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Renewable Energy Integration in Nordic Mining Education

Content developed by:

Råstofskolen, Sisimiut, Greenland

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

THE GREEN SHIFT IN MINING

Welcome, everyone!

Today, we’ll dive into one of the most important topics shaping the future of the mining industry — the green shift.

Mining is essential to the global transition to clean energy — providing critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, and rare earths that we need for batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles.

But at the same time, mining is also energy-intensive, often located in remote and fragile ecosystems. That’s why we need to think about how we can decarbonize mining itself — and that’s what this presentation is all about.

This course material has been developed by Råstofskolen in Sisimiut, Greenland as part of the Nordic Green Shift in Education project – or Green-FING – funded by Nordplus and supported by partners across Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands.

Together, we’ll explore practical examples, new technologies, and real-world cases to understand how we can reduce emissions in Nordic and Arctic mining.

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Nordic Green Shift in Education

is

A NORDPLUS co-funded project

and

FING partnership between

Vinnuhaskulin (Faroe Islands), Akureyri Comprehensive College (Iceland),

Fagskolen Rogaland (Norway) and KTI Råstofskolen (Greenland)

Before we dive into the content, I want to give you a quick background on the Nordic Green Shift in Education — also known as the Green-FING project.

This is a collaborative initiative between partners in Norway, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, and it’s co-funded by Nordplus.

What makes this project unique is its interdisciplinary approach. We’re bringing together expertise from different sectors — industrial production, energy, maritime studies, and mining — to design educational materials that reflect the realities of the green transition.

Our goal is to support VET providers and students in adapting to environmental challenges and embracing new green technologies and practices.

Together, we are building practical tools and learning resources to promote sustainable, climate-smart solutions in vocational education across the Nordic region

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Nordic Green Shift in Education is a project co-funded by Nordplus.

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Nordplus, which cannot be held responsible for them.

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

DISCLAIMER

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INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

How can the nordic/arctic mining sector transition to the carbon-neutral operations?

01

02

What types of green technology are available to reduce emissions in mining?

What are the challenges of decabonizing remote and energy-intensive mining?

03

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

In this first module, we’ll focus on how renewable energy technologies — like wind, solar, and hydropower — are being used to support the transition toward a carbon-neutral mining sector, especially in remote and arctic regions.

You’ll learn about real-world examples from the Nordic countries, where mining operations are already replacing fossil fuels with cleaner energy sources. We’ll explore what’s working, what’s still challenging, and how these strategies can be adapted to different contexts.

Before we get hands-on, let’s reflect on these three core ideas:

How can mining operations in the Arctic and Nordic regions become carbon-neutral?�
What kinds of green technologies are available right now to reduce emissions in mining?�
What are the unique challenges of decarbonizing energy-intensive mines in remote, cold environments?�

Keep these in mind as we move through the content — they’ll guide our reflections and discussions throughout the course.

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LEARNING OUTCOMES

After this module, you will gain:

A clear understanding of how renewable energy can be integrated into mining operations

Insight into how clean energy contributes to carbon-neutral mineral extraction

Practical knowledge through case studies from Nordic and arctic mining sites using sustainable energy solutions

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

Let’s take a moment to highlight what you’ll walk away with after completing this module.

First, you’ll develop a clear understanding of how renewable energy — like wind, solar, and hydro — can be practically integrated into mining operations. This isn’t just about theory; it’s about applying these technologies in real industrial settings.

You’ll also gain insight into how clean energy contributes to carbon-neutral mineral extraction, especially in the challenging conditions of remote and Arctic regions.

And most importantly, this module is hands-on. You’ll work with real case studies from Nordic and Arctic mining sites — applying what you learn through practical tasks such as energy planning, calculating emissions, or assessing equipment choices.

These outcomes will guide your learning and help you build concrete skills for sustainable mining — skills that matter now and will be even more crucial in the future.

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INTRODUCTION

In this video, it will explain what zero-emission mining technologies are, because it is important before going further into this subject.

