Energy Thought Leaders Series: Transitioning to Renewable Energy in Mining Operations

In recent years, mining companies have set targets to reduce omissions and head towards becoming carbon neutral driven in part by the 2015 Paris Agreement. The transition from traditional mining to the use of renewable energy sources is critical in driving this transition. Hear from our industry experts from mining and energy on how the sector is being supported to achieve renewable energy sources. Speakers will share case studies including Rio Tinto and TransAlta on how traditional mining practices are transitioning to renewable energy through technology, innovation and developing a more sustainable future and carbon-neutrality.

KEY THEMES

• The importance of transitioning to renewable energy
• Carbon neutrality in the mining sector
• How third parties can assist mining companies in their transition to renewable energy

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM 

AEDT

1.00pm – 1.05pm Welcome Address

1.05pm - 2.05pm Presentations and Discussion

2.05pm - 2.30pm Online Audience Q & A

Speakers: 

Kieran Birch

Senior Advisor, Studies & Technology | Rio Tinto

Kieran is a Senior Study Lead in the Studies and Technology team with Rio Tinto Iron Ore. His primary focus is on Emissions Reduction projects and the pathway to achieve both 2030 Rio Tinto emissions reduction targets and Net Zero emissions by 2050. He has been with Rio Tinto for over 13+ years, largely working in Environment Operations moving into Studies 4 years ago to study Renewable Energy. Early in 2020, Rio Tinto Iron Ore approved our first stage of emissions reduction studies with a 34.4MW Solar PV and 12MWh Battery project funded for the Pilbara.

Kelvin Koay

Managing Director | TransAlta Energy Australia

Kelvin has over 20 years of experience in the electricity industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary. Throughout his career, he has held positions in engineering, trading and marketing, business development, commercial management and operations. He has led strategic projects and initiatives to drive key business changes in response to decarbonization and market reforms in various jurisdictions.

Kelvin currently holds the position of Managing Director for TransAlta Energy Australia. As the head of the business in country, his has accountability for all aspects of operations and executing TransAlta’s growth strategy in Australia. TransAlta has been doing business in WA since the mid 1990’s, serving customers with secure, reliable power and helping them achieve their business objectives with creative and low cost energy solutions.　

MC:

Dr Gary Bryant

General Manager Asset Strategy, Alinta Energy

Dr Gary Bryant has been employed by Alinta Energy for over 15 years and is currently the General Manager Asset Strategy, where he is responsible for portfolio strategy and planning and securing project approvals to FID.

Gary is an Engineer with over 20 years’ experience in power generation research and development, operations and maintenance and utility scale project development and delivery.

In his current role Gary has led his team to successfully complete a number of significant energy projects including the 60MW Chichester Solar Gas Hybrid Project, 210MW Yandin Wind Farm, Port Hedland Repowering Project, Newman 35MW Battery Energy Storage System Project, the Newman to Roy Hill Transmission Line and the 60MW Newman Expansion.　

Gary’s formal qualifications include BSc (Hons), Executive MBA, Dip Law and a PhD (Chemical Engineering).

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Civil Engineers, Mining Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Project professionals in mining and energy sectors, Sustainable Engineering, Electrical Engineers

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