized,especially for complex decision-making,asset condition analysis,anomaly detection,and predictive maintenance.Rapid advances in computing power make these developments

202、feasible.”Steffen Gjorvad,President,TAKRAF USAOn DataExecutive InsightsOn Talent“The labor shortage has impacted everyone in the industry.To counter this,we leverage technology to produce results for our clients faster than in the past,using technologies like LiDAR.”Dagny Odell,Owner,Practical Minin

203、g“AI has exploded in the last 12 months,transforming from a side discussion to a necessity.We Integrated GIS with AI to create exploration targets.We see this as the future.”Chris Summers,CFO,Burgex Mining Consultants2 1 21Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONWESTERN

204、 USA MINING 2024-25|PRE-RELEASEDecarbonization:Extraction and Processing Innovation and collaboration are the only way forwardThe United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC)indicated that to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5C will require rapid,far-reaching,and unprecedente

205、d changes;human-caused CO2 emissions must decrease 45%by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.Mining accounts for 4-7%of global greenhouse-gas emissions,according to McKinsey.The path to net-zero carbon emissions is a global,multi-sector challenge,and developing road maps to achieving that goal requires

206、industry commitment,innovation and new technological solutions.The challenges to achieving decarbonization road maps in the mining industry need to be tailored by operation,addressing the key Image by Bruce Aspley at Adobe Stockpillars of decarbonization:energy efficiency,hybrid power,microgrid inte

207、gration,alternative vehicles,mine design,and process adaptation to alternative energy sources.In the Western US,contractors and tunnel construction,material handling and comminution firms are working diligently to find ways to reduce emissions.For traditional drill and blast methods,each ton of expl

208、osives is approximately equivalent to a thousand liters of emitted CO2.Typical consumption rates for explosives in underground mines can range from 0.5 to 1.0 kg/t of rock mined.If a mine processes 10 million t/y of rock,for example,the explosives required could range from 5,000 to 10,000 kg.This am

209、ount multiplied by emitted CO2 per ton becomes significant.After extraction of ore,crushing and grinding can consume up to 53%of the total energy used in a mining operation and account for approximately 46%of the total GHG emissions from the entire mining and processing operation,according to a stud

210、y published in Nature.Luckily for firms in the Western US,there is an alternative for both processes:mechanical cutting.Robbins invented tunnel boring machines(TBMs)for civil industry but is adapting this technology to mining.“We are conducting studies worldwide to mine ore with TBMs.These machines

211、offer several advantages:enhanced safety,reduced underground workforce,and TBMs act as primary crushers.The rock comes away from the tunnel face already crushed,ready to be conveyed up shafts or vertical conveyor belts,”said Lok Home,the firms president.Focusing on flotation can also provide energy

212、saving benefits in the mill circuit.Coarse particle flotation(CPF)is a relatively new technology used to recover particles larger than 150 micrometers.Eriez,pioneered the technology through development of HydroFloat,which has been implemented globally.“HydroFloat allows for flotation at a coarser si

213、ze,reducing the need for fine grinding.This can increase the grind size by about two and a half times,lowering overall concentrator energy by 10-20%and increasing throughput,”said Eric Wasmund,vice president of their global flotation business.Eriez also offers magnetic mill liners,which,according to

214、,Jose Marin director of minerals and materials processing,“can last three to five times longer than rubber or metallic liners,reducing the frequency of replacements.”This longer lifespan reduces the carbon emissions needed to manufacture new mill liners.The mining fleet is one of the primary sources

215、 of on-site GHG emissions.For surface mines,mobile mining equipment can account for up to 30%of GHG emissions.This rises to 80%for mines lacking onsite smelting or refinery facilities.Large mining haul trucks alone X-TREME Class Sizersfor hard rock I Bolted tooth systemModular wear componentsQuick r

216、elease crushing segments TAKRAF WolfRAM ArmorIntegrated moving unit Scan to learn more22PRE-RELEASE|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONrepresent more than 50%of a surface fleets emissions.One way to lower this footprint is through autonomo

217、us technology,said Darrell White,group executive Americas at Thiess:“Autonomous technology is a significant focus as it increases efficiency,leading to lower consumption of diesel and ultimately fewer emissions.”The solution is gaining traction,said Peter Rowland,account manager Canada at Yokogawa:“

218、The shift from industrial automation to autonomy is accelerating.For instance,trends in Chile will influence North America and the rest of the world.We share advancements and insights across regions.”Arizona-based Freeport-McMoRan took important strides during 2023 toward decarbonization efforts.The