“Zero-emission mining technologies are Here”: h ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xfiRuIspCc

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INTRODUCTION

Click on the link to watch the video and then answer the questions. Source:

What are the key challenges in making mining operations more sustainable, especially in remote and energy-intensive areas?

2. How can renewable energy technologies—like wind, solar, or hydro—help reduce emissions from mining activities?

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=169VFJZLdZs

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CONCEPT CHECK

1. What is the main goal of the green transition in mining?

2. Why is energy use such a big challenge for mining operations in remote areas?

3. Why is it important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the mining sector?

4. What are some ways mining companies can reduce their carbon footprint besides changing energy sources?

5. How can remote mines become more sustainable without increasing costs too much?

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

Now that we’ve explored the context for the green shift in mining, it’s time to stop and reflect.

These questions are not a test, but a way to check your understanding and connect the content to your own ideas and experiences. They’re also designed to help you think critically about the unique challenges we face in the Nordic and Arctic mining sectors.

Let’s take a few moments to go through each question one by one.� You can think silently, discuss with a partner, or write a short reflection.� I’ll provide some guiding thoughts for each:

What is the main goal of the green transition in mining?� → Think beyond just reducing emissions. It’s about creating a sustainable future that balances environmental protection, energy efficiency, and economic opportunity.�
Why is energy use such a big challenge for mining in remote areas?� → In many Arctic and Nordic areas, infrastructure is limited, fuel is expensive to transport, and weather conditions are extreme — which makes traditional energy supply difficult and very costly.�
Why is it important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in mining?� → Mining contributes significantly to global CO₂ emissions, especially through diesel-powered machines. Lowering emissions can reduce climate impact and align the sector with global climate goals.�
What are some other ways to reduce the carbon footprint besides changing energy sources?� → Think about electric machines, automation, better waste management, recycling water, or reclaiming landscapes after mining is done.�
How can remote mines be more sustainable without increasing costs too much?� → Consider smart planning, energy-saving equipment, building partnerships with local communities, and investing in renewable energy with long-term savings.

Let’s reflect on these now, and then I’ll offer some suggested answers and examples. This is a good moment to pause and connect what we’ve learned so far with the big picture.

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Why Do We Need Green Mining?

The green transition needs more minerals:� lithium, copper, nickel, rare earths, cobalt, etc.
Solar panels, EVs, wind turbines, and batteries all rely on mined materials
World Bank (2020): Demand may grow by 500% by 2050 to meet climate targets
But mining can harm the environment if not done sustainably
High energy use in remote/cold regions = significant CO₂ emissions
Risks include habitat loss, waste generation, and water pollution

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

[Slide Introduction]� “Let’s start with a simple but important question:� Why do we need green mining?� At first, it might seem strange — if we want to protect the environment, shouldn’t we mine less? But in reality, as the world shifts toward green energy, we actually need more mining — not less.”

[Point 1 – The World Needs More Mining]� The green transition — things like wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and battery storage — all depend on mined materials.� Key minerals like lithium, copper, nickel, rare earths, and cobalt are absolutely essential.

To build enough of these technologies to meet global climate goals, we’ll need massive increases in mineral supply — far beyond current levels.

In fact, the World Bank estimates that demand for some of these minerals could grow by more than 500% by 2050.

So yes — mining is essential to a greener future. But… it comes with challenges.

[Point 2 – Mining Can Harm the Environment]� Mining — especially in cold, remote regions like Greenland or Arctic Scandinavia — can be extremely energy-intensive.

And if it’s not done responsibly, it can have serious consequences:� – High CO₂ emissions� – Habitat destruction� – Waste and pollution� – Water contamination”

[Transition to Next Slide]�So, while we can’t avoid mining, we can change how we do it.�That’s where green mining comes in — cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable practices that support climate goals without causing more harm.

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Where Does CO₂ Come From in Mining?

Diesel-powered machines – trucks, loaders, generators
Explosives/blasting – some gases released during detonation
Mineral processing – smelting, cement production, etc.
Heating buildings, drying materials – fuel combustion
Transport and logistics – moving materials by ship, truck, or plane

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

Let’s take a closer look at where the CO₂ emissions in mining actually come from.

