Case Study 4 — Mining/Remote Operations
Turning Renewable Energy into Continuous Mine Operations
The Challenge
Mining companies are investing heavily in renewable generation. The challenge is no longer generating electricity — it is storing enough of it to operate continuously.
The Numbers
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Diesel typically accounts for 15– 40% of total operating costs at open-pit mines, rising to 25– 30%+ at remote sites.
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Fuel delivery to remote mine sites can cost 2–5 times more than standard industrial supply due to distance and logistics.
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Mining consumed 35% of Australia's total diesel supply in 2023–24, illustrating the sector's scale of fuel dependence.
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Remote operations can see costs rise by $15–20 per tonne processed during periods of oil price volatility.
Why Existing Solutions Fall Short
Batteries alone cannot deliver the multi-day, multi-week duration remote operations need.
Diesel remains the default backstop despite its cost and logistics burden.
Grid connection is often not physically available at remote sites.
iQ-LOOP's Solution
iQ-LOOP allows surplus renewable electricity to regenerate aluminium locally, creating a reusable local energy inventory that can power continuous mine operations independent of diesel deliveries.
Example Reference Project
On-site REGEN and CREATE installation supplementing a remote mine's renewable microgrid to displace diesel generation.
Modelled Impact
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Increased renewable utilisation
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Reduced diesel dependence
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Long-duration energy storage
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Local regeneration, reducing fuel logistics
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Fixed long-term energy costs
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Improved operational resilience
Why Now?
Remote mines are already committing to renewable generation; the missing piece is storage that can carry that power through the gaps diesel currently fills.
Vision for the Future
Capture Renewable Energy.
Regenerate On Site.
Power the Mine Around the Clock.