219、 miner approved a new project to convert the fleet of 33 haul trucks at ther Bagdad operation in Arizona to become fully autonomous by 2028.While full electrification yet,converting to full autonomy is an important step and it will make an impact when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions.Emissions f

220、rom haul trucks are projected to decline because of reductions in idle time and increased efficiency.Idle time is projected to decrease by 10,000 hours,according to the firms Climate Report.Trucks,or course,are not the only material handling method,and,given shifts in the Western US mining sphere th

221、ey are not the most efficient solution either.Steffen Gjorvad,president of Takraf USA,elaborated:“Emissions from trucks are significantly reduced using conveying systems,and the logistics of moving trucks in tunnels is complicated.We see more applications using conveyors due to their efficiency,requ

222、irement for higher volumes due to decreasing ore grades and the trend to move from open-pit mines to underground operations.”Traditional conveying systems,however,can account for 80%of a mines energy consumption,rising Scope 3 emissions.Takraf utilized innovation through partnership with ABB to intr

223、oduce gearless drive technology,which reduces energy consumption 6-10%and reduces direct emissions:“A study showed that CO2 emissions compared to diesel truck engines for the same copper production volume were reduced by 66%when using gearless drive technology,”highlighted Gjorvad.At Freeport-McMoRa

224、ns Chino mine,Bosch Rexroth replaced aging gearboxes and electric motors with advanced drive systems.Ashok Amin,segment manager Americas of bulk material handling,explained the benefits:“Replacing a single 1,500 horsepower drive with a modular system of three 300 horsepower motors enables us to shut

225、 off motors during lower demand periods,resulting in substantial energy savings.This modular approach enhances operational efficiency and newer technologies are specifically designed to reduce energy consumption.”Every mining operation is different so the path to reducing emissions starts with monit

226、oring how much an operation emits.This monitoring,however,can have unforeseen benefits,said Keith Jones,general manager at Small Mine Development:“We regularly conduct emissions-based exhaust testing,which involves measuring emissions parameters like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides using a tailp

227、ipe analyzer.We found that this testing helps diagnose engine issues.”The solutions for emission free operations exist and are advancing rapidly.It is only a matter of adoption and foresight.“Environmental stewardship must be part of the overall strategy from the start.Anticipatory practices help ou

228、r clients achieve their environmental goals while maintaining operational efficiency,”said Dagny Odell,owner of Practical Mining.ESG is an overriding concern for the industry.Companies are demanding conflict-free production and assistance with energy management and decarbonization goals.Tier 1 compa

229、nies focus on minimizing their impact from pit to port.Greg Heiges,Mining Business Development Manager,Yokogawa2 3 23Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITIONWESTERN USA MINING 2024-25|PRE-RELEASENet zero is a paradigm shift that requires collaboration among all industry

230、 players:“The transition to sustainable energy and addressing climate change are global issues far beyond any single companys balance sheet.To tackle these challenges effectively,we will need a higher level of partnership between mining companies and external agencies over the next 20 to 30 years th

231、an we have seen in the past century,”emphasized Nathan Foster,managing director Kennecott at Rio Tinto.Even within this short article,collaborative efforts brought dramatic change.Takraf partnered with ABB.Eriez created a consortium with the University of Queensland including industry leaders like R

232、io Tinto,Newmont,Newcrest,Anglo American,and Oz Minerals to develop CPF technology.The industry is making headway,only time will tell if it will be enough.Decarbonization in the mining industry will be a global effort,as we all share one planet.Recent years have seen a reaffirming of decarbonization

233、 efforts worldwide,for the benefit of the industry and broader humanity.Anglo American partnered with EDF Renewables in 2022 to develop a regional renewable energy ecosystem.This supplies operations with clean power and provides energy to South Africa,a country stricken by power outages.FPX Nickel i

234、s exploring carbon sequestration through mine tailings.By utilizing the natural carbon capture potential of ultramafic rock in mine tailings,FPX aims to offset a significant portion of its emissions.The company works with researchers to enhance this process,potentially allowing certain mines to achi

235、eve net-negative CO2 emissions.Senior Project Director:Lucrezia Falcidia Business Analyst:Maya OrdoezProject Assistant:Jessica CannataExecutive Editor:Mungo SmithGraphic Design:zgr ErgneyOperations Director:Miguel Prez-SoleroGeneral Manager:Alfonso TejerinaCover image courtesy of Rio Tinto Kennecott

236、This publication is a pre-release edition of GBRs reports on Western USA Mining,that will be published in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025.If you wish to be interviewed for the report,please contact Lucrezia Falcidia()Western USA Mining 2024-25Pre-Release E24PRE-RELEASE|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25Global Business Reports|WESTERN USA MINING 2024-25 PRE-RELEASE EDITION