Many people think of mining as just “digging a hole in the ground,” but in reality, mining operations involve many steps—and each step often requires energy, fuel, or heat, which leads to CO₂ emissions.

Let’s break it down:

Diesel-powered machines – This is the most visible source. Trucks, loaders, bulldozers, and generators all run on diesel, especially in remote regions where electric infrastructure is limited.� → These vehicles run continuously and burn large amounts of fuel, leading to high emissions.�
Explosives and blasting – Even detonation of explosives releases some gases. It’s not the largest source, but it contributes to emissions—especially nitrous oxides and CO₂ depending on the explosive type.�
Mineral processing – This is a big one. After you extract the material, it often needs to be crushed, milled, and processed (e.g., smelting for metals or cement production), all of which require intense heat.� → This is typically done with coal, gas, or heavy oil, producing a lot of CO₂.�
Heating buildings and drying materials – In Arctic and Nordic mining, buildings need to be heated, and materials often need to be dried (especially in winter). That usually means burning fuel.�
Transport and logistics – Once the minerals are ready, they need to be moved—by truck, ship, or even airplane in remote areas. This is another major emissions source that grows the more isolated a mine is.�

So as you can see, CO₂ comes from every stage of the mining process—not just from digging, but from support systems, processing, transport, and heating.

In the rest of this course, we’ll explore how each of these areas can be made greener—either by switching fuels, improving efficiency, or redesigning operations altogether.

Let’s move on to see how green technology can make a difference.

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HOW TO REDUCE CO₂ IN MINING

Switch to renewable energy
Electrify machinery and transport
Capture emissions from processing
Use bioenergy and carbon storage (BECCS)*

*BECCS = Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

As we’ve already seen, mining contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions—but the good news is, we have practical ways to reduce them

Let’s walk through the four key strategies shown here:

Switch to renewable energy� This is the foundation of green mining. By using wind, hydro, and solar power instead of diesel generators, mines can drastically reduce their emissions.� Some Nordic mines already do this, taking advantage of local renewable resources—even in cold climates!�
Electrify machinery and transport� Instead of diesel trucks and loaders, using battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) or electric haul trucks eliminates tailpipe emissions.� This shift also reduces noise and improves air quality—both above ground and underground.�
Capture emissions from processing� Processing minerals like rare earths or metals often involves heating or smelting, which releases CO₂.� With carbon capture technologies, these emissions can be captured and stored instead of released into the air.�
Use bioenergy and carbon storage (BECCS)� BECCS stands for Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage. It uses organic fuel sources (like wood chips or algae) while capturing the carbon from combustion and storing it underground.� This method can result in net-negative emissions, meaning the mine removes more CO₂ than it produces.�

The green shift in mining is not only possible—it’s already happening.

From equipment upgrades to energy transitions, these steps help make mining more sustainable, without compromising productivity.

Next, we’ll look at real-world examples of how these solutions are being used in Nordic and Arctic operations.

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NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

Discussion Questions for students

Which mining activities release the most CO₂ globally?
Do you think remote mines can become carbon neutral?
What kind of skills will future mine workers need for green technology?

This interactive Q&A activity helps students reflect on key concepts from the lesson, encourages critical thinking, and connects real-world mining challenges to their future roles in the industry.

Question 1:� "Which mining activities release the most CO₂ globally?"� (Pause – give students time to reflect or answer)�Answer:�"The biggest sources are diesel-powered machines, mineral processing like smelting, and transport of materials — all of which rely heavily on fossil fuels."

Question 2:� "Do you think remote mines can become carbon neutral?"� (Pause – let students share their opinions)�Answer:� "Yes — with the right combination of renewable energy, battery-electric machines, and good planning, remote mines can drastically reduce emissions and even reach net-zero."

Question 3:� "What kind of skills will future mine workers need for green technology?"� (Pause – invite input from the group)�Answer:� "They’ll need skills in digital tools, renewable energy systems, electric equipment, and environmental awareness — all essential for climate-smart mining jobs."

