Glencore's Raglan Mine recognized for environmental excellence

Congratulations Glencore and the Raglan Mine team for being honored with the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Environmental Excellence Award at the CIM Awards gala in Vancouver on May 2, 2016.

Through the TSM Awards, the Mining Association of Canada recognizes innovative projects and initiatives that expand and promote sustainable development within the mining sector. The Raglan Mine was chosen for its renewable electricity smart-grid pilot demonstration that in its inaugural year has saved 2.1 million liters of diesel and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 5.85 kT.

Hatch was a key player in finding the right energy mix for Glencore’s Raglan Mine, alongside Tugliq Energy Co., owner of the 120-metre-high utility-scale turbine which now operates in up to -40C temperatures. The first-of-its-kind project uses Hatch’s proprietary Microgrid Controller technology to monitor demand for wind power and smooth out wind power variations to displace diesel generation.

The energy overhaul and wind integration at Raglan was in direct response to improving sustainability, reducing emissions, and cutting costs, a challenge given that many northern mines are forced to rely on diesel. The Hatch Microgrid Controller was just the solution—harnessing the Canadian Arctic’s natural wind resources in a safe, controlled, and manageable way to bring stable renewable power to the northern Québec site. 

Glencore estimates that it will save more than C$40 million in fuel-related costs over the projected 20-year life of the wind turbine. This successful pilot project could have transformative impacts across northern Canada, helping pave the way for the more widespread adoption of greener energy alternatives.  It is a fully-developed and tested wind power and storage system that could be replicated in Aboriginal communities and other northern mining operations in the future.