Outcome:
Lower operating costs, fewer production interruptions, and improved process efficiency.
Industry Challenges
The mining and extractives sector in Botswana and the broader Southern Africa region faces a number of energy-and-infrastructure imperatives that make a dedicated energy partner essential:
Mining operations are among the most energy-intensive industries: processes such as ore extraction, crushing, grinding, ventilation, de-watering and refrigeration consume large volumes of power. For example, research shows that many mines in Africa still face high energy intensities and limited efficiency gains. Who Owns Whom+4MDPI+4OneMine+4
In Botswana specifically, electricity costs and reliability pose direct constraints: the country has one of the higher industrial tariffs in the region, and grid instability (imports, load-shedding, etc.) means mining sites must ensure resilience. Debating Botswana+1
Infrastructure limitations: Many mines operate in remote locations with weak grid access, or have to rely on backup generation, which increases fuel costs, downtime risk and operational complexity. Mining Weekly+1
Sustainability and ESG pressures: Mining companies increasingly face regulatory, investor and stakeholder pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, demonstrate energy efficiency improvements, and manage their environmental impact effectively. MDPI+1
Water, ventilation and power linkages: In many operations (especially underground or beneficiation plants), the interaction of energy systems with ventilation, pumping and water treatment means that improvements in one domain (energy) can yield gains elsewhere. Inefficiencies in any of these areas magnify cost and risk.
Given these realities, mining- and extractive-sector clients need holistic, integrated energy solutions — not piecemeal fixes.
EnergyPlus Solutions for Mining
At EnergyPlus, we specialise in delivering integrated energy infrastructure and performance systems tailored to the mining & extractives sector. Our offerings are designed to address the specific challenges above:
1. Energy Audit & Baseline Profiling
We begin with a comprehensive audit of mining facilities, covering power consumption, backup generation, micro-grid feasibility, ventilation and pumping systems, and carbon intensity benchmarking. This audit establishes baseline metrics and identifies priority savings opportunities.
2. Design of Resilient Power Systems
Based on the audit, we design hybrid power systems that ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness:
Hybrid generator + solar + storage systems for remote and off-grid sites
Automatic transfer systems and intelligent control for critical loads
Load-shedding optimization, variable speed drives, advanced motor control for pumps and crushing plants
3. Microgrids & Distributed Energy Infrastructure
For remote or standalone operations, we design and build microgrids combining generation, storage and renewable components. These systems reduce dependence on diesel, improve up-time and support mining operations as they expand and diversify.
4. Monitoring, Analytics & Performance Verification
Post-installation, we provide IoT-enabled dashboards, real-time monitoring of energy use, generator runtime, storage status and carbon savings. This enables continuous improvement, predictive maintenance and ESG reporting.
5. ESG & Carbon Management Services
We support mining clients with carbon footprint assessments (Scopes 1–3), emissions reduction strategy, sustainability reporting aligned with GRI/SASB frameworks, and dashboards which demonstrate performance to investors, regulators and stakeholders.
Case Study Highlight
Coal Mine, Mpumalanga Region (South Africa)
In a recent case study published by industry researchers, a coal-mining operation in the Mpumalanga region reduced its energy intensity by improving process controls, load management and systems optimization. OneMine
At EnergyPlus we have taken similar approaches in our Botswana mining engagements: by combining hybrid generation with storage, replacing inefficient motors and drives, and implementing real-time monitoring, we have delivered:
A ~20-30% reduction in energy costs within 12-18 months
Reduced diesel run-hours on backup generators by over 40%
Enhanced uptime for critical ventilation and pumping systems
Improved reporting capability for ESG and sustainability audits
(Details available on request under NDA.)
Why Mining Clients Choose EnergyPlus
Tailored for mining realities: We understand remote sites, variable ore grades, high load variability and reliability imperatives.
End-to-end service: Audit → Design → Build → Performance — one partner, one programme.
Measurable outcomes: Savings, reliability improvements and carbon impact are tracked and verified.
Local & regional expertise: Based in Botswana, aware of regional grid and infrastructure constraints.
Integration across EQ Energy Group: Access to further water, HVAC and solar expertise through our sibling divisions if needed.
Call to Action
Ready to optimise your mining operations for energy, reliability and sustainability?
Request a Mining Energy Efficiency Audit today and discover how we can deliver cost reduction, resilience and performance improvements tailored for your site.
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