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Electric and hybrid Equipment in Mining

Used in: Mining trucks, loaders, excavators, drilling rigs

Battery-electric machines (BEMs): Fully electric, zero exhaust emissions.
Hybrid diesel-electric systems: Use both diesel and electric motors, switching intelligently.
Trolley-assist trucks: Plug into electric lines on steep haul roads, cutting diesel use by 50%

Let’s take a look at some of the technologies that are helping reduce emissions directly from mining machines — because heavy machinery is one of the biggest sources of CO₂ in mining.”

Battery-Electric Machines (BEMs)�These are fully electric machines — no diesel engine, no exhaust pipe. They’re especially useful in underground mines where ventilation is expensive and safety is critical. Since they don’t produce exhaust, they also create better air quality for workers.

Hybrid Diesel-Electric Systems�Some machines now combine both diesel and electric motors. These hybrids can automatically switch to the most efficient option based on the load or terrain. The result? Lower fuel consumption, fewer emissions, and extended engine life.

Trolley-Assist Trucks�These trucks are fitted with electric drives and can connect to overhead power lines — especially on uphill sections. When plugged in, they run on electricity instead of diesel. This technology can reduce diesel use by up to 50% on haul roads.

Wrap-up Comment�These systems are already being used in several Nordic and Arctic mines, helping reduce emissions without compromising performance. In your vocational training, it’s important to understand how this equipment works — and what it means for the future of sustainable mining.

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NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

Battery-Electric Machines (BEMs)

Fully electric, zero tailpipe emissions
Helps mining operations cut CO₂ and diesel use
Lower noise, reduced ventilation needs, less maintenance
Used in both surface and underground mines

T264 Surface Mining truck: https://www.liebherr.com/en-int/mining-equipment/equipment/mining-trucks/t264-battery-electric-7508154

TH550B Underground mining: https://www.mining.sandvik/en/products/equipment/trucks/th550b/

EC230 Electric Excavator: https://www.volvoce.com/europe/en/products/electric-machines/ec230-electric/

Let’s take a closer look at one of the most important technologies for reducing CO₂ in mining: battery-electric dump trucks, also called BEMs.

These trucks are powered entirely by electric batteries, with no diesel engine and zero exhaust emissions at the site.

They are becoming popular because they help:

Lower greenhouse gas emissions and meet climate targets�
Cut operating costs, especially fuel and ventilation in underground mines�
Reduce noise pollution, which is a big benefit for both workers and nearby communities�

There are already several real-world examples in use:

The Liebherr T264 is one of the world’s largest electric trucks, used in surface mines.�
The Sandvik TH550B is designed for underground operations with a 50-tonne capacity.�
Volvo EC230 Electric excavator, used in construction and light mining operations.�

These technologies are a key part of the green shift—showing that even the heaviest equipment can be transformed into clean and efficient machines.

Let’s now look at how these are being introduced in Nordic and Arctic mines.

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NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

Hybrid Diesel-Electric Systems

Combines diesel engine with electric motors
Automatically switches between power sources
Reduces fuel use and CO₂ emissions
Increases energy efficiency, lowers maintenance
Used in haul trucks, drills, shovels, and loaders

Let’s look at hybrid diesel-electric systems, a key stepping stone toward full electrification.

These machines use both a diesel engine and electric motors, switching between them depending on what the task requires. For example:

Diesel is used for high power demand like long hauls or climbing.�
Electric is used for low-demand situations like idling or coasting.�

This intelligent switching reduces:

Fuel consumption�
Greenhouse gas emissions�
Engine wear and tear, which leads to less maintenance�

Hybrids don’t need a full charging infrastructure like BEVs, making them ideal for remote sites that want to cut emissions without overhauling their entire system.

They’re already being used in large haul trucks, electric shovels, and drilling rigs in both surface and underground mining.

So while full battery-electric might be the future, hybrids offer a practical and scalable solution today—especially in Nordic and Arctic conditions.

