Transitioning the mining sector: A review of renewable energy integration and carbon footprint reduction strategies

Michael Enemuo and Olumide Ogunmodimu

Applied Energy, 2025, vol. 384, issue C, No S0306261925002144

Abstract: This review evaluates the critical role of renewable energy (RE) integration and carbon footprint reduction strategies in transitioning the mining sector toward sustainability. The paper first explores current energy practices and available RE sources in mining, highlighting the industry's significant contribution to global carbon dioxide emissions. Subsequently, it analyzes the potential of RE interventions, focusing on doubling renewable capacity and achieving over 50 % RE mix by 2050. Furthermore, the review investigates the impact of energy efficiency improvements, the importance of energy auditing, and the feasibility of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies in the mining context. Additionally, the paper compares business-as-usual and aggressive (accelerated) RE integration scenarios, demonstrating the transformative potential of RE adoption. Finally, the review concludes by offering actionable recommendations for industry stakeholders and policymakers and identifying critical areas for future research. In general, this study provides a holistic view of the obstacles and possibilities in decarbonizing the activities in the mining sector, emphasizing the crucial balance between environmental sustainability and economic viability in this energy-intensive industry.

Keywords: Renewable energy (RE); Critical minerals (CM); Energy auditing; Circular economy; Hybrid energy systems; Decarbonization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.125484

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