Sustainable Fuel Management in Mining: Fuel Optimization Strategies in Loading and Haulage

Mining industry is considered as one of the major energy-consuming sectors. Fuel optimization can contribute to sustainable mining through saving non-renewable energy resources as well as mitigation of environmental impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since, loading and haulage account for a considerable amount of energy consumption in mining activities, much attention has been paid to optimize fuel consumption in these operations. This paper offers a concise exploration of fuel consumption optimization strategies in mining with a specific focus on loading and haulage operation, including challenges and limitations. For this purpose, the study investigates fuel consumption factors in loading and haulage, examines strategies, and discusses future directions while considering inherent challenges. The review underscores the notable emphasis on fuel-saving strategies within the realm of mining short-term planning. In this context, this paper outlines the effects of implementing our monitoring and dispatching system in a large-scale mine. This resulted in a notable 9.7% reduction in fuel consumption, consequently leading to a substantial decrease of approximately 3 million kilograms in CO2 emissions for the span of a yea. Furthermore, alternative solutions, such as In-Pit Crushing and Conveying, and trolley assist system, as well as the exploration of alternative fuels like natural gas and hydrogen, are advocated for optimizing fuel consumption and diminishing greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, there is a focus on strategies examining maintenance-related aspects to further enhance fuel optimization.