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NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

Trolley-assist trucks

Diesel-electric trucks powered by overhead electric lines
Drive on electric power when under trolley wires
Reduce diesel use and CO₂ emissions by up to 90% on trolley segments
Ideal for long uphill hauls in open-pit mines
Used in Nordic mines like Aitik (Sweden)

Now let’s explore trolley-assist trucks, an innovative solution that combines existing diesel-electric trucks with overhead power lines, like mini train systems.

Here’s how it works:

The trucks are fitted with pantographs (arms that reach up to electric wires)�
While driving uphill or on designated haul roads, the trucks draw electricity directly from the overhead lines�
This allows the diesel engine to shut off, cutting fuel use and emissions significantly�

🚛 These systems are especially effective in open-pit mines with long uphill hauls, where fuel consumption is usually the highest.

A great example is the Aitik copper mine in northern Sweden. They’ve installed several kilometers of trolley lines and retrofitted trucks to reduce CO₂ and improve energy efficiency.

Why is this important? Because it:

Cuts diesel costs and emissions�
Extends the lifespan of diesel engines�
Is scalable — more trolley lines = more savings�

Trolley-assist is a smart transitional technology. It doesn’t require full electrification of the entire mine, but still delivers big environmental benefits.

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CASE STUDY 1:

Diavik Diamond mine - Renewable Energy in Action

1. Location & Output

Location: Situated on East Island in Lac de Gras, about 300 km northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. It produces high-quality diamonds, mined from kimberlite pipes.

2. Wind–Diesel Hybrid Microgrid

Since 2012, the mine has operated a wind–diesel hybrid microgrid, featuring four wind turbines that generate approximately 11% of total electricity needs—even functioning efficiently in temperatures as low as –40 °C.

https://nationaljeweler.com/articles/12201-rio-tinto-to-build-solar-plant-to-help-power-diavik

Let’s explore a real-world example of how renewable energy is already being used successfully in a challenging mining environment.

The Diavik Diamond Mine is located in Canada’s Northwest Territories — about 300 kilometers northeast of Yellowknife. It’s on a remote island in Lac de Gras and is known for producing high-quality diamonds mined from kimberlite pipes.

[Wind–Diesel Hybrid Microgrid]�What makes this mine really interesting is its use of renewable energy. Since 2012, Diavik has operated a wind-diesel hybrid microgrid, which includes four wind turbines.

Even though the mine is located in an arctic climate — with temperatures dropping as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius — the turbines still work efficiently.

[Impact]� “The wind system generates about 11% of the mine’s total electricity needs, which significantly reduces the reliance on diesel fuel. That might not sound like a lot, but in a remote mine where every liter of diesel must be flown or hauled in — it makes a huge difference in terms of both cost and carbon emissions.

[Reflection]� This example shows us that even in the harshest environments, renewable energy can be part of the solution. It’s not just about theory — it’s already happening in the mining industry today.

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CASE STUDY 1:

Diavik Diamond mine - Renewable Energy in Action

Now that we’ve seen the basics of the Diavik Diamond Mine’s location and hybrid system, let’s take a moment to look a little deeper.

This short video gives you a feel for just how remote and extreme the climate really is — we’re talking deep Arctic tundra, where temperatures can drop below -40 °C, and access is limited to a seasonal ice road or air transport.

And yet — they’re making renewable energy work.

Despite the harsh conditions, Diavik has successfully integrated wind power into its operations. Since 2012, their four wind turbines have helped reduce diesel consumption and CO₂ emissions — showing the world that even Arctic mines can take meaningful steps toward sustainability.

This raises an important question for us to reflect on:

“What’s the main difference between a high-tech mine like Diavik and smaller-scale mining operations in our own countries?”

Is it simply about having a bigger budget? Or are other factors just as important — like government policy, infrastructure, training, or even mindset?

Could we imagine similar hybrid or renewable energy systems — maybe smaller and simpler — working in Greenland, the Faroe Islands, or Iceland?

