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> we don't know how to mine for metals without using fossil fuels. What magical property of fossil fuels is needed to mine? Large mining corporations seem to
by ZeroGravitas 4y ago
> we don't know how to mine for metals without using fossil fuels.
What magical property of fossil fuels is needed to mine?
Large mining corporations seem to be on the leading edge of decarbonisation.
After all, who wants to ship fuel miles out into the desert and then burn it in an enclosed underground space when you can use solar panels and electric motors?
If you're extra clever, you can actually generate electricity as you bring the heavy ore down to sea level.
- ciconia 4y ago> What magical property of fossil fuels is needed to mine? Energy density. You need large amounts of energy throughout the mining and refining process. Digging, grinding, washing, refining, transporting - all done with petrol and gas. The energy density of solar & wind is just not there. > Large mining corporations seem to be on the leading edge of decarbonisation. Source? > After all, who wants to ship fuel miles out into the desert and then burn it in an enclosed underground space when you can use solar panels and electric motors? 1. Most mining operations today are open mines. 2. Petrol is burned in ICE digging and grinding machines. 3. If you want to mine in the desert you also need large amounts of water in order to wash the ores. Just look at what's happening in Chile [1]. [1] https://www.npr.org/2022/09/24/1123564599/chile-lithium-mining-atacama-desert https://www.npr.org/2022/09/24/1123564599/chile-lithium-mini...
- ZeroGravitas 4y agohttps://www.riotinto.com/news/stories/pilbara-renewables https://www.riotinto.com/news/stories/pilbara-renewables