Glacies Technologies’ Underground Heating Project

The mining industry, while vital to the global economy, faces significant challenges in terms of sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among the many environmental issues underground operations encounter, air heating and ventilation are strategic priorities. Recognizing this, Glacies Technologies has developed a revolutionary solution leveraging energy stored in water to reduce GHG emissions and operational costs while enhancing air quality.

This article delves into a collaborative project initiated in partnership with Groupe MISA, which aims to assess the technical and economic feasibility of this groundbreaking technology in the mining sector.

Ventilation and Heating: A Critical Issue in Underground Mines

In underground mines, operations and the use of motorized equipment generate dust and pollutants. Ventilation systems are crucial for maintaining air quality that complies with safety standards, ensuring fresh air for workers.

However, during winter, the air introduced into the mine must be heated to prevent the ventilation shaft from freezing and other issues that could halt mining operations. Currently, this process largely relies on direct combustion heating methods (propane and natural gas) or indirect methods (diesel).

Limitations of Traditional Solutions

1. High Environmental Impact: According to a MIRARCO study, air heating accounts for 20% to 30% of the total CO2 emissions of an underground mine.
2. Volatile Operational Costs: Fossil fuel price fluctuations increase budget unpredictability.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Transitioning to eco-friendly practices is essential to meet carbon neutrality goals and environmental legislation requirements.

An Innovative Solution by Glacies Technologies

Glacies Technologies is developing a unique technology that harnesses the phase-change energy of water stored in mining site settling ponds to preheat air for underground operations.

Key Advantages of the Technology

1. Clean Energy Use: By utilizing an existing resource—settling ponds—this approach eliminates the need for fossil fuels.
2. GHG Reduction: Replacing traditional heating methods significantly lowers the carbon footprint of mining operations.
3. Efficient Integration: Glacies’ heating towers seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure and offer predictive management through advanced digital tools.

A Collaborative Project to Transform the Industry

In partnership with Groupe MISA, Glacies Technologies has launched a techno-economic study to determine the parameters for implementing this technology in mines.

Main Objectives of the Project

• Technical Feasibility Assessment: Identify the requirements for integrating heating towers into mining operations.
• Environmental Impact Measurement: Estimate GHG reductions and the sustainability of the solution.
• Economic Benefit Analysis: Quantify savings from reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

This study will establish optimal deployment scenarios for this technology, fostering its adoption across the industry.

Significant Environmental and Economic Impact

Energy consumption for heating and ventilation is a substantial portion of mining operational costs. By optimizing these processes, Glacies Technologies’ solution offers benefits on multiple levels:

Environmental Benefits

• Reduced CO2 emissions by eliminating combustion-based systems.
• Efficient use of water resources by repurposing settling ponds as an energy source.

Economic Benefits

• Lower operational costs due to decreased reliance on volatile fuel sources.
• Enhanced return on investment through energy savings and predictive equipment management.

Operational Improvements

• Real-Time Monitoring: Data on heating tower performance and air quality will be accessible via an interactive, secure digital interface.
• Increased Reliability: Predictive maintenance minimizes failures and ensures continuity of operations.

Toward Large-Scale Adoption

As the mining industry strives to reduce its ecological footprint, solutions like Glacies Technologies’ innovation are essential for meeting stakeholder expectations.

The results of this study could pave the way for wider adoption of this technology, positioning Glacies as a leader in energy innovation for the mining sector.

A Model for the Future

This project underscores the importance of collaboration among technology experts, research institutions, and mining companies to overcome sustainability challenges.

Glacies Technologies’ initiative demonstrates how innovation can transform traditional practices into sustainable, efficient solutions. By addressing one of the main sources of GHG emissions in underground mines, this technology presents a unique opportunity to reduce environmental impact while increasing profitability.

Through this initiative, the mining industry could become a model for integrating clean technologies, contributing to global GHG reduction goals. The future of underground heating begins here, with solutions that respect both the environment and the operational demands of mines.