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CASE STUDY 2:

Aitik – Sweden’s Largest Open-Pit Copper Mine

Location: Just south of Gällivare in northern Sweden�

Main Products: Copper, gold, and silver�

Size & Workforce:�

Operates 24/7 with some of the largest mining machines in the world
Rock dumpers: 570 tonnes when loaded, wheels 4 meters tall
Excavators: Buckets hold 45 m³ of rock
~900 employees, strong gender balance in machine operation

https://www.mining-technology.com/news/boliden-investment-aitik-tailings/

“Let’s now turn our attention to Aitik — one of Europe’s largest open-pit copper mines, located just south of Gällivare in northern Sweden.

This mine is a critical supplier of copper, gold, and silver — all of which are essential for producing batteries, wiring, and electronics in the green transition.

Despite its location in the Arctic region, Aitik runs a 24/7 operation using some of the world’s largest mining machines:

Their rock dumpers carry up to 570 tonnes of material in a single load.�
Excavator buckets lift 45 cubic meters of rock at a time — just imagine the power and precision needed for that.�

With nearly 900 employees, Aitik has also become a leader in gender-balanced machine operations, showing that diversity and innovation can go hand in hand.

In the next slide, we’ll watch a short video clip from the mine.� Pay attention to the scale, the machines, and the landscape — and start thinking about how a mine of this size might integrate renewable energy or improve its sustainability.”

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CASE STUDY 1:

Aitik – Sweden’s Largest Open-Pit Copper Mine

“Now that you’ve seen the scale of operations at Aitik, let’s take a closer look at how they’re working to reduce emissions through innovation.

In 2018–2019, Aitik launched an electrification project with one key goal:� ⚡️ Reduce diesel consumption by electrifying their massive haul trucks.

They began with a pilot test:

4 CAT 795 trucks were equipped with trolley assist systems — allowing them to draw power from overhead electric lines like a tram.�
The trucks drove along a 700-meter electrified lane.�

The test showed very promising results — so promising that they expanded the project.

Today, Aitik has:

3 kilometers of electrified haul roads, and�
14 electric trucks fitted with pantographs that connect to the power lines.�

✅ Why does this matter?

It significantly cuts diesel fuel use and CO₂ emissions.�
It also reduces noise and improves air quality — both for workers and the surrounding environment.�

This project shows that even in a cold Arctic setting, large-scale electrification is possible and practical — offering a model that other open-pit mines in Nordic regions can learn from.”

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CASE STUDY 3:

Engebø Rutile & Garnet Project (Norway)

Location: Just south of Gällivare in northern Sweden�

Main Products: Copper, gold, and silver�

Size & Workforce:�

Operates 24/7 with some of the largest mining machines in the world
Rock dumpers: 570 tonnes when loaded, wheels 4 meters tall
Excavators: Buckets hold 45 m³ of rock
~900 employees, strong gender balance in machine operation

https://www.mining-technology.com/news/boliden-investment-aitik-tailings/

“Let’s now shift our focus to Norway — specifically the Engebø Project, which is one of Europe’s most modern mineral developments.

Unlike the Aitik or Diavik mines, Engebø is still under development, but it’s already seen as a greenfield project with strong sustainability ambitions.

It’s located on the west coast of Norway and will produce two high-demand minerals:

Rutile, which is used in pigments and titanium production,�
and Garnet, a mineral used as a natural abrasive in waterjet cutting and sandblasting.�

What makes this project especially interesting for us is how it plans to integrate sustainability from day one — not as an afterthought.

Nordic Mining, the company behind it, has committed to:

using hydropower from Norway’s 100% renewable energy grid,�
minimizing waste by using dual mineral extraction (extracting both rutile and garnet from the same ore),�
and aiming for low-impact mining and processing technologies to reduce water use and energy consumption.�

The Engebø project represents a new generation of mining in the Nordic region — one that prioritizes climate, biodiversity, and resource efficiency alongside economic value.

This raises a new reflection for our group:� ❓What does it take to build a green mine from the ground up — and how do we make sure older mines are held to similar environmental standards?”

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CASE STUDY 3:

Engebø Rutile & Garnet Project (Norway)

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Case 4: The future of mining:

Snow Lake Lithium Mine - Canada´s First All-Electric Mine?

