27-02-2025
How Fuel Additives Can Support The Transition To Net Zero Mining
This Article was taken from the Energy and Mines Magazine issue 57, you can find the full magazine here - https://online.flippingbook.com/view/638634782/
Decarbonizing the mining sector is a capital intensive process, with new infrastructure and equipment required at every turn. Gérald Baiwir, Head of Environment & Industrial Development at Aderco explains to Energy and Mines how fuel additives can bring immediate and low-cost emissions gains while supporting the transition to alternative fuels.
ENERGY AND MINES: How can alternative fuels and additives support mine decarbonization?
GÉRALD BAIWIR: Fuel additives and optimization solutions can help reduce mining emissions by improving fuel efficiency. For example, Aderco's additives improve combustion, reducing fuel consumption and lowering carbon emissions. Studies show fuel efficiency gains of around 5.1%, translating into significant CO2 reductions. Each liter of our 100 % vegetable-organic, ashless and metal-free V35 additive reduces emissions by 3.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (verified by SGS report).
Among other contributions, fuel additives improve equipment performance by reducing engine wear and tear, leading to lower maintenance needs and a longer machinery lifespan. This, in turn, indirectly reduces the carbon footprint from manufacturing and repairs.
Finally, Aderco's additives can help integrate alternative fuels, such as biofuels, by optimizing their performance and minimizing issues relating to inherent characteristics in mining equipment, supporting the shift to lower-carbon energy sources.
E&M: Why are biofuels a good alternative fuel for mining applications?
GB: Biofuels present a number of advantages for mining applications, compared to electrification, hydrogen or synthetic fuels. Because they work with existing diesel engines and fueling systems , biofuels can avoid the costly infrastructure changes needed for electric vehicles (eg, charging stations and battery systems). On top of being compatible with existing infrastructure, they also provide a high energy output and long operational ranges, which makes them ideal for heavy-duty mining equipment – ââunlike electric vehicles that may require frequent recharging or large batteries
If, instead of electrification, miners are thinking about transitioning to hydrogen, they will also need expensive and complex storage and refueling infrastructure. In contrast, biofuels use existing fuel systems and require no new infrastructure, as well as being a proven, reliable technology. In contrast, hydrogen fuel cells are still in the early stages, especially in mining.
Biofuels even offer benefits compared to synthetic fuels: they are more cost-effective and easier to produce at scale, while synthetic fuels are more expensive and complex.
Overall, biofuels offer a practical, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative for the mining sector, requiring minimal infrastructure changes, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting energy security without the complexity of other alternatives like electricity or hydrogen.
E&M: How can fuel additives be used with biofuels for mining applications?
GB: Aderco additives can be used with biofuels in mining applications to enhance fuel performance and protect equipment from common biofuel issues. For example, our additives help to stabilize biofuels, preventing oxidation, which can lead to harmful deposits and engine damage. This is crucial in mining, where equipment is exposed to extreme conditions.
By preventing oxidation , the product also stabilizes the acidity levels of biofuels, reducing corrosion and protecting metal components in engines and fuel systems. Aderco additives also help separate water from biofuel , preventing water-related issues like the biofuel degradation.
Finally, they inhibit bacterial contamination, preventing bacteria causing sludge buildup and clogging fuel lines , ensuring cleaner, more efficient fuel use. In short, Aderco i improves fuel quality and efficiency, reduces maintenance, and extends equipment life in mining operations using biofuels.
E&M: What are the benefits of using a plant organic surfactant technology?
GB: With a vegetable-organic surfactant technology like Aderco, businesses can enjoy enhanced performance while prioritizing environmental responsibility and cost efficiency . These surfactants are made from natural, renewable resources, so they break down easily in the environment, reducing long-term pollution. They are also free from toxic chemicals, heavy metals, or petroleum-based additives, making them safer for ecosystems.
These benefits make vegetable-organic surfactant technology an appealing option for industries that rely heavily on fuel-driven operations, such as shipping, transportation, and power generation.
Also, the eco-friendliness of the technology means that a plant-organic surfactant is eligible to generate voluntary carbon credits. A pilot project using the Verra “Methodology for Improved Efficiency of Fleet Vehicle and Combustion Engines” is currently going through validation and implementation. The project focuses on reducing CO2 emissions in mining vehicles and mobile machinery through fuel additives and monitoring protocols, with the goal of generating voluntary carbon credits.