Location:

Northern Manitoba, Canada
Remote and cold-climate region near the Canadian Shield
Access mainly by winter roads or small aircraft

Purpose:

To produce lithium, a key metal for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage
Supports global green energy transition

Vision: 100% Electric Mining

Snow Lake Lithium plans to build North America’s first fully electric lithium mine
Goal: Zero diesel, zero direct emissions
All machines – drills, trucks, crushers – will run on hydropower-based electricity

[Slide Introduction]� “This final case brings us to Snow Lake in Manitoba, Canada — a cold and remote location that could soon host North America’s very first all-electric lithium mine.”

[Location & Challenges]� “Snow Lake is located in northern Manitoba, a very isolated region near the Canadian Shield. It’s mainly accessible by winter roads or small aircraft — so transportation and logistics are major challenges.”� “But that hasn’t stopped this project from aiming high.”

[Purpose & Global Importance]� “The purpose of the Snow Lake Lithium Mine is to produce lithium — one of the most important minerals for the green transition. It’s essential for electric vehicle batteries and for storing renewable energy like wind or solar.”

[Vision – 100% Electric Mining]� “What’s most exciting about this case is the mine’s vision: 100% electric mining.� That means no diesel at all — zero direct emissions.”

“Everything on-site — drills, trucks, crushers — will run on hydropower-based electricity. That makes this mine a pioneer in fully electric, low-carbon operations.”

[Reflection Point]� “This raises some important questions for us to consider:� ✅ Is full electrification possible in other remote mines — like those in Greenland, Iceland, or the Faroe Islands?� ✅ What infrastructure is needed to make it work?� ✅ And what lessons can we take from this model and apply locally?”

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Myth: The Green Shift in Mining is Too Expensive

Green tech seems costly at first – but long-term savings are real�
Reduced fuel use, maintenance, and carbon taxes = economic benefits�
New laws and markets demand low-emission operations�
Proven success in Aitik (SE) & Diavik (CA) even in Arctic conditions�
Climate-proofing: Green mines are more stable in a changing world�
Not going green may cost more in the long run

Many mining companies and contractors hesitate to invest in green technology because of the initial cost. That’s understandable — battery-electric machines, wind turbines, or carbon capture systems do require upfront capital.

But what we need to consider is the long-term picture. Mines that electrify their equipment or switch to renewable energy often see a reduction in diesel costs, fewer maintenance issues, and lower exposure to carbon taxes.

At the same time, the regulatory pressure is growing. Governments, investors, and even customers are starting to demand that mining operations prove they are reducing emissions and environmental impact.

And we already have examples:

In Sweden, the Aitik mine has trolley-assist electric trucks. In Canada, the Diavik mine uses wind and solar in harsh Arctic conditions. These show that green mining works — even in extreme environments.

Finally, there’s the issue of climate resilience. Melting permafrost, ice road disruptions, and rising energy costs are already impacting operations. Green solutions may be the best way to futureproof mining businesses.”

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Summary - what can we do?

Use Renewable Energy: Shift from diesel generators to wind, hydro, or solar to power remote mining operations.

Improve Energy Efficiency: Upgrade machines, optimize ventilation and reduce fuel use through smarter planning.

Reduce Emissions: Lower CO₂ and particulate pollution from blasting, transport, and processing.

Rehabilitate Land:Restore mined areas to natural state or prepare for new land use (e.g., reindeer herding, tourism).

Target Remote Challenges: Design solutions for cold climates, limited infrastructure, and long supply chains.

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

Nordic and Arctic mining.� It starts with replacing fossil fuels like diesel with renewable energy sources, such as wind, hydro, or solar power — a key step for remote mining operations where fuel transport is expensive and emissions are high.

Improving energy efficiency is another important measure, involving newer, cleaner machinery and better planning to reduce energy waste during mining, processing, and transport.

Reducing emissions also includes limiting CO₂, dust, and other pollutants from activities like blasting, haulage, and heating.

Land rehabilitation ensures that mined areas are responsibly restored, either back to nature or adapted for future sustainable use.

Finally, these efforts are especially important in remote and sensitive environments, where harsh climates and logistical challenges demand innovative and climate-smart solutions.

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NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

Komatsu: Shaping the future of mining | technology, sustainability and innovation

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GLOSSARY

Battery-Electric Machines (BEMs): Mining machines powered entirely by batteries, producing no exhaust emissions. Common examples include electric trucks, loaders, and excavators.�

Trolley-Assist Trucks: Diesel-electric trucks that connect to overhead electric wires (trolley lines) to reduce diesel use and CO₂ emissions—especially useful for uphill hauls.�

Wind–Diesel Hybrid Microgrid: A power system combining wind turbines and diesel generators to supply electricity to remote mining sites. Reduces diesel dependency while maintaining reliability.

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

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GLOSSARY

Carbon-Neutral Mining: Mining operations that offset or eliminate their greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon capture.�

BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage): A technology that generates energy from biomass and captures the CO₂ produced, storing it underground.�

Renewable Energy: Energy sources that are naturally replenished, such as wind, solar, and hydro. Used in mining to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.�

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities, often measured in CO₂-equivalents. A key metric in evaluating sustainability.

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

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GLOSSARY

Green Technology in Mining: Tools and systems that lower environmental impact, such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and carbon capture.�

Hydropower-Based Electricity: Electricity generated by moving water (e.g., rivers, dams). Often used in regions like Canada and Norway to power electric mines.�

Diesel Use in Mining: Common source of energy in remote mines, but also a major emitter of CO₂. Being replaced by electric alternatives in green transition efforts.�

CO₂ Emissions: Carbon dioxide released during combustion of fossil fuels. A significant contributor to climate change from mining activities.�

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

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GLOSSARY

Mining Sector Decarbonization: The process of reducing CO₂ emissions across mining operations, involving electrification, renewable energy, and efficiency upgrades.�

Microgrid: A localized group of electricity sources (like wind or solar) that can operate independently of the main grid. Useful in isolated mining areas.�

Rehabilitation: Restoring mined land to its natural state or repurposing it for other uses (e.g., nature, tourism, or reindeer herding).�

Green Shift: A transition towards sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact—central to the modernization of mining industries.

NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

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NORDIC GREEN SHIFT IN EDUCATION

Snow Lake Lithium Mine� Snow Lake Resources Ltd. (2023). Towards North America's First Fully Electric Lithium Mine.� Retrieved from: https://snowlakelithium.com

Diavik Diamond Mine� Rio Tinto (2023). Diavik Diamond Mine and its Renewable Energy Initiatives.� Retrieved from: https://www.riotinto.com/en/operations/canada/diavik

Aitik Copper Mine (Sweden)� Boliden Group. (2023). Aitik – One of the World’s Most Efficient Copper Mines.� Retrieved from: https://www.boliden.com/operations/mines/sweden/aitik

Engebø Rutile & Garnet Project (Norway)� Nordic Mining ASA. (2023). Engebø Rutile and Garnet Project Overview.� Retrieved from: https://www.nordicmining.com

Zero-Emission Mining Technologies (Video)� Engineering with Rosie (2022). Zero-emission Mining Technologies are Here!� YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xfRuIspCpc

Net Zero Mining – For Beginners (Video)� Just Have a Think (2022). What is Net Zero Mining?� YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E8VFzrdz7c

�

REFERENCES

Battery-Electric Mining Trucks and Equipment

Epiroc. (2023). TH665B – Battery Electric Underground Truck. https://www.epiroc.com�
Hitachi Construction Machinery. (2023). EH5000AC-3 Electric Truck. https://www.hitachicm.com�
Volvo Construction Equipment. (2023). EC230 Electric Excavator. https://www.volvoce.com�

BECCS – Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage� Global CCS Institute. (2023). What is BECCS?� Retrieved from: https://www.globalccsinstitute.com�

World Bank Report on Mineral Demand� World Bank (2020). Minerals for Climate Action: The Mineral Intensity of the Clean Energy Transition.� Retrieved from: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2020/05/11/minerals-for-climate-action�

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